| F | G | H | I | J | K | L | ||
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1 | Project Title | Department/Program | Project Description | Research areas | Suggested skills/ interest/background of scholar | Faculty (Hyperlinked to research group website) | Project mentor | |
2 | Using stable isotopes to understand methane production in tropical wetlands | Earth System Science | Tropical wetlands are among the largest sources of methane emissions to the atmosphere. Large uncertainties remain about how microbial production of methane - or methanogenesis - varies across diverse tropical wetland ecosystems. Environmental factors like vegetation, geochemistry, and hydrology significantly influence methane production, and therefore emissions, in wetlands across the globe. In boreal and arctic wetlands, there are well-established patterns of how methane production pathways vary across environmental gradients. This mechanistic understanding of methane production is lacking for tropical wetlands. Better understanding of how methane production pathways vary across tropical wetlands may help reduce uncertainty in predictions of methane emissions from these ecosystems, as different methanogenic pathways vary in their rate of methane production and have different environmental controls. Measuring the stable isotope composition of methane from wetlands can provide insight into methane production pathways, as different methanogenic pathways produce methane with different stable isotope compositions. We have been collecting samples from wetlands across South and Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to measure the stable isotope composition of methane from these ecosystems. Some of these samples have been analyzed, but many still need to be measured in the laboratory. We are keen to welcome an undergraduate with an interest in biogeochemistry and/or ecosystem science emissions seeking to learn skills in laboratory analysis of greenhouse gasses. The student would 1) analyze samples at the Stanford Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory and 2) conduct statistical analysis and data visualization in R to assess how characteristics of tropical wetland ecosystems influence methane production pathways. Pending ongoing work in our research group, there may be opportunities to learn field sampling methods at local wetland sites. Previous lab experience is preferred, and exposure to R or another programming language is helpful but not required. | Climate Change,Dynamic Earth,Freshwater | Chemistry,Geology,Laboratory work,Statistics | Alison Hoyt | Clarice Perryman (Postdoc) | |
3 | Identifying geochemical controls of greenhouse gas emissions in tropical peatlands | Earth System Science | Tropical peatlands are among the world’s most carbon-dense ecosystems due to the large stores of organic carbon in their waterlogged soils. Disturbances like deforestation and drainage promote loss of this peat soil carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, particularly in Southeast Asia where the majority of peatlands have been disturbed. Large-scale restoration projects in Indonesia aim to mitigate large carbon dioxide emissions from drained peatlands through blocking the canals that were dug to drain peat soils for agriculture. The ability of canal blocking, or rewetting, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is uncertain. Furthermore, rewetting may promote the emissions of greenhouse gasses produced under waterlogged and low oxygen conditions, like methane and nitrous oxide. Geochemical factors likely influence the response of tropical peatland greenhouse gas emissions to rewetting and restoration, but which factors are most important is unknown. This project aims to identify controls on greenhouse gas emissions from degraded and rewetted tropical peatlands to help understand where rewetting and restoration efforts will be most impactful. We have collected porewater and gas samples from peatlands under a variety of land uses in West Kalimantan, Indonesia at sites where our collaborators monitor greenhouse gas emissions. These samples will be prepared and analyzed at the Environmental Measurements Facility and the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory at Stanford. We are eager to welcome an undergraduate student interested in biogeochemistry and/or ecosystem sciences seeking to gain experience in laboratory analysis of environmental samples to our team. The student would get the opportunity to prepare and analyze samples for multiple analyses (e.g., greenhouse gas concentrations, stable isotope composition, dissolved organic carbon and nutrients) as well as gain experience using R for data analysis and data visualization. Pending ongoing work in our research group, there may be opportunities to learn field sampling methods at local wetland sites and/or participate in other laboratory activities (e.g., preparation and analysis of soil samples). Previous lab experience is preferred, and exposure to R or another programming language is helpful but not required. | Climate Change,Dynamic Earth,Freshwater | Chemistry,Geology,Laboratory work,Statistics | Alison Hoyt | Clarice Perryman (Postdoc) | |
4 | Earth & Planetary Sciences | Giant, caldera-forming volcanic eruptions explosively expel significant volumes of magma, reshaping landscapes and climate. Nevada is home to >200 such features, at least 30 of which were catastrophic enough to claim the title of supereruptions (>1000 km3 erupted volume). Some of the material discharged in these eruptions traveled hundreds of kilometers from their source volcanoes, leaving deposits as far as the northern Sierra Nevada, CA. There is no current evidence of an impending supereruption in this region, but there are many active systems that produced such eruptions in the past and could do so again (e.g., Bishop, CA). Unraveling the underlying how, why, and when of these events is paramount to anticipating the type and extent of hazards these magmatic systems may pose in the future. Since we cannot directly probe active magma bodies beneath the surface, we rely upon erupted material to reconstruct the conditions which produce them. Volcanic crystals act as one such messenger. Using field relationships, textures (sizes, shapes), petrography, and geochemistry of these small, erupted minerals allows us to answer big, fundamental questions. For this project, we will apply these tools to better understand how the magma which fueled the 25.1 Ma tuff of Elevenmile Canyon, a silicic crystal-rich supereruption in western Nevada, was generated, stored, and mobilized. We seek a student who is enthusiastic about preparing, collecting, and analyzing volcanic mineral geochemical data. This will involve learning how to prepare minerals for analyses, including picking, mounting, and polishing. The student will also gain experience using a petrographic microscope, electron microprobe (EPMA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, they will learn how to process, interpret, and effectively present this data. Previous experience is not required. | Dynamic Earth,Evolution of Earth,Natural Hazards | Chemistry,Geology,Laboratory work | Ayla Pamukcu | Anna Ruefer (Grad student) | ||
5 | Understanding Pollution Inequities in South Baltimore | Earth System Science | Air pollution is a critical public health issue, disproportionately impacting low-income and minority communities. South Baltimore, Maryland, exemplifies this inequity, where industrial pollution has plagued local communities. Despite these challenges, air quality monitoring infrastructure is severely lacking, leaving critical questions about exposure disparities unanswered. This project seeks to analyze fine-scale pollution data and social vulnerability indices to uncover how social factors may drive disparities in pollution exposure. This summer project will focus on analyzing air quality data (PM2.5 and PM10) collected from existing sources and using geospatial methods to map pollution exposure patterns along a social vulnerability gradient. The student will work in R to process and visualize datasets and use GIS to conduct spatial analyses. Tasks will include integrating pollution and social vulnerability datasets, creating detailed visualizations, and interpreting trends to assess how social resource distribution influences pollution exposure. This is a fantastic opportunity for students passionate about environmental science, data science, or geography who are eager to apply their skills to address pressing environmental justice issues. Proficiency in R and GIS is required, but mastery is not expected—students with a willingness to learn and develop their skills are welcome. | Climate Change,Other | Computer programming,Statistics, R, GIS, environmental justice | Chris Field | Leona Neftaliem (Grad student) | |
6 | Impacts of invasive plant species in a changing climate | Earth System Science | To survive in environments altered by the arrival of invasive species and climate change, native plants must simultaneously withstand new competitors, altered resource availability, and changes in environmental conditions such as temperature. In this project, we use an on-campus experiment to evaluate how the traits of native and invasive plants jointly contribute to who wins and who loses when they compete for soil resources like water and nutrients in different precipitation and temperature environments. You will be paired with a graduate student mentor to design a study investigating how plant traits, climate, and/or soil resource availability affect the outcomes of competition. You will gain experience with designing experiments, measuring the traits and productivity of the plant community and the microclimate and resource availability of their environment, analyzing and visualizing data, and presenting your findings. | Climate Change,Evolution of Life | Biology,Field work,Statistics | Chris Field | Jeff Dukes (Faculty) & Andrea Nebhut (Grad student) | |
7 | Plants, climate change, and microclimates at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve | Earth System Science | While the app on your phone may say it was sunny with a high of 74 at Stanford today, air temperatures likely got much warmer just above a paved street, and stayed cooler in a secluded and shaded grove of trees. In natural ecosystems, conditions are influenced by cooling effects of plants or nearby water bodies, shading, exposure to winds, and many other factors. Those conditions subsequently affect where species can live, and the rates of important processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. This project will examine how topography, plant communities, and vegetation management techniques affect microclimates in the varied habitats of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (JRBP). You will work with a scientist to measure and analyze environmental variables and ecosystem processes at small scales around JRBP. You will collect data from different locations within JRBP and use it to help disentangle the influences of geology and plant communities on microclimate, and to describe the range of microclimates occurring in the preserve. You will gain experience with fieldwork and species identification, environmental sensors and dataloggers, and data processing, analysis, and presentation. Your work will help to put local climatic variations and microclimatic buffering in the context of human-caused climate change. | Climate Change,Evolution of Life | Biology,Field work,Statistics | Chris Field | Jeff Dukes (Faculty) | |
8 | Exploring the Chemo-Mechanical Behavior of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Sustainable Energy Solutions | Energy Science Engineering | Lithium-ion batteries are the cornerstone of the modern energy transition, enabling electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics. However, their performance and lifespan are limited by internal degradation mechanisms such as mechanical stresses, temperature effects, and structural changes during operation. Understanding these chemo-mechanical processes is critical to optimizing battery design and improving durability and efficiency. This project aims to investigate the interplay between chemical and mechanical phenomena in lithium-ion battery electrodes. The focus will be on processes such as Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) formation, lithium-ion diffusion in porous media, electrode swelling, and the effects of temperature on degradation. These processes are central to improving battery performance while reducing cell aging and material failure. Using computational modeling and numerical simulations, the project will uncover how these processes contribute to stress formation, capacity fade, and long-term degradation, offering insights into optimizing battery design for improved durability. We are seeking a motivated student interested in energy storage, sustainability, and materials science. While prior experience with computational tools or coding (e.g., MATLAB, Python) may shape the project trajectory, it is not required. Students from diverse academic backgrounds, such as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or materials science, are encouraged to apply. The student will have the opportunity to tailor the project focus based on their specific interests. Join us to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in energy storage and be a part of shaping the future of sustainable technology! | Climate Change,Energy,Engineering, Materials Science | Chemistry,Computer programming,Engineering,Mathematics,Physics | Daniel Tartakovsky | Shaunak Joshi (Grad student) | |
9 | Assessing Vulnerability of Coastal Groundwater Wells to Saltwater Intrusion and Sea Level Rise | Earth System Science | Assessing Vulnerability of Coastal Groundwater Wells to Saltwater Intrusion and Sea Level Rise Groundwater is a critical resource, both for natural systems in supplying necessary ecosystem services and for human livelihoods, contributing to drinking water, hydroelectric generation, and irrigation. The latter is especially true for coastal regions in the US, with over 100 million Americans depending fully or partially on groundwater. Groundwater supply is increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change, overexploitation, and contamination. Saltwater intrusion and sea level rise (SWISLR) particularly exacerbate these issues, altering coastal ecosystems and jeopardizing groundwater security. Water from groundwater wells can be rendered non-potable by even small amounts of seawater intrusion and salinization is considered almost irreversible on human timescales. Therefore, identifying groundwater sources vulnerable to SWISLR is crucial for developing effective management strategies that help communities adapt to and mitigate these threats. This project will utilize publicly available data to analyze the proximity and associated risks of coastal groundwater wells to SWISLR impacts, thereby identifying vulnerable areas and informing management efforts. Depending on interest, the project may also explore socio-demographic data of those reliant on groundwater in risk areas, the role of groundwater well construction in agricultural development, and the relationships between groundwater wells and other infrastructure (e.g., power generation, sewage treatment). The student will have the opportunity to develop what they think would be the most effective deliverables, which could include static map(s), ArcGIS story map(s), a report, etc. This is a good project for students who are interested in issues related to water resources and who want to build skills in coding and geographic information science. No prior experience is required. | Climate Change,Freshwater,Natural Hazards,Other | Biology,Computer programming,Statistics | Elliott White Jr. | Julia Sharapi (Grad student) | |
10 | Tracking the Toxic Tides: Identifying Heavy Metal Hotspots Impacting Wetland Health in the San Francisco Bay Area | Earth System Science | We are seeking students who are curious about the implications of intensifying flood events for heavy metal (HM) mobilization into wetland systems and underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA). Like many coastal regions, the SFBA is home to many harmful industries whose polluting activities have long introduced HMs into the local environment. Though some of these sites have been remediated per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, increased flooding can reintroduce sequestered HMs into our Lands. In addition to these remediated sites, there remains many (in)active polluting sites that continue to contaminate local soils and water. To assess the spatial mobilization and biological impact of these HMs, it is imperative we first identify natural and manmade HM sources that are vulnerable to flooding. Undergraduate students are thus expected to produce a database and GIS map of HM hotspots as flagged by the EPA, local communities, and other researchers. These hotspots must be either (1) remediated according to EPA guidelines or are (2) (in)actively polluting and have yet to be environmentally remediated. After identifying these sites, students are expected to apply remote sensing skills to determine the HM concentration of these sites across the SFBA. The final product should be a map of the HM hotspots, approximate HM concentrations, and waterway connections to nearby watersheds. This map will play a crucial role for hydrological modeling of HM transport to local watersheds and communities in response to intensifying flooding, an important task for local, state, and federal-level environmental policymaking. We are seeking students who are comfortable working with R or python, machine learning, and remote sensing (i.e. Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, PostGIS or QGIS). Students should be open to learning (queer) feminist theories and research frameworks for the development of our research. An academic background in physics, chemistry, geology, computer science, and environmental justice would be helpful for interested applicants. By the conclusion of the summer, students should have more familiarity with clean documentation skills, data management & organization, machine learning applications, remote sensing, and feminist research methods. Students should also develop a deeper understanding of how heavy metals mobilize through surface waters and wetland systems. | Climate Change,Natural Hazards,Other | Chemistry,Computer programming,Geology,Machine learning | Elliott White Jr. | Mavis Stone (Grad student) | |
11 | Computational simulation of earthquakes, tsunamis, and other hazards | Geophysics | Earthquakes, including natural events and human-induced seismicity, pose immediate geohazards for human society. Our research group develops computer codes to model the physical processes of real-world earthquakes, induced seismicity, and tsunamis. Summer interns have multiple opportunities to apply their computing skills (programming and scripting) and/or the theory of mechanics to explore earthquakes or tsunamis. Students who enjoy programming can assist with code development to run on large-scale high-performance computing infrastructure (parallel CPUs or GPUs), or run simulations to test a hypothesis, or use existing codes to model realistic earthquakes and compare with recorded data (surface deformation or seismic waves); familiarity with UNIX and prior programming experience in MATLAB, Python, C++, or another language are required. A strong background in calculus-based mechanics is also necessary because we solve solid and fluid mechanics problems (but prior experience with solid and fluid mechanics is not required). Previous experience with earth science is not required. | Dynamic Earth,Engineering,Natural Hazards,Ocean | Computer programming,Engineering,Mathematics,Physics | Eric Dunham | Wenqiang Zhang (Postdoc) | |
12 | Investigating Silurian-Devonian carbon isotope fluctuations in Arctic Canada | Earth & Planetary Sciences | Big Picture: The diversification and spread of plants on land was one of the most profound changes in the history of our planet. Though plants play a significantly role in the modern Earth Systems, there are still many questions about how and when early plants would have impacted Silurian-Devonian Earth Systems. There is currently limited consensus regarding the impact of the earliest land plant communities on weathering and nutrient cycling, and even for modern plants, the nature and scope of these feedbacks continue to be debated. Equally problematic in understanding these relationships is that the Silurian-Devonian transition is one of the least geochemically sampled intervals of the Paleozoic. Research project: This project will analyze fluctuations of the carbon cycle in the Silurian-Devonian Grant Point section. The Grant Point section is located on Bathurst Island (Nunavut Canada) and comprises a well-preserved sequence of thermally immature, deep-water slope sediments of the shale-rich Silurian-Devonian Cape Phillips and Bathurst Island formations. Changes in the carbon cycle will be assessed through variations in total organic carbon (TOC) and δ13C records. These data will be plotted with the measured stratigraphic section (Grant Point) and biostratigraphic data to precisely determine any shifts. This project will be part of a group project to understand how paleoenvironmental conditions on Earth have changed through time, and the relationship between these environmental changes and the evolution of plant and animal life. Although all students will have their own discrete projects, we will work as a team to learn laboratory techniques, understand geochemical proxy interpretations, develop analytical tools in R, and finally analyze new data in the context of data collated by our international research consortium, the Sedimentary Geochemistry and Paleoenvironments Project (https://sgp.stanford.edu; which the student will be able to join). What will you get out of it: wet chemistry laboratory experience, skills in manipulating and analyzing large datasets, deeper understanding of the carbon cycle and carbon isotope chemostratigraphy | Evolution of Earth,Evolution of Life,Ocean | Chemistry,Geology,Laboratory work Earth Science, carbon cycle, Earth Science, carbon cycle, Earth history. We are ideally looking for someone majoring in Geological Sciences or related fields, although there are no prerequisites aside from interest in the project! | Erik Sperling | Emily Ellefson (Grad student) | |
13 | Working together to build a climate resilient future: social science methods to support community-engaged study in Bay Area frontline communities | Earth System Science | This “Our Communities, Our Bay” (OCOB) is a collaboration with environmental justice nonprofits El Concilio of San Mateo County, and Climate Resilient Communities, as well as researchers across Stanford Future Bay Initiative, RTI International, Sonoma Technology, Inc.. This has been a three year longitudinal study investigating the effectiveness of affordable interventions (air sensors, air purifiers, smartphone app) in reducing exposure to climate hazards (e.g., wildfire smoke, flooding) among 315 low-income households in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, Redwood City, and North Fair Oaks. Utilizing an experimental design randomizing households (N≈420) to seven interventions designed to support household health and decision-making during extreme climate events. Now that this study is wrapping up, our team is seeking a motivated student to join the OCOB team this summer to help us summarize and communicate the results of this collaboration. Based upon community partner needs, this may entail exit interviews with participants, analyzing survey/interview results, and/or co-drafting deliverables (e.g., white paper, slide decks, infographics, spatial maps). This undergraduate will have the unique opportunity to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scholars across Stanford as well as engage directly with practitioners in multiple Bay Area communities in the process of community-engaged research. This student will also play a key role as our team communicates the results of this work to support and advocate for equitable strategies of resilience planning, infrastructure investment, and urban development, via community-led strategies, City/County programs, and the Plan Bay Area 2050 implementation process, as well as to test interventions to improve health outcomes. Desired Qualifications: –Interest in community engaged research for environmental and climate justice –Desire to learn social science research methods, including qualitative data collection and analysis –Interest and/or prior experience with accessible science communication deliverables: including reports, white papers, figures, etc. –Empathetic, ethical, and culturally-sensitive approach when engaging with community partners and Bay Area residents –Although not required, ability to speak in Spanish is helpful This student will participate in project team meetings as needed, and be mentored by a Stanford Ph.D. candidate studying climate justice. The skills/background section doesn't exactly correlate 1:1 for the project description, however we would be open to building upon the strengths / existing expertise the student brings in! | Climate Change,Natural Hazards,Social Science | Field work,Statistics | Gabrielle Wong-Parodi | Stephanie Fischer (Grad student) | |
14 | Quantifying Earthquake Risk and Inequity: The Role of Building Inventories in Enhancing Community Resilience | Civil & Environmental Engineering | The impact of natural hazards on communities can be sudden and severe. Climate-driven hazards like hurricanes and wildfires are growing more intense, while earthquake risk remains a significant threat across the West Coast of the United States. To measure the risk faced by different communities, implement effective mitigation strategies, and prepare for natural hazards, it is essential to understand the built environment and the building inventory of a community. The goal of this project is to explore how our understanding of the built environment changes the way we measure earthquake risk and community resilience at a city scale. The research focuses on two key questions. First, we will probe how different data sources, including the National Structure Inventory, local tax data, and others can be leveraged to create and quantify uncertainty in city-scale building inventories. This enables us to assess how structural damage and uncertainty vary when using building inventories from different sources. The second question will explore whether uncertainty in the building inventory is distributed evenly across different income levels, across owned vs rented property, and across different types of housing. The goal of this work is to demonstrate that detailed building inventories can help us not only better quantify earthquake risk, but also highlight the social inequity in earthquake risk across a city. This work is critical in understanding how to make informed, effective mitigation decisions to reduce inequity in disasters and increase community resilience in the face of earthquakes. This project will require the use of Python to manipulate data and plot results. Experience with Python would be helpful but is not required for this project. No previous experience with structural engineering, earthquakes, or natural hazards is expected for this project. This project will provide a basis of knowledge of how we quantify city-level earthquake risk and resilience. | Engineering,Natural Hazards,Social Science | Computer programming,Engineering | Greg Deierlein | Mia Lochhead (Grad student) | |
15 | Enhancing regional economic resilience to earthquakes through infrastructure improvements | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Earthquakes cause widespread impacts beyond the immediate physical damage. In modern economies, different sectors are highly interconnected, and many rely on physical infrastructure to function smoothly. When an earthquake disrupts these links – damaging infrastructure, halting production, or disrupting supply chains – it can lead to a cascading effect, intensifying losses across the entire economy. However, strategic mitigation actions, both before and after the earthquake, can strengthen regional economic resilience. These actions might focus directly on economic activities, by stockpiling inventory or extending work hours, or improving critical infrastructures, by expediting repairs or retrofitting buildings. We aim to identify areas susceptible to cascading impacts during an earthquake and to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation actions in enhancing economic resilience. Project tasks may include 1) identifying mitigation actions implemented in past disaster events, 2) learning about the models to simulate regional economic recovery after the earthquake, and 3) implementing an infrastructure improvement program to analyze economic resilience in an earthquake scenario. The project requires the use of Matlab or Python. Familiarity with these languages is a plus, but I will also provide resources and guidance to help you get started. | Engineering,Natural Hazards | Computer programming,Engineering | Jack Baker | Tinger Zhu (Grad student) | |
16 | Exploring the Role of Temperature-Dependent Hypoxia During the End-Permian Mass Extinction through Physiology | Earth & Planetary Sciences | 252 million years ago, the Permian-Triassic mass extinction resulted in the most significant biodiversity loss in Earth’s history, fundamentally reshaping marine ecosystems. Bivalves supplanted brachiopods as the dominant benthic filter-feeders, representing a striking difference in extinction vulnerability across taxa. This project experimentally investigates the hypothesized role of temperature-dependent hypoxia (AKA: low oxygen, high temperatures) in driving selective survival patterns among marine taxa during this event (and beyond). Understanding animal evolution requires understanding the relationship between animals and their environments. Physiology has emerged as a promising tool—studying the mechanisms that enable diverse species to thrive in diverse conditions is one method of investigating interplay between biology and the environment. Using a paleophysiological approach, we test and compare the physiological tolerances of articulate brachiopods (one of the biggest “losers” of the extinction) and bivalves (the “winners”) to hypoxia and high temperature. This project will focus on continuing these experiments on Stanford’s campus. In addition to learning how to conduct closed system respirometry, the student will also learn how to analyze the data in R. Prior experience working with live invertebrates is desirable, but not required, as all methods will be taught in-lab. | Evolution of Earth,Evolution of Life,Ocean | Biology,Geology,Laboratory work | Jonathan Payne, Erik Sperling | Kemi Ashing-Giwa (Grad student) | |
17 | Measuring nitrous oxide production in a marine oxygen minimum zone | Oceans | Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is produced by microbes living in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine environments. It is estimated that about 9% of all atmospheric N2O originates from coastal oceans and on continental shelves, where coastal upwelling and runoff supply ample nutrients for microbial N2O production. In particular, coastal oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), regions that contain low or undetectable dissolved oxygen, are hotspots of N2O production. As an undergraduate research assistant for this project, you will participate in measuring N2O samples we collected in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) OMZ in November and December 2023. This project aims to clarify which nutrients microbial communities utilize to produce N2O along natural oxygen gradients in the ETSP. To do so, nutrients were added to seawater samples and incubated to track their conversion to N2O. Analysis of these samples will shed light on both the rates and mechanisms of N2O production. Through working on this laboratory-based project, you will become proficient in measuring seawater samples on an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IR-MS), plotting data, and understanding how stable isotopes can be used to track microbial metabolic rates. Furthermore, you will learn basic laboratory and data analysis skills, including how we calibrate isotopic measurements and ensure robust data quality. Students with an academic background in geosciences, microbiology, environmental engineering, chemistry, or related sciences are highly encouraged to apply. Previous laboratory or field work experience is not required, but interest in hands-on work is important | Climate Change,Dynamic Earth,Ocean | Biology,Chemistry,Laboratory work,Statistics | Karen Casciotti | Meléa Emunah (Grad student) | |
18 | Sensor-based device development to study household scale water-energy conservation nexus | Civil & Environmental Engineering | The growing challenges of water scarcity, driven by climate change, inequities, and rising energy costs, highlight the need to closely examine household water and energy usage patterns. This evaluation can be performed by simply comparing water and energy costs against access limitations and various infrastructural barriers. By quantifying the correlation between water usage, ambient temperature, and energy used for water heating, the proposed project seeks to explore how optimizing heating infrastructure for both room and water heating can enhance water conservation. To quantitatively measure this relationship using a data-backed approach, Osman Lab is developing a sensor-based device intended to monitor ambient temperature, humidity, water flow (from the showerhead), and water temperature in near real-time. Additionally, a cloud-based system is being created to process and archive the collected data for later analysis. Osman Lab has already completed the integration of the sensors and is currently focusing on cloud integration. In this project, the student intern will be tasked with validating the sensors and the near real-time data measurement, optimizing the coding, and 3-D printing sensors into a module that can be fitted into a shower outlet. Additionally, the intern will perform fundamental analysis and validation on trial-run data using simple statistical techniques. The ideal candidate should possess experience working with microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi) and sensors and be proficient in coding (Python or C/C++). Preference will be given to candidates with experience in IoT cloud integration, 3D printing, and data pipeline development. | Energy,Engineering,Freshwater | Computer programming,Engineering,Machine learning,Statistics | Khalid Osman | Aadhityaa Mohanavelu (Grad student) | |
19 | Measuring and Monitoring Diffuse Sources of Methane from Wetlands and Rice Paddies | Geophysics & Earth System Science | Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a high potential to cause immediate temperature increases; therefore, quantifying emissions from sources of methane is crucial for addressing climate change. However, the global methane budget shows large uncertainties in the emissions coming from natural sources, in part due to the heterogeneity of methane emissions in space and time. Reducing these uncertainties requires measurement methods that better capture the contribution from large area, dispersed sources with relevant spatial and temporal resolution. This project involves helping with the development and deployment of an optical sensor for measuring methane fluxes on these scales. We are looking for a research assistant to work on projects associated with the development of our CH4 flux measurement capabilities. Projects range from motor control software/data analysis to hands-on experimental work with optical signals in the lab depending on the students’ skills/interest. Therefore, skills would range from coding experience to lab work. This is an excellent opportunity for a student interested in applied engineering/optics/physics, coding, and hands-on technical work. There is also potential for students to assist with field deployment of the system. This project is hosted by Leo Hollberg in Geophysics and in collaboration with professor Alison Hoyt in Earth System Science. | Climate Change,Engineering,Food and Agriculture | Computer programming,Engineering,Field work,Laboratory work,Physics | Leo Hollberg & Alison Hoyt | Cassandra Huff (Grad student) | |
20 | Tracking Air Pollution from Unregulated Emissions at NASCAR Races and NFL Tailgates using NASA's TEMPO Geostationary Satellite | Environmental Social Sciences | With poor air quality being the largest environmental cause of negative health effects worldwide, it becomes crucial to identify and quantify the impact of lesser-regulated emission sources. This project aims to address the question: How do high-profile sporting events contribute to localized air pollution, particularly from nitrogen oxides (NOx), and what are the implications for nearby communities? We will focus on emissions from NASCAR races, where unregulated engines burn high-performance fuel, and NFL tailgating events, where vehicle idling create significant NOx emissions. These short-lived, intense emission sources provide a unique opportunity to study air quality impacts downwind using the recently launched TEMPO satellite, which can measure air pollution from space continuously, covering the continental United States. The student researcher will gain hands-on experience in satellite data analysis, focusing on the TEMPO satellite’s NOx measurements. They will also contribute to the collection of ground-based emissions data, using air quality sensors deployed around event locations to validate and compare with satellite readings. This combined approach will help us determine the intensity and duration of emissions from these large gatherings and explore how they contribute to broader air quality trends. There will be an opportunity to learn and use machine learning methods that may aid in quantifying these events as pollution sources. Student Learning Outcomes: The student will develop a solid understanding of satellite remote sensing and air quality monitoring, along with the following skills: 1. Use Python or R for processing and analyzing TEMPO satellite data, Google Earth Engine to visualize and query satellite data, use PyTorch or TensorFlow for machine learning libraries. 2. Apply atmospheric chemistry concepts to real-world pollution scenarios. 3. Learn to communicate findings to both scientific audiences and the general public. Qualifications and Skills: Ideal candidates will have a background or strong interest in environmental science, atmospheric chemistry, or sustainability (and/or even sports!). Some experience with data analysis in Python or R is preferred, though beginners with a passion for air quality issues are encouraged to apply. This project is suitable for students who are new to research and would like to explore the field of sustainability, particularly in understanding human impacts on air quality. | Climate Change,Engineering,Social Science,Other | Chemistry,Computer programming,Engineering,Machine learning,Mathematics,Statistics | Marshall Burke | Makoto Kelp (Postdoc) | |
21 | Fertilizer from wastewater: the potential in the Bay Area | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Since the 1970s, wastewater treatment systems have dramatically improved the health of US Waterways. However, since better wastewater treatment requires more energy and resources, wastewater treatment plants are now responsible for 1-3% of US greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Around a third of these emissions are from nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) which forms when wastewater treatment plants break down nitrogen from our urine. Innovative technologies propose to recover nitrogen from our wastewater as a fertilizer, protecting our streams, lakes and bays while curbing some of the emissions associated with treatment. The Water and Energy Efficiency for the Environment Laboratory (WE3 Lab) uses physics and data-driven modeling to assess the potential climate-resilient water technologies like these. This project focuses on the cost, greenhouse gas, and equity implications of wastewater treatment plants recycling their incoming nitrogen into fertilizer. The student will incorporate publicly-available data and models to compare locations around the San Francisco Bay area where fertilizer recovery could be favorable. The project deliverable can be adjusted based on the student’s interest to emphasize GHG emissions, environmental justice considerations for the location of nitrogen recovery systems, or end-use and transport of fertilizer. The student will have the opportunity to visit a wastewater treatment plant in the Bay Area and learn about other water and energy work happening at Stanford. The ideal candidate will be motivated to work on critical challenges in water and sustainability, have some experience in Python, and have a passion for decarbonization. Find more information about our lab at https://we3lab.stanford.edu. | Climate Change,Food and Agriculture,Freshwater,Social Science | Chemistry,Computer programming,Engineering | Meagan Mauter | Daly Wettermark (Grad student) | |
22 | Modeling buoyancy driven magma fracture | Geophysics | Dikes are the principal mode of magma transport through the brittle lithosphere. Understanding dike propagation is thus central to understanding the evolution of magmatic systems and many volcanic eruptions. We developed a physics-based model that simulates the process of dike transporting magma from magma chambers to the surface. We’re interested in investigating the mechanism involved in buoyancy-driven magma flow. Especially how the behavior changes with varying density in bedrock layers. We are seeking a motivated student with a strong interest in dikes, volcanoes, and modeling. The student is expected to have some basic knowledge of programming; experience with C++ and UNIX-based operating systems is strongly preferred but not required. During this program, the student will be trained to run the existing code to perform a series of simulations with different combinations of input variables. We’ll then work together to analyze the results to emphasize the phenomena and possibly compare them to real observations. Through this project, the student will be exposed to physics-based modeling, gain practical skills on programming and computational mechanics. | Dynamic Earth,Evolution of Earth,Natural Hazards | Computer programming,Mathematics,Physics | Paul Segall | Xinyi Qian (Postdoc) | |
23 | 24/7 Carbon-Free Electrified Campus Bus Fleet | Civil & Environmental Engineering | In today's transportation sector, vehicle electrification is increasingly recognized as an essential solution to global warming. It is a viable means of reducing emissions and has been integrated into mobility systems at multiple levels. However, achieving true carbon neutrality requires not only the electrification of vehicles but also sourcing their energy from carbon-free resources. It is within this context that the 24/7 Carbon-Free Electrified Fleet project is situated. This project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of a fully carbon-free fleet by developing a scalable platform that intelligently coordinates solar energy, battery storage, electric bus route assignments, and bus charging. The platform is designed to optimize energy costs, enhance system resiliency, and minimize emissions associated with charging. As an undergraduate research intern, you will play a pivotal role in refining and implementing software to optimize the costs and emissions of an electric bus fleet. Your responsibilities will include analyzing vehicle-to-grid (V2G) scenarios, where vehicles not only draw energy from the grid but also supply energy back to it. Additionally, you will assess fleet resiliency during blackout scenarios and collaborate directly with bus operations staff to implement optimized schedules, thereby contributing to the realization of a fully carbon-free electric bus fleet. An ideal candidate will have experience with Python programming and a strong interest in optimization and reinforcement-learning methods. | Climate Change,Energy,Engineering | Computer programming,Engineering,Machine learning,Statistics | Ram Rajagopal | Mateus Gheorghe de Castro Ribeiro (Grad student) | |
24 | Investigating Coral Reef Trophic Dynamics through Stable Isotope Analysis | Oceans | Coral reef ecosystems are among the most productive on Earth, largely due to the symbiotic relationship between corals and their photosynthetic zooxanthellae (microscopic algae living within coral tissues), which provide the majority of the energy required by their coral hosts. However, the energetic exchange between the coral and its algal symbionts can vary depending on environmental and biological factors. This project focuses on examining how the balance between autotrophy (net energy gained through photosynthesis of the symbionts) and heterotrophy (net energy gained from feeding on drifting prey by the coral host) changes across different reef locations. By analyzing stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) in coral samples collected from three distinct reef sites in Palau, this study will determine the degree of autotrophy-heterotrophy of the corals at each location. These isotopic tracers provide critical insights into energy flow and trophic interactions within corals, offering a framework to assess shifts in coral nutritional strategies and their broader ecological implications. The student will work in a laboratory setting, focusing on the preparation and analysis of coral samples that have already been collected. Tasks will include refinement of the sample preparation method, handling coral samples, carefully removing tissue, and preparing the samples for stable isotope analysis using specialized equipment. Through this work, the student will gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and develop an understanding of stable isotope methods. Student will acquire practical laboratory skills and develop an understanding of coral reef ecology and trophic dynamics. This project will provide the student an opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge coral reef research initiative. Findings may contribute to a co-authored publication or a presentation at a scientific conference. Preferred qualifications include: (1) Interest in coral reef biogeochemistry and ecology, (2) motivation to work in lab and eagerness to learn new techniques, (3) ability to work independently, think critically, and develop or refine methodologies through experimentation, (4) preferred experience in lab work, with an emphasis on biology/chemistry, but not required. | Climate Change,Ocean | Biology,Chemistry,Laboratory work | Rob Dunbar | Alexandra Khrizman (Grad student) & David Mucciarone (Research staff) | |
25 | Near-Real-Time Monitoring of Gridded Anthropogenic Methane Emissions Using Multi-Source Data Integration | Earth System Science | Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with significant climate impact, with anthropogenic sources such as livestock and fossil fuels contributing heavily to global emissions. Current monitoring systems often suffer from limitations in spatial and temporal resolution and data latency, which can hinder effective mitigation strategies. This project seeks to address these gaps by integrating satellite and surface-based observations with machine learning techniques to create a comprehensive methane emission inventory. By employing both bottom-up inventory modeling and top-down satellite data integration, the project aims to generate high-resolution emissions maps and perform detailed data analysis. These efforts will support impactful story development for high-profile scientific publications, enhancing our understanding and management of methane emissions. We are seeking a motivated individual with a background in environmental science or GIS to join our research team. Your role will involve data collection and developing a detailed spatio-temporal model for methane emissions using advanced data fusion techniques. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to climate science at the forefront of data-driven research. Experience with programming, particularly Python, is preferred. Key attributes include strong organization, effective communication, adaptability, and an eagerness to learn. Participants will receive mentorship and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge methodologies that blend environmental science with data science. The applications of this research are expected to extend to policy development, climate action planning, and sustainable practices. You can read more about previous work and findings in these recent publications and website: Relevant Publications: - https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2024-115/ - https://hal.science/hal-04705417/document - https://www.cell.com/the-innovation/fulltext/S2666-6758(21)00107-7 Established Data Website: - https://carbonmonitor-graced.com/ | Climate Change,Energy,Evolution of Earth,Social Science | Computer programming,Machine learning,Statistics | Rob Jackson | Xinyu Dou (Postdoc) | |
26 | Evaluating alternative institutional and investment models to catalyze 100 million tons of carbon capture and storage (CCS) per year in California by 2045 | Energy Science Engineering | California has set an ambitious goal of 100 Mt/year of carbon removal by 2045, but currently has no operating point source CCS, DAC, or BiCRS projects at scale. One driver of this is not related to technological limitations, but a lack of suitable planning and regulatory structures to catalyze a new carbon management industry. The goal of this project will be to research historic public/private infrastructure models (e.g. waste water, electric grid, highway transportation) to glean insight for the emerging CCS industry in California. | Climate Change,Energy | Engineering | Sally Benson | Sarah Saltzer (Research staff) | |
27 | The Phenomenon of Aphanizomenon: Short term Monitoring for Aphanizomenon in Lakes and Ponds in Bay Area | Earth System Science | Big picture question: Is Aphanizomenon the most dominant and recurring species of cyanobacteria which we find in lakes and ponds in the Bay Area? Could this point towards an adaptation to impacts from wildfire smoke? This research is focused on skills of methods of environmental sampling and short term collection of a nuisance bloom in the local area. Any scientific background is adequate, some experience with Excel would be beneficial as well. The student will understand how a graduate student approaches a short term summer sampling campaign. The student will learn the planning that goes into short term monitoring as well as the skills it takes to document the variables of interest in such a way that we can perform time series analyses, ideally catching a bloom during the typical occurrence. The student will be working in the field with me to go to lakes of interest in the region where blooms have been reported and collecting environmental information to determine which commonalities point towards factors impacting the bloom. The student will be collecting environmental variables such as light, temperature, pH, DO, conductivity and secchi depth and then characterizing which species of blooms we find in the local area. | Climate Change,Dynamic Earth,Evolution of Earth,Freshwater,Natural Hazards | Biology,Chemistry,Field work,Laboratory work,Statistics | Scott Fendorf | Teso Coker (Grad student) | |
28 | Probing the Chemistry of Particulate Matter in Wildfire Smoke and their Public Health Risks | Earth System Science | Wildfire smoke is an escalating public health threat, with particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) posing particularly severe risks. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, enter the bloodstream, and potentially cross the blood-brain barrier, causing a range of adverse health effects. Our research focuses on understanding the formation, chemical composition, and health impacts of wildfire-derived particles. By deciphering the size distribution and toxicity of wildfire smoke particulates, we aim to develop predictive frameworks for assessing human health risks and informing mitigation strategies. Next summer, we will collect wildfire smoke samples from wildfires across the Western U.S. using advanced air sampling techniques. Our work will involve evaluating particle mass and chemical composition using cutting-edge analytical methods such as synchrotron radiation techniques, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and air quality monitoring tools. The results of this study will shed light on the heightened toxicity of PM2.5, which constitutes the majority of wildfire smoke and remains airborne for an extended period of time. We are seeking one or two motivated undergraduate students to contribute to various aspects of the project, including fieldwork during the wildfire season, sample collection and preparation, and laboratory analysis. Tasks may involve setting up and maintaining air sampling equipment in the field, processing filters for analysis, conducting laboratory experiments, and engaging with advanced wet chemistry, imaging, and spectroscopy techniques. A background in chemistry, mineralogy, environmental science, or related fields is helpful but not required. | Climate Change,Natural Hazards | Chemistry,Field work,Geology,Laboratory work | Scott Fendorf | Alireza Namayandeh (Postdoc) & Frida D. Garcia Ledezma (Grad student) | |
29 | Modelling Mantle Earthquakes Beneath Tibet to Understand Continental Collision | Geophysics | Continental earthquakes almost always occur within Earth’s upper crust. Our research has now identified earthquakes in Earth’s continental mantle, i.e. below the continental Moho that is the biggest change in rock type and downward increase in seismic wavespeed within a tectonic plate. This matters because earthquakes imply brittle rock behavior, so material strength, at their nucleation depth. Whether that strength is only in the upper crust (say 0-20 km), or also in the upper mantle that consists of different rocks (at say 50–100 km) controls the ways tectonic plates interact during continental collision. Hence by cataloging mantle earthquakes beneath Tibet we are studying the collision of India with Asia and the formation of the Himalaya! Our methods exploit the ways that seismic waves from crustal and mantle interact with the Moho, to produce different reflected and refracted waves, so-called Sn, Sg, Lg, SmS, sSmS, etc. (Our 2024 summer intern looked at Sn and Lg: she presents her work at a national meeting in December: https://tinyurl.com/2024InternAGU.) You will use computer modelling to create synthetic waveforms to identify the arrival times and characteristics of Moho-related seismic phases, and investigate scenarios in which crustal and mantle earthquakes exhibit distinguishable waveforms. You will compare your synthetic waveforms to real waveforms (seismograms) recorded from our previously detected below-Moho earthquakes from Tibet. We hope thereby to identify additional Moho-interacting phases to improve detection of below-Moho earthquakes, in Tibet and worldwide. You will need familiarity with Python and NumPy (or even ObsPy) to run existing codes, and ideally you already have a foundational understanding of Earth sciences and elastic waves. | Dynamic Earth | Computer programming,Geology,Physics | Simon Klemperer | Xiaohan Song (Grad student) | |
30 | Understanding How Battery Balancing Affects Battery Pack Performance | Energy Science Engineering | Lithium-ion battery packs, widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, are made up of many individual battery cells. Over time, these cells can develop slight differences in their behavior due to manufacturing variations, aging, and usage conditions. These differences can cause the battery pack to become less efficient and wear out more quickly. This project will explore how different techniques used to manage and minimize these differences can affect the overall performance and lifespan of a battery pack. The student will use the tools of MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape to build models and run simulations that track how initial differences between cells evolve over time under different scenarios. Day-to-day tasks will include creating and testing models, writing code to simulate pack behavior, troubleshooting (an inevitable but valuable part of the process), and interpreting the results to identify key trends and insights. By the end of the summer, the student will have gained hands-on experience in battery modeling, battery system design, computational simulation, and data analysis. The project will culminate in a short report and a presentation summarizing their findings. This is a great opportunity to learn about the principles of battery systems, develop practical (and transferrable) skills in simulation and programming, and contribute to solving real-world challenges in clean energy technology. While this project is best suited for students with previous programming experience and exposure to/familiarity with ordinary differential equations, specific preparation is less important than creativity, enthusiasm and willingness to pursue different ideas, as well as a dedication to solving problems. | Energy,Engineering | Chemistry,Computer programming,Engineering,Mathematics | Simona Onori | Joseph Lucero (Grad student) | |
31 | Assessing Thermochemical Alteration during Heating-Based Experiments of Extraterrestrial Samples | Geophysics | Iron-rich minerals within meteorites provide snapshots of magnetic histories from early solar system processes, including those originating in the protoplanetary disk and protoplanetary bodies. To investigate the magnetic intensity of these ancient fields, researchers often rely on heating-based experiments. However, when heating occurs in Earth’s oxygen-rich environment, thermochemical alteration can erase or modify the original magnetic signals. Despite the recognition of this oxygen-based alteration process, no study has quantitatively assessed its impact on the accuracy of ancient magnetic field intensity estimates. We are seeking a motivated student eager to engage in this lab-based research opportunity. The student will take a leading role in conducting thermal paleomagnetic and rock magnetic experiments on extraterrestrial samples. This project involves performing advanced rock magnetism experiments and learning the broadly applicable technique of transmission electron microscopy. While prior exposure may influence the project's direction, no prior laboratory or coding expertise is necessary; the student will gain all essential skills throughout the program. | Evolution of Earth,Other | Geology,Laboratory work,Physics | Sonia Tikoo | Ethan Lopes (Grad student) | |
32 | Exploring kelp forest dynamics via video surveys | Oceans | Giant kelp is a vital component of the coastal ecosystem in Monterey, serving as a key source of food and habitat for local marine fish and invertebrate species. Understanding the dynamics and flow processes of kelp forests is essential for their protection. The student researcher will contribute to a year-long study of the kelp forest at Hopkins Marine Life Refuge. Utilizing innovative video transect surveys from the Diversifying and Integrating Marine Education at Stations: Kelp Forests of Monterey Peninsula (DIMES KFMP) collection, the researcher will conduct detailed counts of giant kelp and apply statistical methods to analyze variations within a single kelp forest. This research will enhance our understanding of how video surveys can complement traditional in situ surveys, which can be less accessible and more time-consuming. Depending on the researcher's interests and pace, there are additional research opportunities involving video surveys, such as comparing findings to remote sensing data or employing machine learning to identify kelp and invertebrate species. The student will have the chance to participate in fieldwork and excursions to the Hopkins Marine Station, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Mendocino coast. The student researcher will be mentored by a graduate student from the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory. All students are encouraged to apply, though basic programming and statistical skills (in any language) would be beneficial. Students with an interest in physical oceanography and marine biology are especially welcome. | Ocean | Biology,Computer programming,Field work,Machine learning,Statistics | Stephen Monismith | Jayde Meng (Grad student) & Robin Elahi (Academic staff) | |
33 | Competition between bacteria and entomopathogenic fungi in California oak woodland | Earth System Science | This project aims to understand how different micro-organisms (ranging from nematodes to bacteria and fungi) all targeting the same nutrient source (insects in the soil) can coexist in the soil ecosystem. We previously isolated 5 different nematodes species and at least 2 different fungi from the same oak woodland at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ('Ootchamin 'Ooyakma). We were able to show that the nematodes can outcompete the fungi and sometime emerge from the insect larva, whereas they cannot if the fungi is not present. Interestingly we have found that this is thanks to the symbiotic bacteria they carry. However, we only investigated the competition between the fungi and the bacteria carried by the nematode in vitro on Petri dishes. This SURGE project aims at validating the results we obtained in vitro, using insect larva. The student will work with the mentors to co-infest insect larva with different fungi strains and bacteria that were isolated from the nematodes. Depending on how comfortable the student feel with handling insect larvae, we may also test more combinations of competition between bacteria and fungi in vitro. Altogether this work will allow a better understanding on how all those organisms interact with each other and will also help improve the understanding and development of biocontrol agents for agriculture. | Evolution of Life,Food and Agriculture | Biology,Laboratory work,Statistics | Tadashi Fukami | Amaury Payelleville (Faculty) | |
34 | Temperature effects on nectar microbes of a native California plant | Earth System Science | This project aims to understand the effects of climate change (temperature change) on microbial communities that live in nectar. We work with the nectar microbes of the sticky monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus), a native California plant. These microbes (bacteria and yeast) arrive to flowers via pollinators and other flower visitors. The outcome of the interactions between bacteria and yeast is influenced by their order of arrival to newly opened flowers. At the same time, we know that microbes are sensitive to temperature, with resulting effects on population growth rates. As a result, rising temperatures can affect the outcome of competitive interactions through their effects on populations. We seek a student interested in conducting lab and/or field experiments. Using nectar microbes, the student and the mentors will jointly develop an independent project that aims to understand the outcome of species interactions and community dynamics under climate change. No previous lab experience is required. You will gain experience on basic microbiology techniques, DNA extraction, PCR, and develop data analysis skills using R. | Climate Change,Evolution of Life | Biology,Field work,Laboratory work,Statistics | Tadashi Fukami | Rosa McGuire (Postdoc) | |
35 | Develop web-based tools to engage communities around carbon capture and storage | Energy Science Engineering | Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is not well understood by the general public. The goal of this project is to assist in developing a set of web-based tools to provide unbiased technical assistance to community stakeholders and advocacy groups to raise their technical understanding of CCS, its benefits, risks, and potential mitigations for those risks. These web-based resources will also share geographical and geological information specific to projects that have been proposed in the Central Valley Basin of California. Previous experience developing websites and or with HTML is a plus, as well as an ability to explain complex ideas to a lay audience. | Climate Change,Energy | Computer programming | Tony Kovscek | Sarah Saltzer (Research staff) | |
36 | Next-generation solar cells: Designing novel energy materials using a combined experimental and computational approach | Earth & Planetary Sciences | The urgent challenges of climate change and rising global energy necessitate sustainable energy sources. Among these, photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most promising solutions. Over the past decade, halide perovskites have emerged as next-generation solar cell materials, demonstrating remarkable advancements in power conversion efficiencies over traditional silicon and thin-film solar cells. Their optimal band gap range and low production cost make halide perovskites highly favorable for PV applications. In addition, their low bulk modulus, due to halogen anions, results in a soft lattice. This allows their structure to be easily tuned using pressure, enabling dramatic property changes. These features make halide perovskites ideal for high-pressure studies, offering opportunities to design novel solar cell materials. In this project, the student will explore the relationship between structure and property changes of organic-inorganic halide perovskites under high pressure. This research will employ experimental techniques, including diamond anvil cells, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, computational methods such as density functional theory calculations will be used to explain the underlying mechanisms driving the observed experimental results. With guidance from the mentor, the student will conduct experiments and calculations and analyze the results. Depending on the student’s interests, the project may include an application of data-driven approaches utilizing artificial intelligence to predict material properties. We are seeking a motivated student with a strong interest in sustainable energy materials and a desire to engage in interdisciplinary research. A background in chemistry or materials science and basic programming skills in languages such as Python or C/C++ are desirable. | Energy | Chemistry,Laboratory work,Machine learning,Physics | Wendy Mao | Minkyung Han (Grad student) & Yu Lin (Research staff) | |
37 | Ammonia Removal from Ion Exchange Wastewater | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Critical infrastructure for water treatment is reaching the end of its useful lifespan in the United States, but we don’t have efficient new technologies to replace the old systems. Research needs to focus on developing new technologies to remove contaminants like ammonia from wastewater. Ammonia can cause algae blooms which create dead zones in aquatic environments, resulting in millions of dollars of losses to local economies and untold damage to the environment. Utilities like SFPUC are planning to spend billions of dollars to remediate this issue, but they don’t yet have the best tools. In this project we are seeking students who are interested in developing novel electrochemical treatment methods to remove ammonia and ultimately develop cost competitive methods for treatment. Students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of electrochemistry, laboratory methods, and hands-on experimental design. Electrochemical processes have some inherent advantages over traditional biological systems because the reactions can be more easily controlled and optimized. Students will learn about the process that goes into electrochemical catalyst selection and system design, then help to fabricate those electrodes, and finally collect data from the system on ammonia removal during operation. This project is conducted with collaborators at the University of Illinois with funding from the US Department of Energy, which will allow students to learn about the process of collaboration and also the opportunity to use real samples from the group at Illinois | Engineering,Freshwater | Chemistry,Engineering,Laboratory work | William Mitch | Cade Napier (Grad student) | |
38 | Towards Scalable Manufacture of Low Iridium Loading Catalyst for Durable PEM Water Electrolyzers | Energy Science Engineering | Green hydrogen produced by electrolysis will play a critical role in achieving deep decarbonization for various sectors. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers are particularly attractive when coupled with renewable electricity. A critical challenge facing PEM electrolyzers is the use of scarce and expensive Iridium-based catalysts, contributing to the high cost of green hydrogen. This project aims to achieve the Department of Energy's goal of reducing the iridium (Ir) loading to below 0.125 mg Ir/cm2 by stabilizing the highly active catalytic Ir sites in acid-stable metal oxides and increasing the electrical conductivity of catalyst supports through doping. We are looking for students who have experimental or hands-on experience, ideally with a materials and/or chemistry background. The students will conduct experiments to synthesize and characterize catalysts. | Energy,Engineering | Chemistry,Engineering,Laboratory work | Xiaolin Zheng | Xiaolin Zheng (Faculty) | |
39 | Understanding the Role of Atmospheric Aerosols in Weather and Climate Systems | Earth System Science | There is a significant challenge in comprehending and a;ribu>ng climate changes due to the complexity of distinguishing the radiative impacts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols. For example, the shiHing trends in aerosol emissions - decreasing in Europe and the U.S. but rising in Asia - have led to periods of increased and decreased solar brightness, significantly affecting global atmospheric patterns. Moreover, the loading of biomass burning (BB) aerosols in the United States and globally, particularly wildfires, has escalated dramatically in recent years, due to the increases in the frequency and severity of fire activity under the warmer and drier climate. Aerosols enter the atmosphere either directly as primary particles or are formed as secondary particles through gas-to-particle conversion processes. These aerosols further undergo various chemical and physical changes and possess distinctive optical properties. Furthermore, the microphysical properties of man-made aerosols have a notable effect on cloud formation, influencing occurrences of heavy precipitation, floods, and extreme weather such as hurricanes. Current assessments of the nature and magnitude of aerosol impacts are severely hindered by an inadequate understanding of the regionally dependent atmospheric transformations of aerosol properties during transports and resulting impacts on cloud properties and radiative balance, remote sensing challenges in retrieving spatial information on specific aerosol types, and model representations of key aerosol processes. We have on-going projects to 1) utilize comprehensive remote sensing datasets to provide observational constraints for the key parameters of light absorbing aerosols in climate and air-quality models; 2) conduct multiscale modeling framework to assess impacts of regional aerosol trends; 3) using aerosols and pre-cursor gases as tracers to study overshooting deep convections. | Climate Change,Natural Hazards | Chemistry,Computer programming,Machine learning,Physics,Statistics | Yuan Wang | Yuan Wang (Faculty) & Yuhan Wang (Postdoc) | |
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