Sustainable Subsea Networks: Two Positions 1) Design and Deployment of a Sustainable Subsea Cable System 2) Coordinating Sustainable Practices for Industries and Policymakers
Nicole Starosielski, Professor
Film Studies
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
The project, called Sustainable Subsea Networks, investigates 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 assessing the sustainability of the cable system. Our research enhances the sustainability of the Internet by exploring the histories, contemporary uses, and effects of these metrics, aiming to produce our own guide to making this part of the Internet's infrastructure greener. We welcome humanities, social sciences, and science researchers to our interdisciplinary team. Media and arts researchers interested in developing visual media about internet infrastructure are also welcome. Students participating in the project for more than a semester will likely have opportunities to publish in collaboration with our team.
For Position 1 we will be reviewing the entire process of designing and deploying a subsea cable system including the sourcing of materials, manufacturing, route planning, selecting or building data centers and cable landing stations, and cable deployment. After we create an overview of the process, we will point out sustainability issues along the process and propose recommendations. We will speak to project managers to get feedback on the viability of our recommendations. Student RA for Position 1 will work directly with undergraduate student lead, Isabelle Cherry, as well as undergraduate and graduate students on the project. A note from Isabelle as to why you should consider joining: “By joining this project you will learn about how the internet is built and become a leader in the industry discussing sustainability. Together we will develop metrics and best practices recommendations for sustainability that will significantly contribute to greening the internet. As a member of the team you will work with industry leaders, find creative ways to explore your interests, and find a support network that will help you achieve your academic and professional goals.”
Student RA for Position 2 will coordinate with RA Michael Brand to support all SSN operations: “Our project involves directly working with a set of industries that are trying to become more sustainable, offering a rare opportunity to create a real world immediate impact through academic research as an undergraduate. Beyond the work we do, our global team is filled with the kindest, smartest and most supportive people I know. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. ” - Michael Brand, Undergraduate Research Assistant
We are currently searching for passionate undergraduate students who can provide comprehensive research assistance in compiling, analyzing, and reporting relevant sustainability processes. 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:
Gain an in-depth understanding of the digital infrastructure industry and its environmental impact, including subsea networks and the broader internet infrastructure globally.
Develop an understanding of how sustainability metrics are used both in industries and policies (and how those uses often differ in ways that are problematic)
Learn to conduct comprehensive literature reviews, synthesize academic and industry research, and gather real-world examples from the digital infrastructure sector.
Acquire experience in writing communication for disseminating research findings within a wide variety of social science disciplines
Enhance collaborative research skills, working within an interdisciplinary team across geographic locations and institutions, and hone independent working abilities, including project initiative and follow-through.
Hone critical thinking skills by investigating industry trends and academic resources in metrics to draw significant conclusions that enhance sustainability in the subsea industry.
Role: Current Opening:
Potential weekly tasks could include:
1. Taking Notes During Interviews with Industry Experts: The student will join members of the research team in interviews with members of the industry with experience in project management. 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
2. Data Collection and Analysis of Metrics: 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: Gathering relevant materials for literature review, synthesizing academic and industry research, and collecting real-world examples from stakeholders (e.g., best industry practices, failed examples, noteworthy policy frameworks, or international agreements).
3. Research of National and International Sustainability Frameworks, Laws and Policies: Gathering and reviewing articles from law journals, or academic journals analyzing the effects of laws and policies. Examining subsections or amendments of international conventions like UNCLOS, MARPOL, and the Basel Convention, and thinking about their potential impact on digital infrastructure industries.
4. Writing and Visual Dissemination: Providing editorial support for blog posts, articles, or other dissemination materials to share research findings with a wider audience. Brainstorming and developing graphical representations of metrics, including charts, graphs, maps, and other visuals to represent complex information in a user-friendly and engaging way. Developing interactive data visualizations or infographics for the SSN website or academic conferences.
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.
- Preference is given to students who enjoy learning through a mix of qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
- Keen interest in researching technology and the natural environment and commitment to driving change toward more sustainable practices.
- Ability to work independently, collaborate with a geographically dispersed team beyond Berkeley, and be proactive in completing project activities.
- Strong notetaking skills
- Experience with literature review
- GIS is a plus
- Experiences / research in organizational / project management is a plus
- Ability to work Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters
Other Skills (pluses but assuredly not required):
- Public speaking experience / presentation skills
- Some understanding of the field of behavior economics
- Interest in pursuing a graduate program (Ph.D, J.D., Masters)
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: 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://
Arts & Humanities Social Sciences Engineering, Design & Technologies Environmental Issues