EVST News February 22nd, 2021

February 22, 2021
 
 

Please join EVST for a conversation about navigating careers and graduate studies in environmental justice and ways to build meaningful relationships with place and people. There will be time for Q&A after the event. Come with questions for our wonderful speakers! Zoom link.  

Read about our speakers:

  • Tien Tran (BS EVST ‘19, she/her/hers), Associate Governmental Program Analyst, California State Water Resources Control Board

Tien grew up in a big Vietnamese American household in Van Nuys, California. At Yale, she studied environmental issues specific to California, such as the history of farm labor organizing and climate change related health impacts on homeless residents in Los Angeles. Two summers ago, Tien completed the Greenlining Institute Summer Associate Program and learned about racial equity and policy advocacy across sectors, with a focus on energy. Part of the Senate Fellows Program 2019-2020, she led state housing and environmental policy in Senator Durazo’s office. Now Tien is an Associate Governmental Program Analyst at California State Water Resources Control Board, serving two board members. She loves storytelling, green tea, and frogs. 

  • Lekha Tlhotlhalemaje (BA EVST & History ‘19, she/her/hers) Master’s Student, University of British Columbia 

Lekha grew up Johannesburg, South Africa. At Yale, she concentrated in environmental justice, and specifically on land reform in South Africa. She wrote her thesis on farm dwellers in uMgungundlovu who live and, often, work on white-owned land, but have little autonomy over the land or access to basic services. She also majored in history and was part of the Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human Rights. After graduating, she worked as a Woodbridge Fellow at the Yale Office of International Affairs, focusing on Africa. Currently, she is an MA student at the University of British Columbia’s Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability. She is considering writing her Master’s Thesis on climate migration within Southern Africa. She is passionate about watching movies and reading fiction, and is a fledgeling kombucha-brewer.

  • Selah Bell (BA EVST ‘20, he/him/his), Research Associate, Environmental Law Institute

Selah grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. At Yale he concentrated in environmental policy and law, writing a thesis that analyzed the politics of risk, catastrophe, and the regulatory history of coal combustion wastes. He also co-founded a student-led group called the Yale Environmental Education Collaborative, conducting place-based environmental lessons in local New Haven schools. His previous two summers were spent coordinating Corporate Social Responsibility programming as an intern with Cox Enterprises in Atlanta. Last summer he joined the Environmental Law Institute as a Research Associate. Some of his current work involves program development for Environmental Justice educational webinars as well as research support and writing duties for the re-implementation of ELI’s Blight Revitalization Initiative for Green, Healthy Towns (BRIGHT) program. He’s obsessed with reading fiction, playing and watching basketball, watching anime, and very gradually becoming a plant dad.

Program News

EVST DUS Office Hours | Email Professor Fotos to make an appointment to Zoom or talk on the phone. Office hours this week: Tuesday from 2-5:00pm.

EVST Program Manager | Questions about the major, course registration, summer opportunities, details in this newsletter, or the YSE 5-Year Program? Email Linda Evenson to make an appointment to zoom or talk on the phone.

EVST Peer Mentors are available to answer questions about the major and summer experiences, and to help you navigate other aspects of Yale.

EVST Calendar | Check the calendar for upcoming events and opportunities.

Becoming an EVST Major | Students interested in joining either the EVST BA or BS Programs must complete a short process - details can be found here.  If you have questions, please email studies.environment@yale.edu.

Follow EVST on Facebook and Instagram and request to join the Yale College Environmental Studies Group and the Yale Blue Green on LinkedIn. You will find former newsletters in the News section of the EVST website and upcoming events by clicking the Calendar tab.

 
 

Opportunities

Opportunities with later deadlines or that have been featured in our previous newsletter have been moved to a Google Doc below so that the newsletter can be updated with the most relevant deadlines and new postings can stand out more.

Spring

Green Medicine Initiative at Yale | Are you interested in global health? How about reducing waste or helping communities in need?  The Green Medicine Initiative is looking for students interested in creating an organization to promote and enact green healthcare in Yale and New Haven. The medical field has a huge environmental footprint, especially in light of the COVID-19 crisis, and we want to change that by starting a chapter of the Green Medicine Initiative at Yale. If you’re interested in helping this cause, please contact Jon Michel EVST ‘22.  

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training - Webinar and Online self-paced options with Leading Green | LEED is simply a sustainability scorecard for green buildings. Buildings can become LEED Certified as can people! A way to break into the sustainability space is to attain the LEED Green Associate. Click here to learn more about the course, tuition, and different options to become LEED Certified. Please contact the instructor Lorne directly with any questions at info@leadinggreen.com

Energy-Related Student Opportunities from Sena Sugiono ‘24: Interested in joining either of the following two opportunities? Email sena.sugiono@yale.edu.

  • Legislative team that will advocate for climate policies. The members will engage in bill selection, bill review, constituent impact analysis, writing a letter to the editor, local impact outreach, petitioning, and direct lobbying to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). The opportunity allows you to directly engage in the lobbying process. Along the way, there will be workshops, seminars, and fireside chats with experienced lobbyists and political analysts. 
  • Committee to plan Yale’s first-year Sustainability Orientation (Energy component). We will be working with the Yale College Council and the Yale Carbon Charge Working Group on this project. 

Yale Law, Ethics & Animals Program (LEAP) 2020-21 Law, Ethics & Animals Program Student Grant Program. This program seeks to support Yale University student-led research and creative projects during the academic year and/or the summer, focused on advancing understanding of, drawing attention to, and/or developing strategies to address the urgent threats facing non-human animals. All current Yale students are invited to submit proposals for funding for projects. Research and scholarly projects are encouraged, but so too are projects in other mediums (e.g., podcasts, exhibits, documentaries, building tools or platforms, etc.) that seek to advance a more humane and sustainable world in new ways.  Proposals for project funding can range from $250 to $2500. Please contact Noah Macey (noah.macey [at] yale.edu) with questions. Learn more here. To apply, please search “LEAP” in the Yale Center for International and Professional Experience Student Grants Database. Apply by March 31st.

The Theron Rockwell Field and the John Addison Porter prize competitions are open to all students currently enrolled in Yale University. A committee of faculty judges review all submissions. Winners of the competitions are announced on Commencement day. EVST Senior Theses or final projects in your classes may be great submissions for the above prizes. Apply by May 7th.

  • The John Addison Porter Prize is given for a written work of scholarship in any field in which it is possible, through original effort, to gather and relate facts, principles, or both, and to make the product of general human interest.  The award was established in 1872 by the Kingsley Trust Association (The Scroll and Key Society) in honor of the late Professor Porter, who received a bachelor’s degree from Yale in 1842.
  • The Theron Rockwell Field Prize is given for “a poetic, literary, or religious work” of scholarship. The award was established in 1957 by Emilia R. Field in memory of her husband, Theron Rockwell Field, 1889S.

Based in Oregon and interested in food systems? The Viviane Barnett Fellowship for Food System Leaders is an 18-month long program designed to build the capacity of experienced and aspiring food systems leaders of color in Oregon. Find out more and apply here by March 2nd.

 

Summer 

C-DEBI Global Environmental Microbiology (GEM) Summer Course | The Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI), headquartered at the University of Southern California and funded by the National Science Foundation is offering an all-expense paid, three-week, intensive introductory aquatic microbiology course called Global Environmental Microbiology (GEM). Click here for details. Apply by February 25th.

NASA DEVELOP National Program (Paid/hourly basis)| DEVELOP fosters a collaborative, challenging, and dynamic work environment, where teams conduct ten-week feasibility studies that apply NASA Earth observations to address decision making needs. Currently enrolled students, recent college graduates, and early and transitioning career professionals, are eligible. Learn more and apply here by February 26th.

The Harvey Lab at the University of Washington is hiring 7-9 field assistants to work on research projects in forests of the western Cascades during summer 2021. Field assistants are critical members of their team and are essential to advancing research projects! Read a detailed job posting here. Apply by February 26th.

An Update about the Thomas C. Barry Summer Travel Fellowship for Summer 2021 |The Thomas C. Barry Summer Travel Fellowship supports self-designed projects, research and public service in developing countries (or remotely for summer ’21). This year, work within disenfranchised communities in the USA will also be supported. Application to this fellowship will be via the CIPE Summer Fellowships Common Application. Apply by March 3rd.

The Yale Forest School is soliciting applications for the Kohlberg-Donohoe and Taylor Research fellowships. These fellowships offer competitive research grants for research on Yale Forest properties and at Great Mountain Forest, respectively, and can be used to cover travel, lodging, supplies, and equipment related directly to the proposed research. Awards range in size from $1,000 and $5,000. Undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral students all are eligible. For more information on these fellowships, please visit: https://forests.yale.edu/research. Apply by March 12th.

Community Engagement Intern, Peninsula Open Space Trust (Palo Alto, CA) | Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is offering a flexible (16-30 hours a week) internship opportunity in support of POST’s Community Engagement programs. These include in person and virtual public events, event communications and coordination and similar efforts for POST’s Ambassador and Volunteer teams. This support may consist of research projects, database organization, assistance with event planning and execution, and other projects as requested. 

Conservation Stewardship Intern, New Mexico Land Conservancy (Santa Fe, New Mexico). Apply by March 26th.

Forestry and Wildlife Intern, Forest Stewards Guild (Carolina Sandhills NWR, McBee, SC). Apply by March 3rd.

 

Post-Grad

Multiple opportunities with The Nature Conservancy

Land Steward, Colorado West Land Trust (Grand Junction, Colorado) | CWLT is looking for a full-time Land Steward to join our growing team; a small but mighty family of professionals who work on behalf of our communities’ conservation needs. We need an experienced individual who can manage a portfolio of conservation easements across our six-county service area. Apply by March 14th.

Various openings and internships with CitySeed |Apply to be an Assistant Farmers Market Manager, Intern with Sanctuary Kitchen, and more. Apply here.

Mid-Coast Project Manager, Maine Coast Heritage Trust |The Mid-Coast Project Manager works directly with private landowners, partner organizations, communities, and state agencies to deliver Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s (MCHT) land conservation services in the mid-coast region (stretching from Rockland south to Brunswick) and to accomplish lasting conservation of important properties. Apply here by March 5th. 

Various Openings at Wildlands Network | Wildlands Network is a nonprofit organization that is committed to reconnecting, restoring and rewilding North America so that life—in all its diversity—can thrive. Find out about open positions and apply here.

Various Openings at 1% for the Planet | 1% for the Planet is a global organization that accelerates smart environmental giving. They advise on giving strategies, certify donations and amplify the impact of the network. Find out about open positions and apply here

Environmental Analyst, LaBella Associates | LaBella Associates seeks an Environmental Analyst with an interest in renewable energy development to join any of our LaBella’s offices in New York, Pennsylvania, or Virginia – with the flexibility to work remotely. The Environmental Impact Group (EIG) within the Environmental Division at LaBella Associates provides environmental review, impact analysis, permitting and planning services to a variety of public, private, institutional, and utility clients. Find out more and apply here.

UC Berkeley Station Manager, Sagehen Creek Field Station | Find out more about the job here

Become a Campaign Associate with Environment America or PIRG |Browse a list of open positions on jobs.environmentamerica.org or jobs.uspirg.org.

Farm Lease Opportunity with the McKenzie River Trust |  Farm for Lease on 24 Irrigated, uncertified organic, acres located on the McKenzie River in Lane County, Oregon. The Lease covers a barn, greenhouse, shop, and a modern 4 bed 2 ½ bath home. Looking for are ideally looking for an established or contract production farmer/s, preferably organic. Young or unestablished farmers with a solid business plan are also welcome! Apply and find out more here.

OCS works closely with many Yale alums and long-term employer partners, referred to as Preferred Yale Partners. To find opportunities offered by Preferred Yale Partners in the Yale Career Link choose More Filters, and select Preferred Yale Partner (you can also search by location, industry, job function, and other fields). You can also explore Environmental Jobs Sites on YSE’s website!

 

Fall

2021 GreenWave Kelp Hatchery Internship | GreenWave is a non-profit organization that trains and supports regenerative ocean farmers in the era of climate change. They work with coastal communities throughout North America to create a blue green economy—built and led by ocean farmers—that ensures we all make a living on a living planet. New ocean farmers receive training and support that help them start and run successful ocean farms. They also support research that addresses barriers and creates opportunities for ocean farmers. GreenWave is seeking three hatchery interns to work in our kelp hatchery from September through December 2021. Interns will receive mentorship and technical training and will have opportunities to engage in cutting edge research. This is a hands-on 150-hour internship (approximately 10 hours/week). Lauren Kim (‘21) can attest that this is a one-of-a-kind, fantastic experience; apply and become a kelp farmer! Apply by March 5th. (Picture from GreenWave’s Instagram, @greenwaveorg)

Apply to be a Harvest leader! | Interested in welcoming first years to Yale through a week of farming, food, and fun? The Harvest Pre-Orientation Program is seeking leaders to run programing for incoming first-years and transfer students on farms across Connecticut in 2021. Leaders are in charge of logistics, communication with farmers, and most importantly, peer mentorship and community building. Apply here by February 28th at 11:59pm. Email moobahs@gmail.com with any questions or feel free to reach out to Gavi Welbel or Alex Opsahl, co-moobahs.

 
 

Upcoming Events

Check the EVST calendar for upcoming events. Below are a few events happening this week or requiring registration.

“Climate Policy and Politics,” Leah Stokes, UC Santa Barbara | Thursday, February 25 @ 4-5:30 PM The ISPS Policy Lab has arranged a book talk by Professor Leah Stokes, an expert on the politics of climate change and energy policy. Only members of the Yale community can attend, including undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. There will be an opportunity to directly ask questions to Professor Stokes. For more information and the sign-up form, please click here.

Yale Food Systems Symposium - Feb. 23-26 |Virtual panels, workshops, and digestion sessions will cover a range of topics, from seaweed farming to next-generation land access to worker wellbeing in the face of COVID-19.  Open to all and co-sponsored by EVST. Register here

SAVE THE DATE! UC Berkeley 2021 Agroecological City Conference | Come join urban farmers, food and farming justice advocates, policy makers, educators, community organizers, and engaged citizens to share strategies for strengthening our urban food and farming systems.

Through panel discussions and break-out sessions over two weeks, you will engage in active conversation and learning about critical aspects of food and farming in the East Bay and beyond. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Turn over ideas for creative and innovative pathways to access land for urban farming
  • Dig into the intersection of food and land stewardship for community healing and Just Transitions
  • Explore the latest agroecological research and policy work alongside the role of education institutions in farm and food resilience
 

Fun DIY Project:  Natural Inks 

I’ve been making natural inks for my printmaking class, ART 457, this week. It has been a lot of fun, and I wanted to share some tips and tricks with you all.

1. Go on a foraging walk! I went around East Rock and around Wooster Square. Bring some scissors and look around for things with good color (berries, branches, rusty metals, etc.)

2. Boil some water and add vinegar and salt.

3. Strain in a coffee filter. 

4. Add drops of gum arabic and a whole clove to retain the color and prevent mold.

Check out Make Ink by Jason Logan for some more detailed steps. Enjoy and send me pics!

Warmly,

Lauren Kim, EVST Student Coordinator and Peer Mentor

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