Sustainable Subsea Networks: Maritime and Ports Research Assistant
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 in this position will specifically be involved in researching sustainable developments for ships that lay cables 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.
We are currently searching for passionate undergraduate students who can provide comprehensive research assistance in compiling, analyzing, and reporting relevant metrics within the maritime and ports industries 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 history, geopolitics, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the governance of shipping. 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.
In this position, you can expect to:
1) Gain an in-depth understanding of the maritime and ports industries and their 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 maritime and ports industries and their potential use across other sectors.
3) Learn to conduct a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing academic and industry research, and gathering real-world examples related to navigation, shipping, and marine engineering.
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.
Qualifications: Potential weekly tasks could include:
1) Reading and Summarizing Primary Sources from The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): The student will primarily be responsible for reading and summarizing conference summaries, final acts, and protocols from the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. Doing so will support the research team in providing historical and sociopolitical context for the development of existing metrics by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
2) Researching the Historical and Sociocultural Background of the French Maritime Industry: The student will be tasked with helping members of the team gather resources and provide background information on the development of the French maritime industry. This will involve understanding the construction, repair, and scrapping of vessels, as well as the movement of cargo and other materials in the nation. France is an important hub for the maritime sector of the subsea industry as well as a location of development in sustainable cable supply and maintenance, so it will be the geographical focus of the project.
3) Gathering Sources for Literature Review of Broader Maritime and Ports 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.
4) Taking Notes During Interviews with Industry Experts: The student will join members of the research team in interviews with members of the maritime and ports sectors to take notes for future use. Doing so will support the team on maximizing the limited time available with industry experts to ask questions and craft organized and detailed notes with direct quotations that can be used for further research.
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: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Remote work possible. Travel to conferences and field sites may be possible.
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