Year
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a storm rolls in across the African savannah

Measuring Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change in Zambia Using Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning

In this project, we conduct a case study of Zambia to demonstrate a recently developed machine learning pipeline. We use the “Multi-task Observations using Satellite Imagery & Kitchen Sinks” (MOSAIKS) machine learning approach. In this approach, we use processed numerical data from satellite images and agricultural survey data to develop machine learning models that predict various agricultural variables over time.

Group Members: Andrew Bartnik, Carl (Carlo) Broderick, Gabrielle Smith, Hailey Veirs

Clients: UCSB Bren School

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black bear

Black Bear Aware: Predicting Human-Black Bear Conflict Likelihood in a Changing Climate

This project modeled human-black bear conflicts in California, incorporating fire and drought impacts to predict future hotspots. Findings help wildlife managers allocate resources and implement proactive strategies to reduce conflicts, especially in vulnerable communities.

Group Members: Mia Guarnieri, Claire Meuter, Samantha (Sam) Rozal, Chase Tarr

Faculty Advisors: Sarah Anderson

Clients: California Department of Fish & Wildlife

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four lightbulbs

Carbon Free Housing and Dining: A UCSB Electrification Study

MESM 2023 Group Project

Group Members: Drew Andersen, Logan Babcock, Daija Odom, Marco Palombo, Emily Pelstring

Faculty Advisors: Kyle Meng

Clients: UCSB Sustainability , UCSB Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises

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solar panels on house roof

Constructing a Model to Identify Markets for Rooftop Solar on Multifamily Housing

MESM 2023 Group Project

Group Members: Cameron (Cam) Audras, Grace Bianchi, Virginia Pan, Naomi Raal, Julia Bickford

Faculty Advisors: Eric Masanet

Clients: Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Capital

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waves crashing on the coastline with two surfers on the wave.

Integrating Ecosystem Services into a Prioritization Model for Surf Protected Areas

MESM 2023 Group Project

Group Members: Kort Alexander, Sachiko Lamen, Kiera Matiska, Conner Smith, Kirsten White

Faculty Advisors: Ben Halpern

Clients: Surf Conservation Partnership

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California landscape of rolling hills with green vegetation and blue skies

Collaborative Conservation Planning for the Gaviota Region

MESM 2023 Group Project

Group Members: Pol Carbó Mestre, Lauren Harris, Alexandra Martin, Alissa Patterson, Alessandra Puig-Santana, Katherine (Kat) Rosencrance

Faculty Advisors: Kelly Caylor

Clients: The Nature Conservancy, Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve

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Woman and man hiking through valley, with snowcapped mountains.

A Business Model Centering Environmentally, Economically, and Socially Responsible Adventure Tourism

Travelleco connects travelers with eco-friendly, locally-owned tourism providers to reduce environmental damage and economic inequality in tourism. The platform promotes transparency with sustainability scores, tracking both environmental impacts and local economic benefits.

Group Members: Anne (Annie) Combs, Deanna Elliott, Katherine Orellana

Faculty Advisors: Emily Cotter, Mark Buntaine, Robert Heilmayr

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Closeup of the blowing blue whale on the water surface.

Blue Whales Blue Skies Certification Strategy

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.

Group Members: Sachiko Lamen, Anusha Sridhara, Devon Rossi, Julia Bickford

Faculty Advisors: Lisa Leombruni

Clients: NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Plastic bag that says thank you

Environmental and Financial Analysis: Single-Use Plastic versus Reusable Recycling Bags

Analyzing environmental and financial factors to develop a calculator and marketing tool to help a commercial recycling company make decisions about transport packaging.

Group Members: Karla Bonilla Cordero, Kat Cotti, Larissa Neilson, Morganne Sigismonti

Faculty Advisors: Matt Potoski

Clients: WSP Sustainability, Energy & Climate Change Division

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Mouth of Pacific Lamprey

Identification and Conservation of Larval Pacific Lamprey Habitat in the Columbia River Estuary

Identifying larval Pacific lamprey habitat locations to aid ongoing restoration efforts, and providing policy recommendations to the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

Group Members: Ethan Hoffman, Lory Salazar-Velasquez

Faculty Advisors: Scott Jasechko

Clients: Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - CRITFC

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Baseball field and stadium

Play Sustainaball: An Environmental Footprint for an MLB Team Season

Quantifying the environmental impacts of a stadium and clubhouse operations to better understand and mitigate these impacts.

Group Members: Gabrielle Barsotti, Hannah Brady, Jordan Davis, Carly Norris, Eric Shaphran

Faculty Advisors: Eric Masanet

Clients: Goldring Family Foundation, Players for the Planet

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Aerial view of solar panels floating in pond

Exploring the Feasibility of Floating Solar on Lauro Reservoir

Developing a framework for a floating photovoltaic system identifying potential opportunities, difficulties, and concerns for various stakeholders, including financial, regulatory, and technical components necessary to gain permitting approvals.

Group Members: Trent Buchanan, Andrea Gracia Duran, Colin Schimmelfing, Carlos Simms

Faculty Advisors: Roland Geyer

Clients: City of Santa Barbara

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Offshore mussel farm and boat

Assessing the Value of Environmental Information for Shellfish Aquaculture Farmers in British Columbia

Identifying locations for new shellfish aquaculture development along British Columbia’s coastline and a geospatial visualization tool for First Nations rights and title holders.

Group Members: Emiliano Espinoza, Halley McVeigh, Caitie Reza

Faculty Advisors: Christopher Costello

Clients: ScootScience

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Hand holding a glass orb

Identifying the Impact Potential of Early-Stage Circular Investment Opportunities

Developing a standardized framework to measure the circularity of potential investment opportunities which can be used to provide an impact assessment of a venture capital firm's investments.

Group Members: Alex Gaynor, Amber McEldowney, Joaquin Meckler-Pacheco, Aya Rosenfeld, Dani Sclafani

Clients: Regeneration.VC

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Skier on snowy mountainside

Identification and Communication of Climate Change Impacts on Rock Climbing and Trail Sports

Identifying the scientific and economic impacts of climate change on the rock climbing and trail sports communities to produce strategic communication materials for non-profit ambassadors.

Group Members: Sam Fearer, Karla Garibay Garcia, Will Geiken, Sage Kime, Matt Koller

Faculty Advisors: James Frew

Clients: Protect Our Winters

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Oak trees with rolling hills behind

Discoveries At Dangermond

The Dangermond Preserve  has over three years of research to share with the public since they acquired the land, and this  ESRI ArcGIS StoryMap, helps to articulate new discoveries, to grow awareness, and to promote engagement and economic support from the local community.

Group Members: Kristin Gill, Kirsten Hodgson, Roshni Katrak-Adefowora, Morganne Sigismonti

Faculty Advisors: Scott Jasechko

Clients: The Nature Conservancy, Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve

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Aerial view of wildfire and smoke

Equity & Wildfire Resilience: Recommendations for Inclusive Wildfire Management in Ventura County

Identifying socially vulnerable communities at risk of wildfire and developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan that equitably addresses community needs.

Group Members: Brianna (Bri) Baker, Yvonne Dinh, Elena Ortiz, Alison Sells, Iris Foxfoot

Faculty Advisors: Sarah Anderson

Clients: Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council