Undergraduate degree: UC Berkeley, Environmental Economics, 2008

Dual degree: Applied Economics

Age: 27

Prior to SNRE:I was in Kenya, East Africa serving in the Peace Corps.  I worked with an environmental conservation organization which protected wildlife from poachers and sold carbon credits through the REDD+ program.

Why Environmental Policy & Planning?:Environmental issues have become a burgeoning field as many are beginning to realize the importance of conservation, the dangers of climate change, and the necessity for sustainable growth. I chose environmental policy with a dual degree in applied economics because I have come to understand that policy plays an integral role in directing conservation.

The best part of SNRE so far: I like the diverse faculty body the most.

“SNREdiest” thing he’s done:I am a huge proponent of composting, so I have both an outdoor compost bin as well as an indoor vermiculture bin. My housemates are definitely on board with the outdoor compost, but I have yet to tell them that I have worms in a basket in my room.

After graduation:I hope to work on sustainable development in East Africa, potentially with USAID or similar organizations. There is a great need for awareness and action toward conservation globally, so I hope to be a part that goal.