I'm Charlie Chesney.

I'm a PhD candidate at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I'm motivated to achieve climate goals without sacrificing California's desert ecosystems or imposing negative externalities on the people who live there.

 

I explore this in my 3 dissertation chapters:

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(1) Developing a new renewable energy technology that is more ecologically friendly than alternatives (Living Solar Panels: Cactus-Electricity);
 

(2) Modeling bird movement in relation to utility-scale solar facilities to identify critical habitat patches and corridors that must be conserved; 
 

(3) Exploring the underlying reasons for solar development opposition to propose an alternative approach to state solar energy development policy.

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Beyond my research, I enjoy developing microcontroller-based tech projects, mentoring undergraduate students, and communicating science at community outreach events. After graduating, I hope to work in a public-facing role focused on bird conservation, wetland restoration, and social advocacy in relation to state development policies in the desert. I also hope to continue mentoring and educating students. Outside of work, I enjoy rock climbing, bird watching, camping, and pottery. I'm also known as DJ Desert Mouse on KZSC Santa Cruz radio station.

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