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Environmental Studies

December 09, 2019
Students power resurvey of UC Santa Cruz natural reserves
Student teams are conducting surveys of the birds, plants, fish, fungi, insects, vascular plants, mammals, bryophytes, and lichens at all four of the campus’s Natural Reserves.
November 26, 2019
Coastal fog linked to high levels of mercury found in mountain lions, study finds
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have discovered elevated levels of mercury in mountain lions, the latest indication that the neurotoxin is being carried in fog, deposited on the land, and making its way up the food chain.
November 18, 2019
Social Sciences recognizes outstanding research, teaching, and staff
The Division of Social Sciences presented several major awards recognizing outstanding accomplishments by faculty, staff, researchers, and emeriti faculty.
October 31, 2019
Letourneau's datasets propel research that shows biodiversity improves crop production
When Environmental Studies Professor Deborah Letourneau was getting ready to retire, she gave several of her datasets to younger researchers so they could make use of them. And did they ever.
October 31, 2019
Public invited to view Norris Center art-science residency projects
Several examples of art-science collaborations will be on view at the Museum of Art and History on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10-5 p.m. and at the Norris Center for Natural History on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16 from noon to 5 p.m.
October 28, 2019
Climate engineering: International meeting reveals tensions
At this point, the greatest danger of climate engineering may be how little is known about where countries stand on these potentially planet-altering technologies. Who is moving forward? Who is funding research? And who is being left out of the conversation?
October 18, 2019
Whole genome sequencing could help save pumas from inbreeding
The first complete genetic sequences of individual mountain lions point the way to better conservation strategies for saving threatened populations of the wild animals.
September 19, 2019
Sustainable aquaculture initiative lands $245,000 federal grant
Anne Kapuscinski, professor of environmental studies and director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, has received a $245,000 federal grant that will support her team’s work driving efforts to make aquaculture more sustainable.
September 04, 2019
Farm hosts organic ag research tour for Congressman Jimmy Panetta
It was a beautiful September morning when Congressman Jimmy Panetta visited the UCSC Farm to hear from leading researchers in the field of organic agriculture.
September 03, 2019
Major NSF grant supports research on soil fungi
Kai Zhu, an assistant professor of environmental studies, has received a $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study the biodiversity and distribution of soil fungi across North America.
August 22, 2019
Master gardener Orin Martin authors new book, Fruit Trees for Every Garden
The beautifully illustrated and lovingly written new book Fruit Trees for Every Garden is not your standard how-to book.
July 17, 2019
While the cat's away: Predators' fear of humans ripples through wildlife communities, emboldening rodents
A new study indicates that pumas and medium-sized carnivores lie low when they sense the presence of humans, which frees up the landscape for rodents to forage more brazenly.
June 07, 2019
Undergrad gets her hands dirty learning about redwoods
For Lilianne de la Espriella, doing independent, hands-on research as an undergraduate meant literally getting her hands dirty.
June 03, 2019
Social Sciences recognizes students for excellence in scholarship
Students, faculty, staff, and donors of the Division of Social Sciences gathered Friday, May 31, to celebrate excellence in student scholarship and creativity.
May 30, 2019
Alumni Excursion: Sea change, up close and personal
A curated trip called "The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life" offered attendees a detailed look into how UC Santa Cruz researchers are contributing to the discussion of climate change and its direct impact on marine ecosystems.
May 13, 2019
UC Cooperative Extension hires first organic specialist
For the first time, the University of California has hired a Cooperative Extension specialist dedicated to organic agriculture: Joji Muramoto, a longtime research associate with the University of California Santa Cruz, will coordinate a statewide program focused on the organic production of strawberries and vegetables.
May 09, 2019
Anne Kapuscinski receives 2019 Ocean Award for innovation
Anne Kapuscinski, professor of environmental studies and director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, has received a 2019 Ocean Award for innovation from Boat International magazine and the Blue Marine Foundation.
May 07, 2019
Engage with "alternative Nobel" laureates this spring and summer
UC Santa Cruz is hosting a week-long summer institute with Right Livelihood Award laureate Nicanor Perlas, who received the "alternative Nobel" in 2003 for his work opposing corporate globalization.
April 29, 2019
Explore the "superbloom" in Santa Cruz County
A new Field Guide to Plants of UC Santa Cruz makes exploring the landscapes of the campus—and the county—fun and rewarding.
March 28, 2019
College Ten class connects students with Soledad Prison inmates
A first-ever class called "Transcommunal Cooperation and Peacemaking" brought together 14 undergraduates and 28 men incarcerated at the Soledad Correctional Training Facility for an extraordinary 10 weeks of learning and discovery.
March 14, 2019
Sixth annual Climate Conference links science and justice
For the first time, the annual UC Santa Cruz Climate Conference will bring together prominent ocean scientists and leading social-justice advocates to discuss the environmental and equity dimensions of the crisis.
March 11, 2019
Graduate student joins White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Marnie Riddle, a Ph.D. candidate in environmental studies, will spend one year in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow.
March 10, 2019
Leading the charge for change
Alumna Amita Kuttner, a current graduate student in the Physics Department, is running as a Green Party candidate for a seat in Canada’s House of Commons in order to make policy around climate change—a quest sparked by a devastating loss
January 31, 2019
Mean streets: Self-driving cars will "cruise" to avoid paying to park
If you think traffic in city centers is bad now, just wait until self-driving cars emerge on the scene, cruising around to avoid paying hefty downtown parking fees.