Master of Environmental Science and Management                             Expected Graduation: June 2026         Specialization: Environmental Policy | Focus: Science Communication                                                          Bren School of Environmental Science & Management – University of California, Santa Barbara          Campus Involvement: Diane Boss Research Accelerator Fellowship Award, Environmental                     Justice Club, Teaching Assistant, Graduate Student Lounge Manager

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies                                                                                        2016 - 2020         Concentration: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems                                                                             Environmental Studies Department - University of California, Santa Cruz                                                     Campus Involvement: Plant Science Club, Intern at the Center for Agroecology, and Study                     Abroad in Cuba: Agroecology Practicum

Nolan’s current Thesis research focuses on improving the long-term health and equitable access of clean energy to local community members in the City of Santa Barbara to reach residential building carbon neutrality that aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan. This project will output a public-facing Residential Electrification Roadmap for all home energy stakeholders in Santa Barbara as well as a Cost and GHG Modeling Tool for governmental use on customer home retrofit projects' financial and GHG impacts. Specializing in Environmental Policy with a Focus in Science Communication at the Bren School, Nolan hopes to work in sustainability leadership that enhances policy and resource networks for government and nongovernment agencies that protect and drive equitable access of basic needs to local communities. After completing his Master’s, Nolan plans to work in a sustainability leadership role that increases accessibility and financial support for resources such as food, water, energy, housing, and other community needs that benefit residents and drives long term health to local and global ecosystems.

Before graduate school, Nolan worked at Salk Institute for Biological Studies as a Research Assistant II. During his time at Salk, Nolan worked to optimize plant carbon sequestration by enhancing root system architecture and suberin production. He also implemented an integrated pest management system that utilizes computer vision software for pest population monitoring and scouting. The IPM SOPs and training Nolan created still currently act as mandatory protocols at all Salk Institute Growing Spaces.