Natural Resources & Environment and Public Policy (M.S. and M.P.P.)

Nicole Fernandes

M.S./M.P.P. 2008

Nicole with the outgoing Director of the National Park Service,
Mary Bomar, and the Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne

As the National Park Service (NPS) Program Examiner at the Office of Management and Budget, I apply the negotiation and policy analysis skills and knowledge of natural resource issues that I gained through the dual degree program everyday. My job entails:

• helping develop and execute NPS's budget;
• reviewing legislative proposals involving the Park Service, including congressional testimony;
• reviewing proposed rules and changes to existing regulations;
• ensuring the Park Service is carrying out sound management initiatives and best practices; and
• staying involved in other broad decisions concerning the Park Service.

I also play a similar role with two independent agencies - the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Presidio Trust.

My experience in the MPP/MS program was invaluable in helping me understand the politics of natural resources issues and develop the skills necessary to make informed policy decisions.í¢â‚¬ 

Simone Brant

M.S./M.P.P. 2007