What was your education and background in before you completed the CSP program?
Before starting the CSP program I did my undergraduate studies at University College London. There I completed a Bachelor of Science in Geography, with a dissertation focused on fisheries science and policy in Madagascar.

Why did you decide to apply to the CSP program?
I was inspired to pursue the CSP program because of its interdisciplinary nature and the opportunity to learn from renowned experts in both science and policy. The program’s unique integration of these fields aligned with my aspiration to grow as an academic and advocate, equipping me with the balanced expertise needed to bridge scientific insight and impactful policy solutions.

What has your career path looked like after the CSP program?
After finishing the CSP program I accepted a position as a research associate in the Urban Studies and Planning (USP) department up on UCSD’s main campus. I served in this role for just over two years contributing to projects related to planning and developing green infrastructure aimed at addressing public health, social and environmental challenges. Following that time with USP I moved on to pursue my PhD in Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island thanks to a generous fellowship I was awarded through their graduate school. As a PhD candidate, I am thrilled to say my current research is a continuation of the project I started during my capstone in the CSP program. The work is focused on sea level-rise, international law, and international relations.

Can you tell us about a project at work that’s meant a lot to you?
My current dissertation project is incredibly rewarding as it enables me to put into practice the interdisciplinary skills and experience I picked up during my time as an undergraduate, master’s student, and research associate. The work addresses scientific, legal, and equity issues posed by climate change and our international system. In doing so it provides an opportunity to contribute to progressive policy that could mitigate a legal feedback in the global system we are navigating climate governance within.

How did the program prepare you for your current role?
The Climate Science and Policy (CSP) program prepared me for my current role by immersing me in an interdisciplinary environment that bridged climate science and social sciences. This experience provided me with the ability to work effectively across diverse academic and professional disciplines. I developed a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of climate systems while simultaneously addressing the social, economic, and policy dimensions of climate change. This integrated approach has been instrumental in my ability to navigate and contribute to my career, where I continue to operate at the intersection of science, policy, and equity. The program's emphasis on collaboration, critical thinking, and applied problem-solving equipped me with both technical expertise and the soft skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary field.