Environmental Studies
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Planting seeds of change: Sheyna Burns reimagines agriculture practices
UCSC undergraduate researcher Sheyna Burns (Oakes ’26) is pioneering inclusive agricultural research and entrepreneurship through her campus-based Sankofa Sky Farm, developing a statewide food hub aimed at supporting more equitable farming, and more.
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Associate Professor Joji Muramoto wins award for leadership in agricultural sustainability
Muramoto, who is based at UC Santa Cruz, was the first UC Agriculture and Natural Resources cooperative extension specialist fully dedicated to organic agriculture. The strong partnerships he has built across academia and industry have helped his research to significantly advance the field.
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Research on dry-farmed tomatoes will better equip organic growers to adapt to climate change
New research led by UC Santa Cruz will strengthen understanding of which traits set tomato plants up to be grown successfully without irrigation.
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Colombia’s peatlands could be a crucial tool to fight climate change. But first we have to find them.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Scott Winton conducted three years of extensive fieldwork to develop the first data-driven map of both newly documented and predicted peatlands across Colombia’s eastern lowlands.
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Global premiere of “Power in the Desert” illuminates the human side of the lithium boom
New documentary inspired by Professor Chris Benner’s co-authored book “Charging Forward” explores environmental justice across Argentina, Chile, and California.
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New study shows how microalgae could help advance sustainable trout farming
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz created a successful experimental aquaculture feed formulation for rainbow trout that fully replaces traditional fishmeal ingredients sourced from wild-caught fish with leftover marine microalgae from the human dietary supplement industry. Their findings support efforts to increase the variety and quality of fish-free feed options, so that aquaculture can expand food…
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Supporting early career alums: Finding hope in challenging times
In a time of uncertainty, where environmental challenges grow more complex and the future feels unpredictable, two UC Santa Cruz alumni share their insights on adapting to professional challenges while staying true to their core values.
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UC Santa Cruz AgTech Alliance launches to support interdisciplinary collaboration
Building on the long history of innovation in agriculture at the campus, the AgTech Alliance will support research, education, events, and workforce development related to advancing agricultural technology in order to create more formalized opportunities for collaboration within the university and beyond.
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A Dream Realized: Silver Slug Award empowers first-gen student
UCSC student Stephanie Mayo-Burgos (Porter ’25, environmental studies and legal studies) pursues her dreams with the help of the Silver Slug Award.
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UC Santa Cruz innovators recognized for impact at 2024 Santa Cruz Works Titans Awards
Two UC Santa Cruz faculty members, Richard (Ed) Green and Chris Benner, have been selected as awardees for the eighth annual Santa Cruz Works Titans Awards
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A Justice-Focused Perspective on the Clean Energy Transition
Chris Benner investigates lithium extraction at the Salton Sea, and what it means for community groups and the future of clean energy.
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Imperial Valley’s lithium reserves could power a global energy transition. But will they also fuel local economies?
Professor Chris Benner’s latest book with coauthor Manuel Pastor, a professor at the University of Southern California, explores economic and environmental possibilities for a lithium boom in California’s Imperial Valley.