Danny Power

Name: Danny Power
Age: 24
SNRE degree sought: M.L.A.
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2012
Undergraduate degree: B.S. in Environmental Policy and Land Use Geography (with minors in Biology and Sociology), Central Michigan University (2008)

Why did you pick this field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?

I chose this field for a couple of reasons. For one, it compelled me as a way to channel interests in environmental and social issues toward something practical as a career. I also see this field as a complement to what I studied as an undergrad. Ultimately, I also see this field as a viable way to work in brownfield redevelopment. This field offers plenty of methods for turning abandoned things into sustainable landscapes.

So far, what do you like best about your program?
I like the interdisciplinary nature of this program. At SNRE, ecological considerations are an integral part of our curriculum, which at other universities are normally part of an architecture program. So we get a constant "right brain-left brain" balance between challenging design courses and important ecological science courses that I think strengthens us. I also like the enthusiasm of my instructors, and the huge help and support offered by second- and third-year M.L.A. students. There are great people all around you here, in all of SNRE's disciplines. There are also seemingly billions of extracurricular forums and SNRE-related activities offered by the school and the university that I'd like to participate in more.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
I would like to work with brownfield redevelopment. While in the program, I would like to work in a team on a master's project focused on either that or more general ecological restoration.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
I'd like to work with a firm or governing body that emphasizes brownfield redevelopment and neighborhood reinvestment. I have a particular passion for Detroit, but I'd like to work in any of the major post-industrial "rust belt" cities where opportunities exist. I have had more experience working in the public and non-profit sectors than in the private. That being said, I'd love to work with any force in any sector that's able to make sustainable, socially conscious and positive change in these cities.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
As important as organization and efficient time use are here, give yourself some time to do whatever you need to do to relax. Ann Arbor provides a lot of really positive distractions from school. It's a beautiful town with great parks and an awesome arboretum and botanical gardens. It's also got the cultural diversity, food variety and music and arts opportunities of many major cities. Michigan as a whole is a really beautiful state, and Detroit, despite its rough image, is a great city with a lot of hidden gems to explore. Basically, be sure you give yourself time to explore Ann Arbor and its surroundings while you're here.

What is your favorite environment-themed Web site and why?
I very recently opened an email sent by Ayehlet Cooper (another first-year M.L.A. student) that contained a link to a Web page describing the world's tallest treehouse in Crossville, Tennessee. The page is from a Web site called www.inhabitat.com, which is the site of a firm by the same name based out of New York that seeks to increase sustainability through green design practices. I think it's my new favorite.

How do you relax when not studying?
Music! I love playing the drums and bass guitar, and listening to all sorts of musical flavors. Road trips are also welcome when there's time for them. I also do whatever I can outside, from camping to playing disc golf or basketball.