Jeff Van Email & Phone Number

Offices of U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein, Laphonza Butler

Worked with UCLA professor Dr. Travis Longcore to advise the LA County Sustainability Office, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Public Health on the use of public parks as an effective tool for mitigating extreme heat in urban areas.Leveraged advanced data analysis techniques, using R and Python, to analyze large datasets of anonymized smartphone location data and quantify public park usage on both extreme heat and non-extreme heat days.

Created seven student research projects, pairing student teams with UCLA staff members to achieve UCLA’s sustainability goals.Managed the program’s digital presence, revamped the program website and social media, and created engaging and informative content, growing SAR’s Instagram following by 30%.Directed strategy to increase growth on social media platforms; directed recruitment campaign resulting in a record number of applicants.Developed engaging lectures to advise research teams on research skills, data collection and analysis, and project management.Advised student research teams on project directions and scope, and troubleshooting challenges arising in their projects.

Led a student research team on an innovative and new topic to advise UCLA Trademarks and Licensing Director of Ethical Licensing and Sustainability on the sustainability impacts of NFT proposals at UCLA.Conducted informational interviews with university licensing departments and NFT companies, as well as focus groups with student-athletes, to gather insights and inform evidence-based recommendations.Presented findings to key stakeholders, including university leaders, informing policy decisions and shaping sustainable practices in the licensing industry.

Led a student team to advocate for transit equity for UCLA students.Oversaw a universal transit pilot program with over 100 UCLA student participants, demonstrating benefits of fareless transit for students and laying groundwork for future policy changes.Spearheaded efforts to advocate for a UCLA subway station as part of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor rail project, leading to increased student engagement in meetings with LA Metro and UCLA administration.Collaborated with stakeholders from UCLA Transportation and LADOT to identify and implement infrastructure improvements for pedestrian safety and greater bicycle/scooter accessibility.Drafted and passed supplemental text for the Universal Access Transit Pass Referendum, illustrating the sustainability, accessibility, and equity benefits of universal fare-free transit as well as successful programs at other universities.

Promoted both individual and systemic sustainability on campus with this student government organization by: creating training materials to disseminate to clubs and individuals regarding how they may promote sustainability; planning logistics for a pilot program for reusable takeout containers in UCLA Dining eateries.

Assisted with reading and approving Library book fund invoices, which include preparing invoices for payment by verifying totals, calculating tax, and sorting and filing invoices.Completed invoice correction notices and special projects. Utilized Excel features (pivot tables, query editor) to efficiently process long invoices and complete other Library tasks.

Led a campaign team of over 40 student volunteers to pass the first successful referendum since 2020, providing UCLA undergraduates with unlimited access to Los Angeles public transportation.Achieved over 23% voter turnout, the highest in 3 years, with over 93% of undergraduates voting Yes.Spearheaded outreach efforts to engage with UCLA student organizations, promoting the campaign and securing endorsements from 36 groups.Directed and managed field and text-banking operations.Utilized social media to spread awareness about the referendum, reaching over 7000 Instagram accounts and gaining 1400 followers within a month.

Conducted outreach to community organizations, building and mobilizing the STC4All Coalition and advocating for a rail station on UCLA's campus.Developed and executed a social media plan for local candidate forums for the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral and city council elections, and an advocacy plan to market the STC4All coalition to UCLA alumni.Collaborated with local neighborhood stakeholders to brainstorm strategy and plans for the STC4All Coalition and candidate forums.Designed a one-pager and newsletter for UCLA staff to promote the STC4All coalition.

Provided recommendations to Sony Pictures Entertainment to update their single-use plastics policy.Co-authored a comprehensive report concerning alternatives to single-use plastics (SUP) products, regulations surrounding SUPs in various jurisdictions, and best practices in the treatment of single-use plastics (SUP) in corporate sustainability policy.

Created editorial and slice-of-life cartoons to encourage discussion and spread awareness on issues, as well as to provide humor to the student body

Advised UCLA Housing and Hospitality Services Sustainability Manager.Researched alternative disposable and reusable takeout options in order to phase out all single-use plastics, including bioplastics, at UCLA Dining's restaurants to comply with UCLA’s Plastic PolicyConducted focus groups, interviews, surveys, and financial analysis.Coordinated a pilot reusable utensils program to evaluate student support for reusable diningware options.

Bachelor'S Degree, Environmental Science

Minor in Public Affairs

High School Diploma

Activities and Societies: Cross Country, Orchestra, TCHS American Chemical Society, TCHS Japanese Language and Culture Club, TCHS Junior.