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

Nicole Fernandes
M.S./M.P.P.
April 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.”

Simone Brant
M.S./M.P.P.
December 2007

Simone with the field team in India

“More than half of the world's population cooks with solid fuels such as wood and crop residues on rudimentary stoves or open fires. Indoor air pollution from these fires is a major health hazard for women and children in developing countries. Introduction of more efficient biomass stoves can reduce these health impacts, save families time and money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, I manage the monitoring and evaluation of a large improved cookstove program assessing the indoor air pollution, health, socioeconomic status and climate effects of the stoves.

This job is truly interdisciplinary. It requires scientific understanding, skills in qualitative and quantitative research and the ability to manage a team. I don't think any one degree could have prepared me for this job. However, the combination of environmental content and field research at SNRE and quantitative skills from the Ford School left me very prepared.

I found the two programs to be very complimentary with the Ford School providing analytical skills and SNRE giving me that opportunity to explore the topics that most excite me.”