About LabRATS:

The Laboratory Resources, Advocates, and Teamwork for Sustainability (LabRATS) Program at UCSB assists researchers on campus in reducing their impact on the environment while also improving safety, encouraging good laboratory management practices, and promoting communication and resource sharing. Our program is uniquely prepared to adapt campus recycling, energy management, and sustainability practices to the unusual materials used and processes implemented in laboratories.

two workers training in a lab​

Program Leaders:

Jewel Persad - jewel.persad@ucsb.edu
Jen Bowser - jbowser@ucsb.edu

Interns:

LabRATS Interns

LabRATS

Mia Yamagiwa

Mia Yamagiwa

LabRATS Laboratory Sustainability Coordinator

msy@ucsb.edu

 

Mia Yamagiwa is a third year Chemical Engineering major who is passionate about finding innovative solutions to environmental problems, such as climate change and pollution. She joined LabRATS as an intern in Spring 2023, which allowed her to use her experience in chemistry laboratories to help campus researchers develop more sustainable practices. She hopes to pursue a career with an environmental focus, in fields such as renewable energy, environmental consulting, sustainable manufacturing, and environmental toxicology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and being active.

Elise Roberts

Elise Roberts

PACES Green Assessment Coordinator & LabRATS LabSYNC Program Assessments

eroberts@ucsb.edu

 

Elise is a 4th year Environmental Studies major with a minor in Spatial Studies from Orange County, CA. She joined PACES in Spring 2023 and LabRATS in Summer 2023. As a PACES and LabRATS intern, she manages multiple projects across departments, laboratories, and events on campus to promote and recommend green practices in multiple sectors as well as completing administrative tasks. Examples of this include developing staff workshop materials, conducting research to find reusable or recyclable alternatives in laboratories, running the PACES certification programs, and updating PACES and LabRATS materials. Outside of this position, she is an Events Chair for UCSB Environmental Affairs Board and is particularly interested in coastal management, hazard mitigation, and reducing food waste.