• MEM Environment Concentration: Terrestrial and Freshwater Environments (TFE)
  • MEM Management Concentration: Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP)
  • Expected Graduation Date: May 2027
     

What factors were most important in your decision to choose the Nicholas School for your graduate studies? And, how will your time at the Nicholas School help you reach your career aspirations?

In addition to the Nicholas Scholar recognition, several factors led me to choose the Nicholas School to pursue my Master鈥檚 in Environmental Management. Among the most important were the program鈥檚 professional orientation, its strong network, and its wide range of experiential learning opportunities. I was also drawn to its structure and flexibility, which ensure a solid foundation through concentration requirements while allowing the freedom to explore electives in other areas. What ultimately convinced me to commit to this school, however, was the warmth of the community. From the moment I began the application process, I felt supported by the school鈥檚 staff鈥攚ho were incredibly kind鈥攁nd by the professors, who were approachable and willing to guide students even before enrollment.

This combination of elements matters to me because I aim to build a career beyond academia鈥攚here I have gained most of my experience鈥攁nd I want to feel confident doing so by relying on my expertise, the professional network I develop here, and the broader community I am becoming part of. I also strive to become a well-rounded professional by broadening my skills, gaining diverse perspectives, and strengthening my ability to think critically about complex environmental challenges.

My time at the Nicholas School will help me achieve these goals by providing a strong foundation in applied environmental science, along with the tools needed for effective environmental management, particularly in my area of interest: program and policy evaluation. This includes mastering rigorous methodological tools, developing the social competencies required to engage stakeholders, and participating in hands-on opportunities with external partners. The greatest challenge will be deciding which knowledge areas and opportunities to prioritize among the many available over the next two years. However, I am certain that I will graduate prepared to tackle the environmental issues that matter most to me.