#28 January 30, 2026
Eric Zimmerman
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IMPORTANT REGISTRATION DATES & DEADLNES:
TODAY! Jan. 30 - Wild Rockies Lean at Lunch Info
Session 1:00 in Bren 4316
Feb. 2, 2026 Deadline to Drop Winter courses without a “W”
Feb. 3, 2026 ES Scholarship Info Session via Zoom @4pm
Feb. 9, 2026 Spring
Quarter Registration Pass #1 opens.
Check
GOLD for your
specific day/time & class schedule info.
Feb. 18, 2026 Deadline to submit ES 2026 Scholarship Applications!
- View Winter
Quarter Registration Deadlines
- View Registration
Pass Times & Info
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ES 2026 SCHOLARSHIP INFO:
UCSB Environmental Studies is excited to announce that the scholarship application portal for the 2026 cycle is now open! Over $40,000 in funding and 20+ scholarships are available to declared UCSB ES and HYDRO major only. Detailed information about each scholarship, along with the application link, is available on the ES Scholarship webpage.
Please note that a single application is used for all ES scholarships, so you only need to apply once to be considered for multiple awards. Application deadline: Wednesday, February 18 at 11:59 p.m. To help you navigate the application process, ES has created a short video tutorial, which you can watch here.
In addition, ES will be hosting a Scholarship Info Session via Zoom on Tuesday, February 3 at 4:00 p.m. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions about the scholarships or the application process. Zoom Meeting link & ID: 805 893 3185
If you have any questions, please email: espr...@es.ucsb.edu
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INDEX:
1) UCSB
Film
Screening "The Issue with
Tissue: A
Boreal Love Story" and Q&A with
the filmmaker, Michael Zelniker.
- Wednesday, February 4th at 4pm in Bren 4016.
2) UCSB AS Zero Waste Committee Fix-It Volunteer Sign Up and Ortega Survey
3) Earn
$10,000 to be
a UCSB College Corps
Fellow in Climate Action, Food Security,
or K-12
Education! Openings available for the 2026-2027 academic year,
applications
due this quarter. See below for upcoming Info Sessions!
4) AI for Pre-Law Students Panel Reminder - Mon 2/2 @ 6:15PM in ILP 1302
5) General
Info
meeting for UCSB Students for Inclusivity and Diversity in ES
- PHELPS 1440 at 6:30 PM every Tuesday
6) Join
the UCSB Sci
Comm Club for a talk on using analogies to communicate
complex science! - Tuesday,
February 3rd, 5:00-6:00 PM, Girvetz Hall 2128
7) Apply Now for Flathead Lake Biological Station’s Summer Session 2026
8) Study
Abroad
Info-Sessions – Water for Life and Coral Reef Ecology
in Latin America – with Ceiba Foundation for Tropical
Conservation
9) PAID
Undergraduate
summer fieldwork opportunity/ Undergraduate
Research Assistant in Yosemite
National Park, Sierra & Sequoia National
Forests with UCSB Bren Grad
Student!
10) NEEDED:
UCSB 2035
Initiative Japanese Language Research Assistant
to assist cutting-edge
“think-and-do” tank that brings together world-leading
environmental policy
research labs to develop actionable roadmaps for
slashing climate pollution and
ushering in a more equitable, resilient future!
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CONTENT:
1) UCSB
Film
Screening "The Issue with
Tissue: A
Boreal Love Story" and Q&A with the filmmaker, Michael
Zelniker.
- Wednesday, February 4th at 4pm in Bren 4016.
This is an amazing film about the Indigenous-led struggle to defend Canada's Boreal forest from corporations that are turning the trees into toilet tissue. In addition to meeting the director, you will enjoy delicious food, beverages and good conversation! For more info click here or see attached Flyer.
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2) UCSB AS Zero Waste
Committee Fix-It Volunteer Sign Up and Ortega Survey
Volunteer with AS Zero Waste Committee for our Fix-It Fair
Can you fix bikes, clothing, jewelry, surfboards, appliances, or more? Do you need volunteer hours? Come help your peers and reduce waste in our community on February 6th from 11-4pm at the IVCC! You do NOT need to be an expert. All levels of skills are welcome. Pizza will be served to all volunteers as well.
Sign up HERE!
WIN A $10 TRADER JOE'S GIFT CARD by filling out AS ZWC's Ortega Dining Survey
The UCSB Zero Waste Compost Coordinators would love to gain some information about where you dispose of your Ortega or other restaurant takeout containers and utensils. Please fill out this form to help us out and if you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to as-...@ucsb.edu. 3 people will win 10 dollar gift cards to Trader Joe's!
Fill out HERE!
Questions, contact: Cameron Curtin <camero...@ucsb.edu>
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3) Earn $10,000 to be
a UCSB College Corps Fellow in Climate Action, Food Security, or
K-12
Education! Openings available for the 2026-2027 academic year,
applications due this quarter. See below for upcoming Info
Sessions!
Upcoming Information Sessions where you can learn more!
- Tuesday, February 10th 11am-12pm, McCune Conference Room, 6th Floor HSSB RSVP here
- Friday, February 13th 4-5pm Student Resource Building, Multipurpose Room RSVP here
- Tuesday, February 24th 12-1pm Zoom RSVP here
The California College Corps Program helps create debt-free pathways to college while engaging students across the state in solving problems in their communities. This program offers students, including DREAMers, up to $10,000 through a stipend and education award for completing 450 hours of community service in one year in areas of climate action, food insecurity, and K-12 education. UCSB will be joining Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Coastal California Civic
Leadership Consortium for the upcoming College Corps grant period of January 2026 to June 2029 and was approved to offer fellowships to 60 UCSB students annually who will work with local non-profits, government agencies, and community serving programs at higher education campuses.
Learn more at the UCSB College Corps Website
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4) AI for Pre-Law
Students Panel Reminder - Mon 2/2 @ 6:15PM in ILP 1302
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine the global
legal
landscape, the path to a law degree is being fundamentally
reshaped. For
students at a premier research university, understanding these
changes should
no longer be a future goal—it is an expectation for law school
preparation and
to be competitive in modern legal practice.
This UCSB panel brings their combined expertise to discuss the implications of using AI in different learning environments to help you move beyond the "hype" and gain an understanding of AI’s impact on the legal profession. From how generative AI is automating complex legal research to the evolving ethics of using AI in a variety of legal contexts, we will explore topics students should consider in order to adapt successfully to an evolving technology-driven legal market (description edited in part by AI:).
Moderator: Tom Jevens, former Google attorney, Santa Clara adjunct professor, and UCSB class of ‘87.
Panelists:
- Gina Genova, Writing Program, Senior Continuing Lecturer
- Rita Raley, Professor of English, Chair of the Academic Senate
- Fabian Offert, Assistant Professor for the History and Theory of Digital Humanities, Director for the Center for the Humanities and Machine Learning
- Matt Beane, Technology Management Program, Associate Professor
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the impact of AI on the legal profession as part of your preparation for an effective transition to law school and the legal profession.
UCSB Pre-Law Advising: uged.ucsb.edu/advising/pre-law-advising
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5) General Info
meeting for UCSB Students for Inclusivity and Diversity in ES
- PHELPS 1440 at 6:30 PM every Tuesday
SIDES weekly general meetings are changing location! Starting February 3rd, we'll meet in PHELPS 1440 at 6:30 PM every Tuesday. During our general meetings, we discuss plans for the club depending on what YOU would like to see. Food and snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there!
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6) Join the UCSB Sci
Comm Club for a talk on using analogies to communicate complex
science! - Tuesday,
February 3rd, 5:00-6:00 PM, Girvetz Hall 2128
The Science Communication Club is hosting a talk on crafting compelling analogies to explain complex biological concepts, featuring Dr. Lalo Gonzalez, Vice Chair of Undergraduate Studies and a published researcher across multiple scientific journals.
Dr. Gonzalez will discuss how STEM students can draw on humanities-based thinking to create clear, engaging, and even poetic analogies that strengthen scientific writing and communication. The talk will offer practical strategies for making complex ideas more accessible and impactful.
This event is open to everyone—no prior experience required.
Whether you’re
interested in science communication, biology, or improving your
writing skills,
all are welcome to attend.
Questions, contact: joshuas...@umail.ucsb.edu
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7) Apply Now for
Flathead Lake Biological Station’s Summer Session 2026 at https://flbs.umt.edu/summer/!
Join the Bio Station’ summer courses to deepen your understanding of ecosystems, boost critical thinking and research skills, and gain valuable hands-on research experience. The Bio Station is located in Northwest Montana and classes take trips around the area, including many into Glacier National Park. FLBS courses are open to students from any university and can be taken for undergraduate or graduate level credit.
The schedule with course titles and dates are on the attached flyer. More details on discounts and scholarships below!
How to Apply
Visit our website at: flbs.umt.edu/education and make an account
Complete all sections of the online application including transcripts and a Medical History Form
Submit your application before February 1 for a $100 discount
Discounts: We are offering a 20% discount for taking more than one course. i.e. take two courses and the second will be discounted 20%. Each subsequent course will also be 20% off!
Seminars in Ecology is 50% off. Add it to another course during the first four weeks of Summer Session
Scholarships: Eligible students will receive: $500 per credit in scholarships (until all funding is allocated) Apply Early!
Since 1899, Flathead Lake Biological Station of the University of Montana has offered immersive summer field ecology courses with aquatic and terrestrial focuses that emphasize direct field research and interactions with natural resource professionals. These rigorous, hands-on courses meet Federal, Montana Board of Regents, and University of Montana regulatory and policy requirements for contact hours and reliably transfer to other colleges and universities.
A syllabus for each course is posted online. (flbs.umt.edu/education).
Feel free to reach out with any questions. Gerhard, Hannah <hannah....@flbs.umt.edu>
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8) Study Abroad
Info-Sessions – Water for Life and Coral Reef Ecology in Latin
America – with Ceiba
Foundation for Tropical
Conservation
Ceiba partners with UW–Madison to offer study abroad programs in Latin America that are open to students from all universities!
I’m reaching out to kindly request your help in sharing the attached flyers with your students about two upcoming information sessions for our summer study abroad courses: Water for Life and Coral Reef Ecology. Both programs may be of strong interest to your students.
Water for Life
Students spend two weeks in Ecuador exploring water quality and human health. The course focuses on the impacts of land management on water systems, community-based water quality monitoring, and the epidemiology of waterborne pathogens in rural communities.
Water for Life Info-Session Details:
When:
Thursday,
February 12, 2026
Time:
4:30 PM CST
Where:
Birge Hall,
Room 158 *Students can attend virtually via Zoom, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OKlq5tzKR1idAOM7_yoNtw
Perks:
Free pizza!
Coral Reef Ecology
This program immerses students in tropical marine ecosystems, where they gain hands-on field experience studying coral reef ecology, conservation challenges, and research methods in coastal environments.
Coral Reef Ecology Info-Session Details:
When:
Monday,
February 9, 2026
Time:
4:30 PM CST
Where:
Students can
attend virtually via Zoom, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xjgjRXosQg2U-8uHMvGwCQ
See attached for Info Session Flier!
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9) PAID Undergraduate
summer fieldwork opportunity/ Undergraduate Research Assistant in
Yosemite
National Park, Sierra & Sequoia National Forests with UCSB
Bren Grad
Student!
Temporary Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant - Summer 2026
Salary: Salary based on experience and hours worked
Location: Yosemite National Park, Sierra & Sequoia National Forests
Field Season: Mid-June to late-September, hours may vary
Job Description: 1-2 field research assistants are needed to support a field project evaluating forest recovery following high severity fire in forests of the Sierra
Nevada. Field data collection includes hiking to remote field sites, often off-trail and through shrubs, to measure forest recruitment, fire severity, and vegetation composition.
Data collection will take place in various National Parks and Forests across the southern Sierra Nevada, and includes a mix of car camping with day hikes to survey
sites as well as multi-day backpacking trips. Shared campsites and housing will be provided for work days and non-work days in the field. Field sites are located in remote areas without cell service or internet for multiple days at a time.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest and enthusiasm for environmental science, forest and fire ecology
- Outdoor and/or backcountry experience
- Coursework or work experience related to biology, forestry, or botany
- Commitment to inclusivity and working on a team
- Enthusiasm for camping, hiking, and remote landscapes is a plus!
How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume and two references (including name, organization, phone, email, and relationship to you). Please describe any relevant
experience including camping, fieldwork, botany skills, and willingness to work outside in challenging terrain and inclement weather. Please send your application materials to olr...@ucsb.edu with the subject line “Forest Ecology Crew Application - Your Name”. Full materials must be submitted by February 8, 2026.
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10) NEEDED: UCSB 2035
Initiative Japanese Language Research Assistant to assist
cutting-edge
“think-and-do” tank that brings together world-leading
environmental policy
research labs to develop actionable roadmaps for slashing climate
pollution and
ushering in a more equitable, resilient future!
The 2035 Initiative at UC Santa Barbara is a cutting-edge “think-and-do” tank that brings together world-leading environmental policy research labs to develop actionable roadmaps for slashing climate pollution and ushering in a more equitable, resilient future. We use empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet.
We are currently searching for an Undergraduate Research Assistant who is fluent in written and spoken Japanese to support ongoing research on climate change and Japanese politics. This position will include analyzing political rhetoric from Japanese politicians and political parties in the original Japanese.
Job Duties
Analyze speeches, election manifestos, and other communications by Japanese political parties and individual politicians
Conduct content analysis, following an established categorization protocol, quantifying the volume and content of policy positions within Japanese political communications
Similarly analyze publications and other releases by interest groups in Japan to understand their position on climate
Compile and code historical Japanese election data
Desired Qualifications
Interest in Japanese politics and/or environmental policy
Prior research experience in political science, environmental science, or a related field
Strong attention to detail
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Job Details
This is a student assistant position and will be for ~10hrs/wk at $25/hr. Exact hours may vary depending on project needs.
If you are interested in this position, please fill out this Google form by Friday, February 6.
-- Eric D. Zimmerman (he/him) Student Services Manager, Lecturer Environmental Studies, UC Santa Barbara To schedule a Zoom advising appointment visit: https://tinyurl.com/8nrcckds "Work Hard ~ Play Harder!"
