about – Maxwell Pepperdine

About me

Hi there! I’m Maxwell Pepperdine (no affiliation to the university) and I’m a recent graduate with a Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara. Specializing in Conservation Planning with an emphasis in GIS and geospatial analysis, I’m committed to using data-driven, interdisciplinary approaches to address today’s pressing environmental challenges.

My work is grounded in a passion for protecting biodiversity, advancing nature-based solutions, and supporting human well-being through effective conservation planning and resource management. I bring strong technical skills in data analysis and management, GIS, and geospatial analysis, along with strengths in science communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration. I’m eager to apply these tools to contribute to projects supporting climate adaptation, resilient ecosystems, and spatial planning efforts that bridge science, policy, and practice to create meaningful environmental impact.

I graduated summa cum laude from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo in 2023 with a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection, along with minors in Biology and Sustainable Environments. Growing up in Santa Cruz, CA, I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible ocean and redwood ecosystems. This fostered my appreciation for nature at an early age, and instilled in me a lasting admiration for the natural world and a drive to protect it.

Outside of work, you can find me hiking, backpacking, playing disc golf, practicing ocean photography (some of my favorite photos are shared below) or spending time with friends and family.

Staff Research Assistant II – University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Remote (9/25 – Present)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Volunteer - Felidae Conservation Fund, Remote (8/25 – Present)

Arnhold Environmental Graduate Fellow – Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), Santa Barbara, CA (6/24 – 9/25)

Remote Sensing Research Assistant – Edge Hill University, Remote (6/24 – 9/24)

Graduate Teaching Assistant – University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara, CA (1/24 – 6/25)

Spatial Conservation Planning Intern – California Central Coast Joint Venture (C3JV), Remote (11/23 – 4/24)

Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program - California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, Remote (5/22 – 9/22)

Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) | Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, UCSB (June 2025)

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Management and Protection | California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (June 2023)