OUr Mission
The overall goal of the project is to investigate the extent to which urban farms can reduce air pollution in order to promote the implementation of urban farms locally and nationally. In addition, this project will aim to address public health concerns in respect to air pollution and the potential absorption of air pollutants in urban agriculture. As sustainable communities and urban agriculture grow in popularity, the issue of soil and air contamination becomes progressively more important. This issue will be investigated by monitoring and tracking pollution levels at the oxford tract, a plant research station near the UC Berkeley Campus, with hopes to expand to urban farms in Oakland, CA. Comprehensive data analysis as well as real time air quality warnings for local residents will be published.
Meet the team
Cheryl Ching: Project Lead
Chemical Engineering.
Cheryl works at the Berkeley Student Food collective, and is well versed in local food politics. She also works as a team member on ESW's Algae Biodiesel project. Her main passions include environmentalism and food justice.
Chemical Engineering.
Cheryl works at the Berkeley Student Food collective, and is well versed in local food politics. She also works as a team member on ESW's Algae Biodiesel project. Her main passions include environmentalism and food justice.
Alison Griffith: Communications Director
Environmental Science. Alison worked as a legislative intern at Californians Against Waste, the "political arm" of the waste reduction movement in our state's Capital. With her help, the organisation passed Senate Bill 270, California's state-wide plastic bag ban, and several composting and ADC bills this legislative session. She is the former project manager of the restoration ecology team of the Arcade Creek Project, and is experienced in field ecology. Her main interests include environmental justice, sustainability, and food politics. |
Vania Fong: Web Manager
Energy Engineering Vania is interested in implementing local, sustainable solutions by applying engineering knowledge to real-world issues. Having been a Conservatory Facilitator at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, she has experience planting vegetable gardens and working on outreach/educational activities to educate visitors. She is also involved in the ASUC Sustainability Team Energy Group and PowerSave Campus. Ini her free time, she enjoys playing the violin, taking nature hikes, and photography. |
pAST MEMBERS
Brooke Gemmell: Project Lead
Civil & Environmental Engineering/Sustainable Design As a yearlong environmental remediation intern for TRC Solutions Inc., Brooke focused on particulate matter air quality monitoring at SIMS Metal Management in San Jose, CA. Through her role as Outreach Officer for California Concrete Canoe, she has previous experience in grant writing and project management. Coming from Eugene, Oregon, Brooke has a high standard for air quality and a deeply rooted passion for engineering environmentalism. She enjoys climbing, playing guitar, and baking in her free time. |
Brenton Kreiger: Data Analyst
Civil and Environmental Engineering Brenton interned at Navatek Ltd. working with plasma actuators and their application to improve the efficiency of offshore wind turbines. In addition, he worked on the plasma application of purifying water on Littoral Navy Vessels. Brenton is excited to be studying in Iceland next fall while living in a completely sustainable community. His specific focus centers on the application of sustainability to engineering. In his spare time he loves rock climbing and the great outdoors. |
Bryce King: Artistic Director
Civil and Environmental Engineering Bryce began his interest in sustainability working as an Exhibit Interpreter/Animal Ambassador at an aquarium. He gave presentations on important environmental topics such as the California watershed and marine ecosystems. His past research projects have included the impact of sea urchin populations on California kelp forest ecosystems and a population study on the Sutter Buttes Ringtail and bat populations in Sacramento. He enjoys sports and being outside. |
Sam Durkin: Head of Construction and Design
Civil Engineering Sam began his civil engineering work as an intern with AC Alexander, where he gained a deep understanding of different drawings, how to present them, and to create his own drawings in AutoCad. However, his real passion stems from his time as an Eagle Scout where his deep connection to the environment was instilled. As a member of BEACN and ESW, he continues to further his experiences within sustainable design and business practices. |