Satellites and Data Science Agricultural Research Fellow

Position Description 

Climate change is altering rainfall and temperature across Sub-Saharan Africa, posing significant challenges to food security and the livelihoods reliant on rainfed agriculture. Despite these challenges, the region harbors vast underutilized water resources, presenting a unique opportunity to enhance irrigation practices and improve agricultural resilience.

This project investigates the potential of irrigation to offer a sustainable and scalable approach for agriculture and to adapt to climate variability. While large-scale irrigation investments have historically underperformed, emerging forms of grass-roots irrigation investment show significant promise. This project will leverage data science and satellite data to assess the effectiveness of such systems, understand the factors driving their adoption, and evaluate their potential for continued success.

We are looking for an undergraduate student who is eager to contribute to meaningful research that could help inform policy and investment for agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. You will gain hands-on experience with data analysis, learn about the intersection of climate change and agriculture, and contribute to work that can make a difference in the lives of many.

Responsibilities

This summer, the chosen candidate will work alongside a Bren PhD student mentor to: 

-Conduct a short literature review to familiarize themselves with the state of the literature on irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa
-Gather and process data, including climate, market, and migration data. 
-Conduct preliminary analyses
-Interpret these results and submit them to be presented at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) fall meeting, which they will have an opportunity to attend (happening in Washington, DC this year)

Qualifications

-Interest and enthusiasm in the project
-Proficiency in programming in Python or R, particularly data processing and manipulation.
-A basic understanding of statistics (p-values, linear regression)
-Proficiency using GitHub

Details

The position is 10 weeks, 35 hours per week, with exact dates flexible between mid-June to mid-September. The work can be conducted remotely or in person. Payment is $18.57/hour. This position is part of the Bren Environmental Leadership Program – the student will participate in professional development training during the summer and a poster session at the Mantell Symposium on Environmental Justice and Conservation Innovation in Fall 2024. Applicants must be full-time UCSB continuing undergraduate students (not graduating within the 2024 calendar year).