Environmental Solution Specialization: Research or Internship Experience
Year 4 of the program is designed to offer Yardi Scholars the flexibility to pursue an environmental solution specialization of their choosing. By their senior year, students in the program will have developed specific topical interests, which they can pursue through either a research project or an internship experience. UC Santa Barbara offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate research through departmental senior research thesis programs, through the Faculty Research Assistant Program, through the Beckman and McNair Scholars program (see Undergraduate Research Opportunities for a complete list). Yardi students may also earn course credit via an environmental solutions internship. Both settings will support students in acquiring and practicing useful research and professional skills and will contribute to their academic and career goals. Participating students will gain experience working in applied research and professional settings, engagement with research methods and data, and enhanced understanding about how research and practice helps inform environmental solutions.
Winter Senior Seminar on Changemaking for Just Sustainability
Yardi program participants will have the opportunity to reflect on what they have learned about multidisciplinary environmental problem solving and changemaking in a senior seminar focused on Changemaking for Just Sustainability. The two-unit senior seminar will feature guest speakers who are environmental changemakers. The course will allow personalized contact between the Yardi Scholars and environmental leaders and will encourage soon-to-be graduating students in the program to reflect on their environmental career trajectories. The seminar will be required of Yardi Scholars in Year 4.
