As a final culmination of a SA&FS student's time at UC Davis, SA&FS student are required to complete a senior capstone project. This project is noted on the SA&FS Major Evaluation Form as "ESP 191A" and "ESP 191B" under "Core Courses." Students spend 20 weeks working in multidisciplinary teams to address specific problems and opportunities of sustainable agriculture and food systems, while identifying and consulting with key stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns. The entirety of the project involves the support and mentoring of SA&FS Advisor Tom Tomich, as well as a graduate student TA.
Check out Past Projects:
Capstone Class 2015 - 2016 Projects
A class of 36 students divided into teams to complete 5 projects working with clients on-campus and beyond.
Team Name: Glean Team
Client(s) & Organization: Stacey Parker, UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden
Project Description: Seeking to enhance visibility and collaboration at the numerous edible landscapes on the UC Davis campus, we assessed stakeholder needs and explored solutions such as unifying signage, a central website, and pooling resources.
Team Name: Sprouting SA&FS
Client(s) & Organization: Ryan Galt, Tom Tomich, Mark Van Horn, Will Horwath, SA&FS Major Advisors
Project Description: Identifying key needs of the SA&FS community and major and finding tangible solutions that support the success of students, faculty, and advisors
Team Name: Peels
Client & Organization: Marissa Juhler, Yolo County Central Landfill
Project Description: Developing a solution to educate and incentivize the residents and businesses of Yolo County, specifically those within Census Designated Places (CDPs), to reduce and properly manage their waste
Final Report (Website) & Executive Summary (PDF)
Team Name: What’s Growin’ On
Client & Organization: Yolo Farm to Fork
Project Description: Addressing the needs of elementary schools in establishing a school garden program, and securing the sustainability of said program
Final Report (PDF)
Team Name: Farmy
Client & Organization: Emma Koefoed, Farmer Veteran Coalition
Project Description: Determining the best approach for the Farmer Veteran Coalition to connect farmers to veterans