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Maroon Cays | Winter Metcalf Clinic - Climate and Innovation

University of Chicago – Career Advancement
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Winter Metcalf Clinic | Maroon Cays Innovation Projects

Metcalf Clinics are co-op, project-based training program for UChicago students. During the paid project, teams of undergraduates take a deep dive into a professional area of interest and build relevant experience. Students are placed in teams to lead engagements, research, and projects with employer partners. During the program, you receive access to coaches, industry experts, and the opportunity to network with successful alumni. These clinics are a terrific way to hone professional development in technical research, analysis, strategic planning, and presentation skills and a great boost to your resume.

This is not a benefits-eligible position.

Project Options & Details

You will choose from four distinct projects with Maroon Cays, a unique research island in the Bahamas. Each project will highlight and build different skills and deliverables. In your cover letter, please describe why the selected project is the best fit for your goals.  

 

1. Off-Grid Sustainable Systems Optimization

2. Mangrove Ecosystem Research Proposal

3. Industry Partnership Pitch

4. Aerial Drone Survey & Topographic Mapping


 

1. Off-Grid Sustainable Systems Optimization

Description:
Optimize integrated off-grid systems for energy, water, and resource management on Maroon Cays, a 200-acre private island in the Exumas, Bahamas. Explore solar, wind, water harvesting, storage, and demand-side solutions in a remote, sustainable environment.

Skills & Experience:

  • Environmental science, engineering, or earth science background.
  • Comfort with technical analysis, resource modeling, and sustainable infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with systems analysis, risk mitigation, and reporting for non-technical audiences.
  • Basic presentation, technical writing, and teamwork.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

Objectives include:

  • Estimate energy and water demand for a samplemodular development (numberof homes, typical usage).
  • Review best practices for water, solar and battery systemsin off-grid islandenvironments.
  • Develop a recommended system size/spec, key design parameters.
  • Benchmark against similarprojects worldwide.

Deliverables include:

  • Technical report including system sizing calculation, cost analysis.
  • Literature review of technologies.
  • Illustrated pitch deck suitable for investors/partners.
  • Cost segmentation spreadsheet for capital and O&M estimates (prototype).

 

2. Mangrove Ecosystem Research Proposal

Description:
Identify research priorities and opportunities for developing the island as a flagship site for marine biology and sustainability study, making it attractive for research partnerships

Skills & Experience:

  • Strong background in environmental science, earth science, or marine biology.
  • Familiarity with research design, ecological survey methods, and scientific writing.
  • Ability to analyze environmental data (field data, satellite imagery, published studies).
  • Experience with GIS/mapping, data visualization, and technical communications.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

Objectives include:

  • Identify pressing researchquestions relevant to marine biologyand sustainability that are well suited for the space.
  • Map out potentialfields of study and partnership opportunities (e.g., carbon offset, species monitoring, restoration methods).
  • Develop a researchproposal including budget and timeline for the Mangrove forest

Deliverables include:

  • White paper outlining recommended research agenda.
  • Literature review covering mangrove forest research globally.
  • 1-page marketing pitch to draw interest from academic and corporate partners.
  • Detailed research proposal for one area of study

 

3. Industry Partnership Pitch

Description:
Create a strategic business pitch deck to attract industry partners for sustainability and research collaboration on Maroon Cays. Showcase the island’s unique ecosystem, innovation potential, and alignment with broader industry and environmental goals.

Skills & Experience:

  • Strong analytical, strategic planning, and professional communication skills.
  • Experience creating persuasive materials for business audiences (PowerPoint, pitch decks).
  • Ability to synthesize scientific, technical, and business information into compelling narratives.
  • Interest in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and partnership development.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

Objectives include:

  • Analyze Maroon Cays assets (ecosystems, off-grid infrastructure, marine habitats) and development goals.
  • Develop clear value propositions and partnership opportunities based on environmental and business impact.
  • Craft key messages, visual materials, and stakeholder outcomes.

Deliverables include:

  • Deliver an industry-grade pitch deck and supporting executive summary for review.
  • 1-page executive summary for Maroon Cays stakeholders which maps out and prioritizes potential partnerships outlining key channels and verticals which yield the ideal audience. 
  • 1 page Analysis of similar ventures, and a positioning statement for Maroon Cays in the ecosystem. 

 

4. Aerial Drone Survey & Topographic Mapping

Description:
Leverage drone technology (simulated or provided data) to perform aerial mapping and topographic analysis of Maroon Cays. Provide actionable insights for planning, environmental protection, and future sustainable development while minimizing disturbance to sensitive coastal habitats.

Skills & Experience:

  • Earth science, environmental science, or engineering background.
  • Familiarity with drone operations, flight planning, and aerial data collection (or eagerness to learn).
  • Experience with GIS, spatial analysis, photogrammetry (Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or Agisoft Metashape).
  • Strong technical writing and visual presentation skills.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

Objectives include:

  • Identify and delineate property boundaries, coastline features, and key physical landmarks.
  • Create topographical map showcasing island’s terrain. 
  • Assess how drone-derived data can support environmental management, planning, and sustainable development decisions.
  • Document best practices and limitations for conducting aerial drone surveys in sensitive coastal environments.

Deliverables include:

  • Topographic map highlighting elevation contours, terrain features, and coastal zones.
  • Boundary survey map identifying property lines and key reference points.
  • Short report outlining methodology, accuracy, limitations, and recommendations.
  • 1-page executive summary suitable for stakeholders and partners outlining key considerations based on topographical and island boundary analysis.

 

Program Logistics

You will be working in a small team of 3-5 students, and the clinic will culminate with a presentation. Each team member is expected to be an active, contributing participant and present at the end.

  • Project Prompt Release: Friday, February 13th
  • Orientation Zoom with Mentor: Monday, February 16th
    • Time to ask questions or seek guidance
    • Minimum one additional check in before presentation
  • Final Presentations: Friday, February 27th

Students selected to participate in the projects will receive a $500 Metcalf stipend.

Please contact Sophia Wennstedt at swennstedt@uchicago.edu with any questions.