Environmental and Ocean Sciences Alumnus Publishes Research in Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management

Alumnus Dillon Pao '24 (BA) recently co-authored his first publication “Examining WEF nexus-integration in 25 years of legislative documents for the Salton Sea region undergoing profound environmental change” in Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management. Co-authors on the paper include Department of Environmental and Ocean Sciences Professor Beth O’Shea, PhD, Shola Ololade, PhD, of the University of the Free State and Amy Quandt, PhD, of San Diego State University. 

The publication in a peer-reviewed journal was a product of Pao’s senior capstone research at USD. Following graduation, Pao expressed interest in continuing to expand on this project while he studied for the LSAT. Professor O’Shea and Pao reanalyzed trends, added statistical analysis and expanded on the literature review.

The paper examined legislative documents submitted to the CA state legislature over a period of 25 years that pertained to the Salton Sea. The co-authors looked for integration of the Water, Energy and Food (WEF) nexus — a framework focused on the interdependent and complex needs and uses of water, energy and food. The researchers found that policies that became law were reactive rather than proactive — they tended to respond to water and food needs and ignored the energy sector despite the geothermal and lithium energy resources in the region. No bill with an Energy-Food integration was successful in becoming law during that period. The co-authors concluded that policies at the Salton Sea may need to become more proactive and include the three sectors with an eye towards public health if the region is to prosper.

“It is rare that an undergraduate project reaches publication,” says O’Shea. “Dillon's persistence was remarkable. He now understands the tedious nature of reviewing author proofs and responding to anonymous reviewers - which he did without complaint. I look forward to seeing what Dillon accomplishes next!”

“The Department of Environmental and Ocean Sciences has given me many unique and memorable opportunities, this being one of them,” shares Pao. “I am grateful and proud to have had such amazing professors during my time at USD, including my advisor, Zhi-yong Yin, PhD. And thank you, Dr. O'Shea, Dr. Ololade and Dr. Quandt, for taking a chance on me, as I never imagined this would be the outcome.”

Since graduating as an enivironmental and ocean sciences major, Pao has been preparing for law school and plans to pursue a legal career in environmental law, with a focus on land use and the protection of national and state parks. He currently works at his hometown’s community center, remains engaged in civic efforts and is pursuing his real estate license. In addition to work and law school applications, Dillon has traveled to five countries, eight states and nine national parks.