We are excited to invite you to celebrate the Environmental Studies Program’s 55th Anniversary! This two-day event will feature the 41st Annual Steven Manley Memorial Lecture, an alumni-student reception, and a morning session introducing you to the next generation of Environmental Studies faculty and students. We hope you can join us for this special occasion!
Friday, May 23, 2025
41st Annual Steven Manley Memorial Lecture
4-5:30pm | Girvetz 1004
Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry & Falasco Chair in Earth Sciences at the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced
Digging Deeper: Unearthing Solutions for Climate Change, Advancing Science, and Nurturing Inclusive STEM
See full details and learn more about the Steven Manley Memorial Lecture.
Environmental Studies 55th Anniversary Alumni & Student Reception
5:30-7:00pm | Girvetz Courtyard
Join us for a special alumni-student reception! Connect with fellow Environmental Studies alumni and current students over delicious drinks and appetizers. This is a great opportunity to network, share experiences, and celebrate our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday, May 24, 2025
The Next Generation of Environmental Studies
8:30-12:30pm | Bren Plaza and Marine Science Auditorium (MSI 1302)
8:30-9:15am | Bagels and Coffee
9:30-10:20am | Environmental Studies Faculty Research Flash Talks
Current Environmental Studies faculty will share their latest research in brief, dynamic presentations. This is a great opportunity to learn about cutting-edge work in the discipline.
10:30-11:20am | Film Screening and Discussion
Discover the inspiring work of our students through a special screening of their environmental films. This session offers a unique glimpse into the issues that matter the most to the next generation of environmental leaders.
Featured films include:
- The Kelp We Breathe (2024)
Natalie Aymond, Tatum Davis, Taylor Ortiz, and Jack Phillips
In Northern California, artists and environmental advocates confront the widespread loss of kelp forests—capturing what's left through their work and calling for ecological restoration. - The Hands that Feed Us (2025)
Maya Bengard, Ella Boostani, Maya Gilbert, and Bella Ivory
In California’s coastal heartland, four women organize and advocate for undocumented farmworkers, confronting a political climate increasingly hostile to immigrants and demanding justice in the fields. - Otter 841 (2023)
Logan Asperin, Lauren Barley, Rachel Burnett, Vince Cuenco, and Macielle Villasenor
When a surfboard-stealing otter goes viral, she becomes the center of a global media frenzy—raising questions about human-wildlife conflict, protection, and freedom.
11:30-12:30pm | Environmental Studies Student Flash Talks
Hear from our students as they deliver rapid-fire flash talks showcasing their innovative research and action projects. Get inspired by their ideas and the real-world solutions they are developing.
Since Saturday’s celebration ends by 12:30 pm, we invite you to take advantage of the rest of your weekend by exploring the beauty of Santa Barbara. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, savor local cuisine, or reconnect with fellow Gauchos, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Make the most of your visit and discover all that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Special Field Trip Opportunity: Condor's Hope Ranch Weekend Work Party
All Day | Condor's Hope Ranch, Cuyama Valley
Spend a day volunteering at Condor's Hope Vineyard in exchange for food and wine. The vineyard uses traditional dry-farm practices to produce complex wines while protecting the environment and conserving water. Cost is $50/person. Registration is limited to six individuals.