UCSB Bren School

Annette Hilton, a PhD candidate at Bren, recently showcased her cutting-edge research at the AGU WaterSciCon in St. Paul, Minnesota. She presented her research on using temperature as a tracer to study rainfall-runoff events, conducted at the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve on the southern California coast. Annette’s research aims to make it easier and more affordable to monitor these vital environmental processes. Congratulations, Annette! 🌿🔬

This past year, Bren students attended conferences like the Environmental Markets Conference and Circularity 24! This coming year, thanks to Bren funding, students will have more chances to attend conferences. 

At the Environmental Markets Conference 2024, students explored topics such as mitigation banking, carbon markets, and emerging biodiversity markets. Dana Cohen-Kaplan, MESM ’25, shared, “We learned a lot, met amazing people, and I’m optimistic about the future of nature-based solutions. Insights gained will help with my project on biodiversity and carbon credits. Excited to stay connected and keep learning!”

At Circularity 2024 in Chicago, students delved into circular economies across industries, from sustainable event planning to circular product design. The conference provided valuable networking opportunities and real-world applications of classroom discussions.

Thank you to our special donors and sources who continue to support these enriching experiences! 

Join us for an exciting presentation by the SafterSeafood team tomorrow! Recent findings have spotlighted the issue of DDT in our waters, raising public concerns about seafood safety. In collaboration with and , the MEDS team has developed an interactive tool to help anglers make informed decisions about their catches.

Discover how their statistical model predicts DDT concentrations in fish, offering crucial serving size recommendations and advisories. Their innovative web application aims to enhance the accessibility of consumption advisories and empower our coastal communities. SaferSeafood recently had the chance to present their application at the Ocean Observing in California: Celebrate the Past, Showcase the Present, and Envision the Future, hosted by CalCOFI and SCCOOS, showcasing their tool to a diverse audience of anglers, marine conservation researchers, and other key stakeholders. They also had the opportunity to test their product with a group of anglers, gathering valuable feedback and insights on how their application can be used by their primary audience.

Don’t miss out on learning how science and technology are paving the way for safer, healthier seafood choices at Bren Hall 1414 from 1:00 - 4:30 PM, or tune in at 3:55-4:15PM for this specific presentation.

We are excited to announce an upcoming presentation on an incredible project dedicated to preserving the iconic Monarch butterflies, by Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) capstone team MilkweedMod! 🌿🦋 Monarch populations have been declining for decades due to threats like climate change, habitat degradation, and pesticides. A critical habitat for these butterflies is milkweed, with four species thriving throughout the Los Padres National Forest. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (SBBG) has been working to restore this vital breeding habitat and has just completed a year-long survey to map out its current distribution.

Given that the Los Padres National Forest spans a massive 1.75 million acres, SBBG needed an efficient way to plan and prioritize their future surveys. To help with this large-scale effort, the MEDS team developed an interactive web dashboard that helps identify the best sites for SBBG to visit, focusing on milkweed habitat suitability and physical survey site accessibility.

Join us for the presentation on May 31st, either in person or on Zoom, to learn more about this exciting project and more! MilkweedMod will be kicking off the MEDS Capstone Project Presentation event at 1:10PM!

We are proud to collaborate with Darn Tough, a leading Vermont-based sock manufacturer, to enhance their emissions calculation process! The MEDS Capstone team, carbonSOCKprint, is helping Darn Tough achieve a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aligning with REI’s sustainability goals.

Through the MEDS capstone project, carbonSOCKprint streamlined the company’s emissions calculations using R and developed an interactive dashboard for comprehensive analysis and sustainable decision-making. The team has been rigorously testing Darn Tough products in the mountains of Santa Barbara while delivering the advanced emissions dashboard.

Join us on May 31st from 1:00 to 4:30 PM at Bren Hall or on Zoom to celebrate the outstanding work of the carbonSOCKprint team and others! This team presents at 2:55 - 3:15pm.

Bren students, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, are on a mission to understand the journey of Central Coast residents embracing native plants in public and private landscapes. Join us in this mission and fill out the survey for a chance to win a free annual membership to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden! 🌱

Let’s grow together! The survey link is in our bio or below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6KXLJN6

We want to highlight another group project team, Salmon Stocks, for their accomplishments in tackling the complex challenge of optimizing habitat restoration for the threatened Oregon Coast (OC) coho salmon. The OC coho salmon is a federally listed threatened species under the Endangered Species Act that is critical for ecological nutrient cycling and Indigenous peoples. To ensure the protection of this biologically and culturally significant species, the Salmon Stocks team redesigned the Modern Portfolio Theory to enhance the survival of the species by treating the salmon population as a vital asset in the conservation portfolio. 

Through extensive research, the team has developed a strategic tool that enables conservation managers to efficiently allocate resources. Join us tomorrow, April 16th, to watch the Salmon Stocks team present about their approach to conservation. Congratulations to the Salmon Stocks Team on an excellent project!

In collaboration with FORVIS accounting firm, one of our graduate teams has taken a significant leap forward in corporate environmental responsibility. Through data analysis and strategic planning, they established a baseline carbon inventory and identified key opportunities for emissions reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. 

The team’s incredible work led them to Dallas, Texas, where they presented their emissions reduction recommendations to FORVIS’s executive board. Their work emphasizes the vital role of data-driven strategies in promoting sustainable business practices.

Join us on April 26th to learn more about this transformative project at the Group Project Presentation Event. We invite everyone to attend and discover the innovative projects our students have developed over the past year.

This week, Bren School students, staff, faculty, and alumni celebrate our OneBren Community, including collective impact philanthropy. Join the festivities by sharing your favorite Bren photos and memories through stories & posts with and make sure to tag !

We are excited to announce the launch of “Slam Dunk Job Search”, a new book by our very own David Allen Parker Jr., whose guidance in career development is renowned by both Bren students and alumni! With over 30 years of experience, Dave Parker shares invaluable tips and a 6-step process to transform your job hunt into a journey of clarity, confidence, and success. Whether you’re navigating the complex job market or aiming for your dream job, this book is your roadmap to becoming the candidate every employer dreams of hiring. Visit the link in our bio to find more information on where to buy “Slam Dunk Job Search” at a retailer near you. 

Profits from the sales are being generously gifted to Bren students as free copies of the book!

In honor of the launch, faculty and staff surprised him with a Dress Like Dave Day! The first Dress Like Dave Day was celebrated on his 20th anniversary of working at the Bren School. We continue to celebrate this each year. It was a surprise this year because we moved it a few days early and our Senior Events Manager made this very special cake.

Bren students recently had the opportunity to attend the GreenBiz 2024 Sustainability Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona. Centered on fostering professional growth and networking, our students engaged with business professionals and industry exports to discuss sustainability, including decarbonization, supply chain management, and more. They also had the opportunity to connect with Bren alumni, learning from professionals who were once in their shoes.

Congratulations to our Master’s of Environmental Data Science students on their outstanding work during faculty reviews! On March 6th, Master’s Group Project teams showcased their research to Bren faculty, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. Eight teams presented their research performed in collaboration with client agencies or organizations, advancing solutions to real-world environmental problems through data science. 🌿🐟

Our cohort of Master’s of Environmental Data Science students is tackling issues such as industrial emissions, species distribution and vulnerability, climate impacts, aquatic food systems, and more. Their finalized findings and refined projects will be presented on May 31st at Bren Hall. We extend an invitation to the public to join us for these presentations! 

Congratulations MEDS students! 🎉
Save the date and look out for more information!

Congratulations to our Master’s of Environmental Data Science students on their outstanding work during faculty reviews! On March 6th, Master’s Group Project teams showcased their research to Bren faculty, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. Eight teams presented their research performed in collaboration with client agencies or organizations, advancing solutions to real-world environmental problems through data science. 

Our cohort of Master’s of Environmental Data Science students is tackling issues such as industrial emissions, species distribution and vulnerability, climate impacts, aquatic food systems, and more. Their finalized findings and refined projects will be presented on May 31st at Bren Hall. We extend an invitation to the public to join us for these presentations! 🌿🐟

Congratulations MEDS students! 🎉
Save the date and look out for more information!

The Bren Student Diversity Committee explored the North Campus Open Space with a nature walk to Dune Swale Pond led by Brennie Birder, MESM ‘24 Justine Lang. Thank you to Coal Oil Point Reserve for providing us with binoculars to spot the 30 bird species, including Red-Tailed Hawks, Killdeer, Snowy Egrets, and the endangered Snowy Plover! Students also collected 10 pieces of trash!

We love seeing our students get outdoors to take a break from all their hard work and connect with each other and the natural world.🌿

Congratulations to our MESM’24 students on their exceptional work at the faculty review!

Over the past two Fridays, Master’s Group Project teams and two Eco-Entrepreneurship teams presented their research to Bren faculty, which is a big milestone in the master’s program journey! Congratulations!🌲🌊

Congratulations to our MESM’24 students on their exceptional work at the faculty review! 

Over the past two Fridays, Master’s Group Project teams and two Eco-Entrepreneurship teams presented their research to Bren faculty, which is a big milestone in the master’s program journey! Well done showcasing your expertise and collaboration skills! 🌲🌊

Julia Lawson, a PhD Candidate at Bren School, is presenting her defense on effective conservation and management of transboundary fisheries. Her work focuses on the effectiveness of international environmental agreements, offering new strategies for policy improvement. With a rich background in marine biology and international governance, Julia’s research is a testament to her dedication to creating impactful environmental policies.

Join us for Julia’s PhD defense on Feb 22, 2024, at 11:00 am PT, either in person at the MSI Auditorium or online. Her findings have the potential to guide policymakers towards more effective conservation efforts.

For more details on Julia’s journey and her research:
https://bren.ucsb.edu/events/conservation-management-boundary-fisheries

We are excited to continue this year with the Bren Environmental Leadership (BEL) Program’s paid summer fellowships! The BEL program offers paid summer fellowships for pairs of undergraduate and graduate students (Bren MESM & PhD) to work on environmental science projects. The program includes a wide range of projects each year, including both academic environmental science research and internships with Bren-UCSB partner organizations. The mission of this program is to increase the number of first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students working towards careers in the environmental field and natural sciences. This program presents a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in meaningful research and gain valuable professional experience. 

Through this program, we aim to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in environmental science and drive positive change in their communities. New Fellowship Opportunities will be posted soon, so check back as we update our list of opportunities throughout February, March and April! 

https://bren.ucsb.edu/undergrad-mentoring/bren-environmental-leadership-bel-program?utm_source=LinkedIn
 
 

 
 

Taking a break from the books to twin it up! Thanks to everyone who made Bren Spirit Week special!

Many synthetic fabrics are made from tree pulp, and over 300 million trees are logged each year to meet the demand. There are more sustainable ways to meet this need by using agricultural waste products. , a start-up founded by Bren alumni in the Environmental Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, is aiming to make this possibility a reality!

We are thrilled to say that, in response to their incredible work, The Hurd Co has been announced as one of the 2024 Innovation Award finalists! The SXSW Innovation Awards aim to showcase a variety of creative endeavors, meant to recognize new advancements in a diverse array of disciplines. Agrilose™: Sustainable Pulp for Apparel was nominated alongside four other climate innovators under the Climate Change category.

The Hurd Co Eco-Entrepreneurship project was engineered with a “waste to wear” model of sustainable clothing manufacturing. They are the exclusive producer of Agrilose, and they use agricultural waste streams to produce apparel-grade MMC pulp through a low-impact pulping process. The final product is then seamlessly integrated into the apparel supply chain.

We wish The Hurd Co. team luck at SXSW and are excited about the future of their company. Learn more about the company at the following link: https://www.thehurdco.com/

More information on the SXSW Innovation Awards and their full list of finalists are available here: https://www.sxsw.com/news/2024/sxsw-2024-innovation-awards-finalists-announced/

📣 Exciting News: Applications Now Open for Our Masters Programs! 🌿

Are you passionate about environmental science and committed to making a positive impact on our planet? Look no further—applications for our Masters programs at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management are now open!

🎓 Why Choose Bren?

- Cutting-edge interdisciplinary curriculum
- Renowned faculty experts
- State-of-the-art research facilities
- A tight-knit community of future environmental leaders

🔗 To learn more about our programs and the application process, visit https://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/eapp/Login.aspx. Deadline for applications is December 1st for our Environmental Data Science (MEDS) program and December 15th for our Environmental Science and Management (MESM) program.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a world-class institution committed to sustainability and environmental leadership!

In 2022, a group of five graduate students (Andrea Cornelius, Cristina Mancilla, Hollie Pennington, Sachi Shiroma, and Anusha Sridhara) from the University of California Santa Barbara Bren School (UCSB Bren School) came to Wallowa County for the summer to help our rural community develop a plan to secure a community forest to foster stewardship, increase forest access, and improve forest health. They analyzed several ecosystem services, including carbon storage, timber, recreation, salmon habitat, and first foods, to illustrate how these benefits would differ under community forest management (CFM) and management by timberland investment management organizations (TIMOs). The enhanced ecosystem services possible under CFM could attract a diverse array of public and private funding to support the purchase and management of forestland. The project serves as a framework for understanding the feasibility of financing forestland acquisition and management for western, rural, resource-based communities.

“The best part of this Group Project was working with a team of incredible people and seeing how distinct analyses came together to tell a compelling story. Through rodeos, long drives, beautiful hikes, data wrangling, and shared exhaustion, we all became really good friends. That was the most rewarding experience.”

On April 28th, they gave a final presentation of their work, which Nils attended and then celebrated with them after. Wallowa Resources is grateful for the time and energy each of these students gave to us and our community, and we hope to have them back soon! You can read about their findings at the link below.

https://bren.ucsb.edu/projects/ecosystem-services-and-financing-community-forests-application-wallowa-county-oregon?_kx=

Check your inbox for the Spring 2023 newsletter, Bren alumni! 🌷🍃

You can also log-in to BrenConnect to see alumni newsletters at: https://brenconnect.force.com/s/alumni-news-and-spotlights.

You'll find great career advice articles, alumni spotlights, and more.

A sneak peak:
–Spotlight on Kapil Kulkarni (MESM 2005), Senior Regulatory Analyst at California Public Utilities Commission

–Spotlight on Katie Reytar (MESM 2008), Senior Research Associate at World Resources Institute

–Heather Hochrein (MESM 2016) to give commencement celebration keynote

–How to prepare for management-level job interviews

–Tips for improving your public speaking skills + presenting with more confidence

–And more!

If you didn't receive the newsletter, let the Career Development and Alumni Relations team know: [email protected]

Join us for Bren School's Hybrid Open House on Friday, November 4, 1:00-4:00pm! Register today.

Get a sneak peek at what it's like to be a Bren student and a part of the Bren community at UCSB located in beautiful Santa Barbara. Bren faculty, students, and staff will host a series of information sessions. This is a great time to get all of your questions answered about admissions, academics, student life, financial support, housing, and more.

Learn more about Bren's professional master's degree and doctoral program in Environmental Science and Management at

UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management The Bren School of Environmental Science & Management is a professional graduate school and community of environmental leaders at UC Santa Barbara. Find your inspiration to change the world at Bren.

¡Para terminar este mes fabuloso, tenemos a Kat Orellana! Una estudiante empezando su segundo año recibiendo su Maestría en Ciencia y Administración Ambiental ✨

¿Qué te llevó a Bren?
Siempre he estado preocupada por la pérdida de biodiversidad y las protecciones para especies en peligro de extinción. Estudié biología y ciencias ambientales antes de trabajar en la implementación de corredores para vida silvestre. Elegí Bren para llegar a siguiente nivel de mi carrera y desarrollar habilidades técnicas.

¿Cuál es su especialización?
Mi especialización es en la administración de conservación ambiental con enfoque en el emprendimiento ecológico.

¿Cuáles son sus intereses?
Estoy interesada en cómo podemos utilizar el turismo para beneficiar a las comunidades locales y también al medio ambiente. Aparte de estudiar, me gusta viajar, bailar, acampar, ir a la playa, y pasar tiempo con amigos y familiares.

¿Qué piensas hacer en el futuro?
En el futuro, quiero trabajar para implementar y promover proyectos de turismo sostenible para reducir los impactos del turismo en el medio ambiente.

¡Hoy tenemos a Taylor Medina! Un estudiante empezando su segundo año recibiendo su Maestría en Ciencia y Administración Ambiental.

¿Qué te llevó a Bren?
Estaba interesado en el medio ambiente desde que era niño. Estudié ingeniera química y sentí que mi conocimiento del medio ambiente no era suficiente.

¿Cuál es su especialización?
Mi especialización es la prevención y reparación de contaminación.

¿Cuáles son sus intereses?
Ahora estoy investigando contaminantes emergentes. Me interesa sus destinos y transportes en el medio ambiente. Cuando no estoy en Bren, me gusta hacer ejercicio, aprender otras lenguajes, viajar, y senderismo.

¿Qué piensas hacer en el futuro?
En el futuro, me veo desarrollando técnicas de eliminar contaminantes emergentes del medio ambiente en todo el mundo.

¡Feliz mes de la Hispanidad y Latinidad! Durante este tiempo, vamos a reconocer el trabajo de nuestros estudiantes en su trabajo para un mejor futuro ✨

Hoy tenemos a Karina Abou-Chakra, una estudiante de primer año recibiendo su Maestría en Ciencia y Administración Ambiental.

¿Qué te llevó a Bren?
Después de pasar cinco años en la fuerza de trabajo ambiental, decidí que quería aprender las habilidades necesarias para avanzar en mi carrera en el campo de la sustenibilidad y sentí que el programa MESM de Bren abarcaba todo lo que necesitaba para el siguiente paso en mi carrera.

¿Cuál es su especialización?
Mi especialización es la Gestión Ambiental Corporativa con dos enfoques en Innovación Ambiental y Emprendimiento y Comunicación Ambiental Estratégica (¡no es tan intenso como suena!).

¿Cuáles son sus intereses?
Me interesa crear oportunidades para que los jóvenes BIPOC participen en la toma de decisiones sobre el medio ambiente. Fuera de la escuela y el trabajo, me gusta enseñar yoga, acampar, leer, hacer manualidades y viajar.

¿Qué piensas hacer en el futuro?
Pienso trabajar en el campo de la sustenibilidad corporativa para ayudar a las empresas a reducir su contribución al cambio climático.

The 2022 Ph.D retreat was a total success ☀️

What an amazing way to start the quarter!