The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) is redeveloping its web presence and needs support in framing existing ecological research into clear, engaging content for general audiences. This project partners with CHNMS to create online science communication materials, including written content, that will make the sanctuary's work accessible and meaningful to the public on the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary website and social media accounts.
The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2), a nonprofit focused on expanding solar energy access, is seeking to identify and reach new donors and strategic partners. The project will deliver an audience analysis and marketing plan to help SI2 diversify its funding and grow its supporter base beyond its current reliance on federal and philanthropic grants.
This capstone project works with Kearns & West to make its facilitation, mediation, and strategic communications work more visible to clients, partners, and broader public audiences. Through a fact sheet, a digital poster, and LinkedIn-ready storytelling content, it will show how collaborative process design can help agencies, communities, Tribes, and other stakeholders move towards more constructive conversations and practical action.
This project translates complex science about sediment movement in northern San Francisco Bay, with a focus on San Pablo and Suisun Bays, into an ArcGIS StoryMap. By presenting this science in a more accessible and engaging way, the project helps people understand how sediment supports wetlands, shoreline resilience, and restoration planning in a changing climate, while supporting broader application of the report’s findings in Bay management.
The Santa Barbara Seafood Literacy Project is a collaboration among seafood lovers, fishermen, chefs, and our local community to learn more about the different seafood species of the Santa Barbara Channel.
The Nature Conservancy at Dangermond Preserve is working to restore vital habitat in the Jalama Creek watershed for the Southern California steelhead trout. This ArcGIS StoryMap highlights the importance of the endangered steelhead across Southern California, what TNC is doing to help, and why we should all care
Coastal erosion and sea level rise are reshaping the UCSB and Isla Vista coastline, with visible impacts on beaches, dunes, and cliffs. This capstone develops a story for The Current that highlights coastal adaptation efforts and perspectives through interviews, visual storytelling, and local examples of restoration and shoreline management.
This project is a strategic communications toolkit that Heal the Bay and partner agencies will utilize in the aftermath of climate-driven emergencies that threaten coastal water quality. A comprehensive messaging framework across partner agencies and organizations will ensure consistent, accurate and equity-centered communication during recovery.
The Coal Oil Point Reserve hopes to study UCSB students to facilitate the growth of an inclusive and respectful culture between the university and the reserve. Fostering awareness and appreciation for ongoing conservation efforts, this multi-part campaign includes a communication survey, strategic messaging plan, and visual giveaways to encourage positive engagement with the reserve ecosystem.
Well, Well, Well: An Intro to Groundwater Recovery is an accessible and engaging educational booklet about groundwater. Drawing on Dr. Scott Jasechko's research, the booklet examines the three interventions for groundwater overdraft through the lens of seven US case studies.
Established in 1976, the Channel Islands Biosphere Region is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) site encompassing marine, coastal, and terrestrial environments across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. As the region formalizes its Steering Committee ahead of the 2027 UNESCO periodic review, this project delivers an adaptable internal communications strategy to support coordination, establish a shared biosphere region identity, and guide future outreach efforts.
This project centers around two multi-part blog posts that share the story and mission of the Garden’s Plant Nursery and California Native Plant Collection. These stories will raise awareness of some unique and important plant species protected by both programs, and highlight the impact of these programs on the local community and volunteers.
To bolster alumni engagement, Bren’s Marketing and Communications Department created a 3-episode podcast series featuring Bren alumni reflecting on their post-grad career path and insights. Episodes are interview format and feature 2nd year MESM student Elise Dauterive as the host.
This project develops engaging visuals and an updated infographic to showcase the decentralized contributions of the UC Santa Barbara Natural Reserve System as part of the broader UC Nature network. By combining data visualization with contextual insights, it highlights how the reserves support research, education, and community engagement beyond academia and across California.
"A Plot of Rising Ground" is a full-feature documentary exploring the rewilding movement across the United Kingdom, bringing together practitioners, academics, pioneers and NGO figures to trace its origins, chart its present momentum, and glimpse who will carry it forward. Currently in post-production, the film draws on interviews and location footage gathered in the summer of 2025, shaping a portrait of people and their projects, united by the belief that nature's recovery is possible.
The BWBS program is a successful incentive program that slows ships in the SB Channel to reduce pollution & whale strikes—but it must become more widely adopted to have the intended impact. This team presents a strategy to build a pathway to certification through a brand ambassador network.
The chaparral ecosystem is prone to fire, but traditional fuel breaks can lead to some unintended consequences. This team delivers educational materials, talking points, and an op-ed on land management for Los Padres Forest Watch to spread awareness of proper land management.
Making sustainable choices when it comes to everyday buying decisions can be challenging for people who are not working in the environmental field. This Instagram strategy fills the gap by providing easy, practical, and fun sustainability tips, emphasizing connection with communities of color.
Health centers are vulnerable to unreliable power supplies during natural disasters & blackouts. This team created educational flyers, infographics, and a video to help engage & encourage health center staff to transition to solar through Community Energy Company.
The Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) network uncovers unique findings only possible through its long term approach to science. However, many are not aware of its contributions. This team created a video series on the benefits of the LTER network & the scientific insights it can offer.
