Ria Berns

Name: Ria Berns
Age: 27
SNRE degree sought: M.S. in Policy and Planning from SNRE; and M.P.P. from the Ford School of Public Policy
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2012
Undergraduate degree:  Williams College; B.A. in Political Science, Concentration in the Geosciences (2004)

Why did you pick this field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?
Before coming to SNRE, I worked as an environmental policy consultant.  This experience introduced me to many aspects of policymaking and forced me to consider how I could best position myself to help public agencies develop and implement better policies and programs.  In particular, I was drawn to the use of cross-stakeholder cooperation and public-private partnerships to address our most pressing challenges, like ecosystem management and climate change.  While I worked on many successful projects, I realized that to be a truly effective problem solver, I needed a stronger foundation in policy development and analysis, as well as broad-based training that would enable me to effectively integrate perspectives from different disciplines.

I chose to specialize in Environmental Policy and Planning because it provides students with a dynamic framework for developing policy approaches to overcome barriers, like bureaucratic and jurisdictional limitations, that I found most frustrating as a consultant.  In addition, the SNRE core curriculum arms students with multi-disciplinary competence in environmental issues through coursework in ecology, environmental economics and philosophy, among other areas.  Beyond the core, the range of electives allows me to tailor my skills to issues I am passionate about, like water and climate change policy.  Classes on strategic decision-making and multi-stakeholder collaboration apply these skills to real-life situations.

So far, what do you like best about your program?
I appreciate the diversity of experiences and interests that students bring to classroom discussion.  The professors are also exceptional in the classroom and very accessible outside of class.  There is camaraderie among students and faculty that seems unique, and is apparent from the first days of orientation.  Overall, SNRE works hard to develop and promote a sense of belonging among students through collaborative coursework, extracurricular activities and ongoing lecture series.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
I am interested in collaborative decision-making around climate change adaptation and mitigation issues and in boundary waters governance.  I have found several professors whose interests overlap with mine, which has led to a research assistantship for the Ecosystem Management Initiative.  Currently, I am working on a case study on Alaskan marine-based ecosystem management, a subject close to my heart, since my family works as commercial fishermen in Alaska and I have spent many summers harvesting salmon.  This research opportunity has allowed me to combine my personal interests in fisheries management and preserving Alaska's marine resource wealth with an academic interest in shared resource policy.
I also work at the Center for Sustainable Systems on a cross-state wet weather permitting review project.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
I hope to work as an environmental decision-maker in federal or state-level government with a focus on climate change adaptation and water policy.  I am very connected to and invested in the environmental issues facing the Pacific Northwest and plan to return to the region after graduation.  My ideal job would be coordinating cross-agency climate change adaptation efforts along the Pacific Coast, including Alaska.  With the new administration legitimizing and prioritizing climate change, there is an increased opportunity and need to work collaboratively across local, state and federal jurisdictions to coordinate approaches.  I hope to a part of this effort.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
Take advantage of the breadth of SNRE course offerings.  It's easy to stick to courses within your track and comfort zone; however, the school offers an unparalleled number of cross-disciplinary courses that you will find inspiring.  The University of Michigan's professional schools are also incredible resources that you can access fully as an SNRE student.  
If you are interested in research, there are opportunities to both join faculty research projects and to pursue independent work.  Don't be shy about approaching faculty, especially those who share your interests.

What is your favorite environment-themed Web site and why?
Currently, I am tracking www.grist.org.  They offer great up-to-date environmental news and information and the articles are smart, current and frequently humorous. I appreciate that balance.

How do you relax when not studying?
A perfect Saturday includes a morning visit to the bountiful Ann Arbor Farmers Market to stock up on local fruits and vegetables, a bike trip to nearby Dexter along the Huron River, followed by an afternoon spent canning my market loot. It's also possible to rent canoes on the Huron River, which is a great pre-winter activity.  When winter arrives, I plan to strap on my cross-country skies!  I hear the nearby golf courses convert to ski trails when the snow falls.