Department of Applied Environmental Science
AES Student Conducts Rock-Solid Research
Manuel Villa Alvarado, a current Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy major, is a member of Dr. James Guilinger’s Watershed Geology Lab. Along with Abraham Porras-Vargas (check out his interview here), Manuel conducts research focusing on earthflows in Hollister, California.
We recently reached out to Manuel to learn more about his research. Check out his interview below!
What is your research about?
The research that I have been involved in with both Dr. James Gullinger and Abraham Porras-Vargas (current BIO major) in the WS (Watershed) Geology Lab are on earth flows within Hollister Hill State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). We are specifically monitoring movement and sediment delivery of two previously studied landslides exhibiting differing morphology. Monitoring the different slides will help us develop a better understanding of slide activity and its effects on their surrounding water sources or overall morphology . During our research we have used multiple techniques including drones and high precision GPS, both used for understanding the controls of movement in the slides and to judge the reliability of novel methods by comparing them to proven practices.
I have also been briefly involved in research with WATRS Lab in which I evaluated the quality of California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) stations surrounding lawns across California. The goal of monitoring CIMIS station's lawn was to make sure that their surroundings are kept up to standard in terms of health. When deriving data from the CIMIS stations these standards are important in order to derive evapotranspiration data that is then used to improve irrigation efficiency across the state. I conducted evaluations of the CIMIS stations health using historical imagery and Remote Sensing Time Series data.
What did you gain from this research experience and does this experience contribute to your career goals?
Working within a lab has given me the opportunity to learn a variety of skills and techniques that include field surveying/field methods, using different data analysis programs and also different types of data sets. All these skills are things that will translate well to a professional career in Environmental Science.
What is your favorite part of your research?
My favorite part of my research was conducting the analysis on the data collected since I was able to use the data and I also found different ways to process different types of data sets.
What are your future plans (career, academic, etc.)?
Short term, I want to work as a groundwater technician or in a water conservation related field after I graduate. Long term, I want to get my masters in either Environmental Engineering or Hydrology.
Any advice for fellow students interested in participating in this kind of research?
Enjoy the process of working in a lab and make sure to take advantage of the resources the lab offers.
Keep up the great work, Manuel! We look forward to seeing where your research takes you!