Scaling the Use of Biomass and Engineered Living Materials to Mitigate Climate Change and Build Just Sustainable Communities in California
Matthew Potts, Professor
Environmental Science, Policy and Management
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
Project Overview: California faces dual challenges of ambitious climate commitments and a severe affordable housing crisis. This project aims to address these challenges by developing and scaling the use of Engineered Living Materials (ELM)—advanced biomaterials that integrate living cells with synthetic scaffolds. These materials can sense, respond to, and adapt to environmental changes, offering innovative solutions for climate resilience and sustainable community development.
The research focuses on integrating ELM into the built environment, leveraging synthetic biology, materials science, and environmental science principles. By using biomass waste from California forests, the project seeks to create healthier, more affordable, and energy-efficient living environments, reducing the economic and biophysical impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Research Objectives:
Catalyze durable carbon removal: Explore how ELM can contribute to forest carbon sequestration and wildfire risk reduction.
Innovate sustainable housing solutions: Develop ELM-based construction materials that are climate-resilient and culturally relevant.
Promote climate equity: Ensure that the benefits of ELM technologies reach marginalized communities, fostering just and sustainable development.
Role: Role of Undergraduate Apprentices: Undergraduate students will play a central role in this interdisciplinary project, participating in various research activities, including:
Data Collection and Analysis: Assist in gathering and analyzing data on biomass sourcing, carbon sequestration, and the socio-environmental impacts of ELM.
Experimental Design: Contribute to literature reviews to better understand the performance and scalability of ELM products.
Expected Learning Outcomes: Students will gain hands-on experience in:
Data management and analytics: Develop skills in managing and analyzing large datasets using tools like GIS, R, and Google Earth Engine.
Interdisciplinary research: Engage with concepts from environmental science, engineering, architecture, and community development.
Climate and environmental equity: Learn about the socio-economic and environmental justice implications of emerging technologies.
Qualifications: We seek motivated and independent undergraduate students with a background in environmental sciences, engineering, architecture, or related fields. Ideal candidates will have:
Experience in programming (e.g., R) and/or geospatial analysis (e.g., Google Earth Engine)
Strong organizational, reading, and writing skills A passion for sustainability, climate equity, and innovative solutions to environmental challenges
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Deibi Sibrian, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: to be negotiated
Related website: https://nature.berkeley.edu/pottslab/
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