Sustainable Subsea Networks: Metrics for Data Center Sustainability
Nicole Starosielski, Professor
Film Studies
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
The project is called Sustainable Subsea Networks (https://sustainablesubseanetworks.com/). We investigate the sustainability of subsea cables--the backbone of global digital networks that carry over 99% of transoceanic internet traffic (satellite is responsible for less than 1%). There are currently no industry-wide metrics for the assessment of the sustainability of the cable system. Our research enhances the sustainability of the internet by conducting research into the histories, contemporary uses, and effects of these metrics--with the goal of producing our own original guide to how to green this part of the internet's infrastructure. Students may be involved in researching sustainable developments for data centers, for ships that lay cables, and for factories that manufacture these systems around the world. We welcome humanities, social sciences, and science researchers to our interdisciplinary team. We welcome media and arts researchers who are interested in developing visual media about internet infrastructure. Students who participate in the project for more than a semester will likely have opportunities to publish in collaboration with our team.
Role: In this position, you can expect to:
1. Gain an in-depth understanding of the data center industry and its environmental impact, including subsea networks and the broader internet infrastructure around the globe.
2. Develop skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, with a focus on sustainability metrics within the data center industry and their potential use across other industries.
3. Learn to conduct a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing academic and industry research, and gathering real-world examples from the digital infrastructure sector.
4. Acquire experience in writing and visual communication for the dissemination of research findings, and create engaging visual representations of complex data.
5. Enhance collaborative research skills, working within an interdisciplinary team and across geographic locations and institutions, as well as hone independent working abilities, including project initiative and follow-through.
Potential weekly tasks could include:
1. Data Collection and Analysis of Metrics: The student will be tasked with helping members of the team gather data on the sustainability metrics from the data center. This will involve both quantitative and qualitative research, from combing through industry reports to conducting interviews or surveys with industry stakeholders (including other infrastructure sectors such as energy).
2. Literature Review of Broader Digital Infrastructure Sector: The student will help gather relevant and reliable materials for literature review on the topic, synthesizing academic and industry research and helping gather real-world examples from stakeholders (i.e., best industry practices, failed examples, noteworthy policy frameworks or international agreements, etc.). This task will help to contextualize the data collected and form the theoretical foundation for understanding the metrics aspect of the project.
3. Writing and Visual Dissemination: The student might be involved in providing editorial support to writing blog posts, articles, or other dissemination materials to share the findings of the research with a wider audience. The student will also help brainstorm and develop graphical representations of the metrics. This could involve generating charts, graphs, maps, and other visuals in order to represent complex information in a user-friendly and engaging way. They might also be asked to develop interactive data visualizations or infographics that can be shared on the SSN website or presented at academic conferences.
Qualifications: We are currently searching for passionate undergraduate students who can provide comprehensive research assistance in compiling, analyzing, and reporting relevant metrics within the data center industry around the world. As an ideal candidate, you should be highly interested in technology and sustainability issues, particularly in the realm of infrastructures and their connection to policy, economic development, industry activities, and the broader natural environment. You must also possess the ability to effectively collaborate with the researchers from our team, which includes professors, graduate students, industry stakeholders, and other associations, and be able to work both independently and diligently. You must be able to adapt to different perspectives, learn from the varied expertise of team members, and contribute your own unique insights to the project. If you have a passion for technology and social change, a curiosity to learn more about an ever-changing global-spanning industry, and a commitment to make internet infrastructures more sustainable, we would love to hear from you.
Required qualifications:
Undergraduates with a background in any social science or humanities discipline, such as media studies and communication, STS, geography, economics, or sociology, as well as STEM areas such as environmental science and engineering, are welcome to apply. We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in researching technology and the natural environment and a commitment to driving change toward more sustainable practices, regardless of their academic background. The candidate must have the ability to work independently, collaborate with a geographically dispersed team beyond Berkeley, and be proactive in completing activities within the project timeline.
Other Skills:
Practical experience or knowledge in data analysis is desirable, which could include proficiency in coding, familiarity with R or Python, or any other design skills that could assist in the visualization aspects of the project, including the production of maps, flow charts, graphs, etc.
Diversity:
We strongly encourage undergraduates who are passionate about technology and sustainability, even if they have not yet had any research experience as an undergraduate, to apply. We are dedicated to increasing the participation of minority students in the field, so if you are a first-generation college student or a member of a minority group, we particularly welcome your application. Our team is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of our research and help provide mentorship to interested students.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: It is possible to do this job remotely. Travel to conferences and field sites may also be available.
Related website: http://sustainablesubseanetworks.com
Arts & Humanities Social Sciences Engineering, Design & Technologies Environmental Issues