Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Long-Term Patterns Of Change Of A Tidal Marsh In Mission Bay, San Diego, California, Carrie A. Shuster, Theresa Sinicrope Talley Ph.D., Drew Talley Ph.D., Zhi-Yong Yin Ph.D., Kellie Uyeda Ph.D.

Theses

Coastal marshes are among California’s most productive ecosystems and the most impacted, having been extensively modified by dredging, filling, and urban development. This thesis investigates over a century of change for a marsh in Northern Mission Bay, San Diego, California using ecological and spatial analyses.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the environmental history and current land use of the Northern Mission Bay marsh, tracing changes from pre-contact Indigenous stewardship through colonial and modern urban development. It also introduces a restoration plant palette derived from historical and contemporary species occurrences, ecological functions, and documented cultural uses. By integrating ethnobotanical knowledge …

Impact Of Land-Use Disturbances On The Composition Of Wetland Plant Communities Across The Conterminous United States, Maya Merchant

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the threat of invasive species on wetland biodiversity, it is critical to assess factors driving their proliferation in wetlands. To address this growing need, this project analyzes relationships between non-native species and known anthropogenic disturbance types associated with increased biological invasions. Using the U.S. EPA’s 2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment, the relationship between non-native species (diversity, richness, and coverage) and surrounding land-use within 500, 1,000, and 3,000-meter buffers was evaluated. To explore patterns across larger spatial scales, mean non-native species diversity, richness, and coverage was calculated at the watershed level and compared to associated percentages of agricultural land …

The Supreme Court And Climate Law: A Qualitative Analysis, Tanner Blackington

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper seeks to explore the Supreme Court’s understanding of climate justice and its evolution over time. I begin with an explanation of the context on climate law, climate change, and the Supreme Court as an institution. I situate the study in the literature on judicial restraint, institutional barriers, and the powers of the Supreme Court as focal points. Then, drawing on a sample of 20 Supreme Court opinions issued between 2007 and 2025, I offer an empirical analysis which reveals the Supreme Court’s feelings of confinement within the boundaries of federalism and balancing power with the Legislative and Executive …

Cripping The Border – Acompañamiento As Access: An Ethnographic Case Study Of Transborder Youth With Disabilities, Marco O. Amaral

Dissertations

The U.S.-Mexico border is a historical, geopolitical site of intense militarization where colonial logics of "othering" converge to marginalize disabled transborder youth. While transborder studies have expanded, students with disabilities remain relegated to the "void" and contained by educational systems that prioritize surveillance over access. Grounded in Sepúlveda’s (2011) acompañamiento and Transborder DisCrit, this ethnographic case study examines the lived experiences of both students and their families who cross the border daily to attend school in the U.S. It frames these journeys not as mere commutes, but as acts of defiance within the broader disability rights movement.

As a teacher-activist, …

The Loop That Eats Itself: Fast Fashion And The Myth Of Accessible Sustainability, Christie Westby

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter examines fast fashion as a self-reinforcing system driven by speed, consumption psychology, and misaligned incentives, arguing that true sustainability requires slowing supply chains and redesigning governance rather than simply buying “better” products.

How Native Landscaping And Irrigation Can Conserve Water In Mediterranean Climates, Samuel Carlson

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This paper explores how using native plants and proper irrigation can lead to sustainable water management in Mediterranean climates, and reinterprets water scarcity as a supply chain issue. Touching on growing populations, climate change, and water pollution, it examines international case studies from Chile, Egypt, and Spain to compare domestic examples at multiple California universities.

Sustainability In Global Shrimp Supply Chains, Michael Behr

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter explores sustainability challenges within the global shrimp supply chain, comparing the environmental impacts of wild-caught shrimp trawling and shrimp aquaculture. While trawling has historically met global demand, its high levels of bycatch and damage to marine ecosystems make it increasingly incompatible with modern environmental standards. In response, aquaculture now supplies more than half of global shrimp production and is becoming a preferred sourcing option for major buyers.

From a supply-chain perspective, the chapter examines how trade dependence, regulatory pressure, and ESG commitments are shifting procurement strategies toward farmed shrimp. Using examples from large retailers, it shows how buyer-driven …

Paper Straws At Usd, Rodrigo J. Mor Gimeno

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This learning journal reflects my experience throughout the semester learning about sustainability, climate change, and supply chains. Through class discussions, documentaries, and assignments, I explored topics such as carbon footprint, circular economy, ethics, and life cycle analysis. The paper on plastic straws and the group life cycle project helped me understand how everyday products have environmental, social, and economic impacts, and how consumer choices and global systems are strongly connected.

Sustaining People And Planet: A Triple Bottom Line Analysis Of The University Of San Diego’S Initiative To Empower The Community And Climate Through Food Waste Reduction, Iris L. Dao

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Every year, 17% of the world’s food supply is wasted by consumers, contributing to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When food is unconsumed and disposed of, food waste rots in landfills and open dumps, which is one of the largest contributing factors to the planet’s drastic climate change. As a result, crop yield, growth, and nutrition are negatively impacted, disrupting the food supply chain and food security, while 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. College and university campuses are one of the most concentrated generators of food waste due to large-scale food preparation and buffet-style services. As …

Simulating Sustainability: How Resorts Can Balance Freshness And Waste In Produce Supply Chains, Isabella M. Camberos

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Resorts face increasing pressure to reduce food waste while maintaining high levels of service quality and produce freshness. This study examines how discrete-event simulation can be used as a decision tool to analyze and improve produce supply chains in the hospitality industry. A simulation model was developed in Simio to compare local and global produce sourcing strategies under identical demand, storage capacity, and spoilage conditions. The model captures key system characteristics, including batch-based deliveries, cold storage constraints, perishability, and probabilistic guest waste. Results indicate that while both sourcing strategies exhibit efficient flow and minimal congestion, global sourcing generates significantly higher …

“How Can Ai Data Centers In The U.S. Meet Projected Electricity Demands By 2030?, Aiden M. Matano

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is driving a sharp increase in U.S. electricity demand, with AI-driven data centers emerging as a central contributor through 2030. This paper asks how U.S. AI data centers can meet projected electricity needs while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Using a supply-chain and systems perspective, it analyzes the full energy chain of AI data centers: upstream electricity supply and grid deliverability, midstream facility design and grid interaction, and downstream operational practices, waste management, and disclosure. Drawing on recent projections from the International Energy Agency, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and U.S. federal guidance, the paper shows …

Aviation Procurement And Sustainability, Kyle A. Paddack

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This Study investigates the relationship of procurement practices on sustainability performance within the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations utilizing Aeroman - El Salvador's leading MRO provider - as the center of the case study. Utilizing the Triple Bottom Line framework, the research maps out the current sourcing model used, identifying pressures toward single sourcing agreements, expedited logistics, and vague supply chains. a qualitative approach combines data from industry leaders, direct company information, and ESG document analysis form a three-dimensional assessment matrix that evaluate the economic, environmental, and social indicators for the company. Throughout the TBL framework will be …

Us Food Waste, Kawika Barry

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This essay touches on the food waste problem we have in the US and various ways to help reduce the issue at hand.

The Industrial Hemp Supply Chain Solution, Honovi C. Trudell Sir

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Realistically solving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals utilizing an Industrial Hemp supply chain with economy to scale to replace petroleum based plastics and permanently offset carbon emissions produced from other continuously produced hazardous waste.

What Is The Automotive Recycling Industry And Its Prospective Future?, Andres M. Rabago

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

An explanation of the current automotive recycling industry. Looking in depth at aspects such as its sustainability and key businesses involved in the industry and the roles they play in it.

Balancing Sustainability And Profitability, Cristian Mateo Guzman

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Big corporations tend to prioritize profitability and cost-cutting practices. However, this Chapter will explore companies that demonstrate the benefits of balancing ethical and sustainable sourcing with long-term profitability. These companies are Patagonia, Unilever, Danone, and ThredUp. By implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), good labor practices, and eco-friendly policies, big corporations can strengthen brand loyalty, drive innovation, and obtain long-term profitability in global supply chains. Prioritizing ethical and sustainable business practices will improve environmental well-being and long-term sustainability. The global supply chain faces pressure to endure sustainable practices while balancing and maintaining profitability. The fashion industry uses low-cost workers to produce …

Sustainability Challenges In The Semiconductor Industry Due To Geopolitical Tension, Malcolm M. Williams

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This work examines how the valuable and sensitive semiconductor industry demonstrates the intersectionality of geopolitics, economic strategy, and environmental sustainability. It traces historical developments in semiconductor supply chains, highlights the global impact of U.S.-China tensions, and explores how sustainability goals are being reshaped by regional security policies. Using frameworks like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the Triple Bottom Line, and Impact Assessment, the chapter assesses the industry’s water and energy demands, carbon emissions, and trade disruptions. The analysis culminates in a discussion of policy recommendations aimed at balancing national security with sustainable innovation. Readers are encouraged to consider the broader consequences …

Forced Labor In Apple's Iphone Supply Chain, Frederick Jozaitis

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

A deep dive into forced labor in Apple's supply chain process

A Comparative Lifecycle Analysis Of The Ford Toyota Rav4 And Tesla Model Y, Nicholas R. Loughead

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This report presents a comprehensive comparative lifecycle analysis of the Toyota RAV4, the best-selling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling electric vehicle (EV). The analysis evaluates each vehicle's environmental impact across all stages of its lifecycle: raw material extraction, manufacturing, use phase, and end-of-life. Key factors examined include greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and material sustainability, with special attention to battery production, vehicle efficiency, and recycling practices. By contrasting the emissions profiles and long-term sustainability of the RAV4 and Model Y, this report aims to assess whether electric vehicles offer a significantly lower environmental …

Green Logistics: A Brief Look At Cutting Carbon In Global Supply Chains, Maria F. Navarro

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter looks at how companies are making their supply chains more eco-friendly by using green logistics. It explains how businesses are trying to lower their carbon footprint by improving things like transportation, packaging, and warehouse operations. Some of the main strategies include using electric trucks, planning better delivery routes, and using less energy in storage. It also talks about how new technologies like AI and automation can help make logistics both smarter and more sustainable. Overall, the chapter shows that being environmentally responsible is becoming more important for companies around the world.

Closing The Loop: Dell Technologies And The Future Of E-Waste Management, Elijah M. Atkinson Mr.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

The exponential growth of electronic waste—exceeding 50 million metric tons annually—poses a formidable challenge at the intersection of environmental sustainability, global equity, and corporate responsibility. This study critically examines Dell Technologies’ approach to circular economy implementation, with a focus on product modularity, ethical supply chain management, and reverse logistics infrastructure. Anchored in a comparative framework alongside Apple, HP, and Lenovo, the analysis evaluates the scalability, transparency, and material impact of Dell’s initiatives, including the Concept Luna prototype and the Dell Reconnect program. Findings underscore the structural shortcomings of voluntary corporate action in the absence of robust global regulation, consistent product …

Advancing Supply Chain Sustainability Through Circular Economy Principles, Adeyinka Adimula

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Explore how circular economy principles can significantly enhance supply chain sustainability by reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and improving both environmental and economic outcomes. By shifting from traditional linear models to circular systems, businesses across industries can redesign processes to extend product life cycles, foster resource efficiency, and create closed-loop supply chains.

Spirituality And Outdoor Recreation In Higher Education, Sierra G. Hilton

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my project is to explore the role of spirituality in an outdoor recreation office called Outdoor Adventures at the University of San Diego. My project question is: How can I integrate spiritually focused activities in outdoor recreation to foster students’ faith and increase well-being? Themes that emerged included the perceived positivity of engaging with spirituality, the value of art in doing so, and the relevance of Catholic spirituality in the lives of college students and staff. Recommendations include the development of stronger partnerships with campus partners, the creation of a database for Catholic resources for student affairs …

The Dark Side Of Global Supply Chains, Megan Soong

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This article highlights the unfair supply chain practices many companies succumb to in order to increase their profits. Touching on the clothing industry, electronics, and food corporations, many big name brands hide their lack of pay, e-waste, and deforestation related operations in order to protect their name and image.

Additive Manufacturing And Sustainability, Eric J. Venzor-Villarreal

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter explores the transformative role of Additive Manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, within modern supply chains, with a particular focus on its adoption in the aerospace and defense industries. It begins by introducing the core technologies behind AM and tracing its historical development. The chapter then examines the advantages of AM—such as reduced material waste, faster prototyping, and decentralized production. A detailed case study on Lockheed Martin showcases real-world applications. Comparative insights from other defense manufacturers and global leaders provide a broader context, reinforcing AM’s potential as a key driver of supply chain innovation and resilience.

Collective Memory For The African Motherland In Interwar Black Chicago And The Limits Of The Environmental Justice Model, Colin Fisher

History: Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Us Ecological Systems And Climate Adaptation Strategies, Ian Munro

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This paper is a an introduction and discussion about the various ecosystems of the United States, the different practices of business that hurt them, and how to solve them and create better sustainable resource practices. The ecosystems involve deserts, prairies, and forests which are the main biomes that make up the US. It delves deep in depth of how business affects it and how better sustainability can save it.

Sustainability In The Aerospace And Defense Supply Chain, Bella Schmick

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Research on sustainable practices that companies in the industry are doing, as well as how they can implement more sustainable practices in the future.

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Packaging, Kyla Barrett

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, threatening marine ecosystems and global environmental health. With 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually, the urgency to implement sustainable practices in packaging has never been greater. This chapter explores the environmental impact of single-use plastics and highlights innovative alternatives like bioplastics and compostable materials. Lessons from global leaders, like Japan's cultural approach to waste management, the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan, and Costco's efforts in bulk buying and sustainable design, the chapter identifies actionable strategies for industries to adopt eco-friendly practices. Concluding …

Exploitative Labor In Los Angeles' Fashion Industry: A Path Towards Ethical Supply Chains, Magali Rodriguez

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter explores exploitative labor practices within Los Angeles' fashion industry and proposes pathways toward ethical supply chains. The fashion industry, particularly in Los Angeles, relies on labor-intensive production, which often leads to low wages, unsafe conditions, and systemic inequality. The complexity of global supply chains, power imbalances, and consumer demand for cheap clothing contribute to the persistence of exploitative practices. More than half of garment contractors in Los Angeles fail to meet minimum wage standards. The chapter emphasizes the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethical sourcing, which includes accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. It examines …