Research Opportunity: Water Wars: Investigating Urban Disputes Over Water Resources on the Central Coast
This research opportunity is part of the Urban Studies Research Program. Students who participate will work with their faculty mentor, and will also share their findings at a research symposium with students and faculty working on other projects. To learn more about the Urban Studies Research Program, see our website.
Project Title: Water Wars: Investigating Urban Disputes Over Water Resources on the Central Coast
Faculty Member: Carol McKibben
Abstract: Droughts and floods are not new to California, and agricultural needs conflicted with the needs of town and city dwellers throughout California history. However, climate change has added a new dimension to the debates over water. This project will explore the politics surrounding water rights (and fights) between towns and cities in the Central Coast region in the context of a rapidly changing climate as part of a new book project. Although most policy makers agree that regional solutions are needed to deal with the severe water shortages brought on by the normal droughts and floods but made worse by climate change, municipalities and interest groups rarely find common ground. City governments disagree (sometimes fiercely) over issues ranging from the construction of desalinization plants to prioritizing wildlife over human needs, to the importance of water to support the billion dollar agricultural industry. The goal of this project and book is to analyze the history and politics of the Central Coasts region's water problems and to shape a narrative for a better understanding of water as part and parcel of the climate change debate.
- A good solid literature review is most needed and the most important task for a research assistant at this early stage
- Investigate the multiple sources, including scholarly literature in disciplines ranging from sociology, political science, environmental justice, to name a few, but also primary sources such as EIRs
Qualifications:
Some experience in research and writing a research paper, and is comfortable with analyzing scholarly papers and reports.
Enrollment & Academic Standing
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Students must be current undergraduates in good standing at Stanford.
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Students must be enrolled in units while using VPUE grant funding, except during the Summer.
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Students may not receive both academic units and a stipend for any single project activity.
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Co-terms who have not conferred their undergraduate degree and who are still paying undergraduate (not graduate) tuition are eligible for VPUE funding.
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Students may not be serving a suspension.
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Students may not be on a Leave of Absence (LOA) while using grant funding.
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VPUE does not use a GPA requirement for student eligibility, nor does VPUE encourage the use of GPA as a criterion for inclusion in a research opportunity.
Quarters Available:
- Spring, part-time
Stipend:
Part-time projects: $1500 per quarter; 10 hours / week.
