Current Fellowship Projects 2023-24
Highlights of Current Fellowship Projects 2023-24
Electrify the Farm
Electrify the Farm
This project seeks to enhance sustainability performance and reduce carbon emissions within the agricultural operations of the farm. The project entails an in-depth energy audit to assess current energy consumption patterns and forecast future energy needs, and includes considerations for deployment of electric primary cultivating tractors, electric vehicle charging stations, welder/shop tools, and supplementary electric landscaping equipment. The endeavor will also involve an examination of financial incentives, notably the California Air Resources Board FARMER Program, to facilitate the transition to electric tractors. Additionally, the project will evaluate the feasibility and associated costs of integrating solar panels onto the barn's rooftop, thereby leveraging renewable energy sources, as well as a comparative analysis of the economic and ecological advantages of integrating barn-mounted solar panels with the electric grid versus employing on-farm battery storage.
Carbon Accounting and Sequestration on Stanford's Natural Lands
Carbon Accounting & Sequestration on Stanford’s Natural Lands
This project encompasses a comprehensive research and benchmarking effort, with a focus on evaluating carbon accounting methodologies employed by peer institutions across the nation, particularly those managing extensive natural areas. Review and summary of nature-based carbon accounting may also draw upon local municipalities and counties engaged in carbon accounting initiatives. Additionally, the project entails the utilization of ArcGIS tools for in-depth analysis of Stanford's natural lands, involving the examination of aerial images and plant community maps. Through this analysis, the project aims to calculate the total area covered by various plant community types and leverage existing literature estimates of average above ground carbon stored within each type. This data will be instrumental in estimating the overall carbon content within each plant community and the cumulative carbon storage across Stanford's property.
Enhancements of Stanford's EV Readiness
Enhancement of Stanford’s EV Readiness
The EV Readiness Fellow will undertake comprehensive research and data analysis to formulate an encompassing EV charging proposal and draft master plan for Stanford University. This initiative aims to establish a systematic framework and strategic approach for the augmentation of Stanford's EV charging infrastructure. Leveraging existing data repositories, projections of future expansion, upcoming technological advancements, and projected demand, the fellow will synthesize a comprehensive roadmap to bolster the university's electric vehicle charging capabilities, ensuring alignment with sustainable transportation objectives.
Preparing for Prescribed Burns at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
Preparing for Prescribed Burns at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
This project explores perceptions and barriers related to prescribed burns and other fuels management techniques (e.g., planned herbivory) at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and work toward aligning stakeholders (Stanford, community, fire agencies) in understanding the benefits of prescribed burns and herbivory, including considering such techniques in future Stanford wildfire management plans. The fellow will ultimately produce a final report or, as conditions allow, draft burn plan for JRBP that details a plan for vegetation management.
Going Zero Waste with Campus-Based Elementary and Pre-Schools
Complete List of Projects for 2023-24
To view each project in more detail, hover over the area next to each number on the left in order to expand the project record's view, or click on the bottom right to expand the whole table.