Aviva Glaser is pursuing a master's degree in Conservation Biology. She plans to graduate in 2010 with a M.S. degree from SNRE and a Master of Public Health degree in Environmental Health Sciences from the School of Public Health. Originally from Baltimore, Md., Aviva earned undergraduate degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies from Oberlin College in 2004.
 
Name: Aviva Glaser
Age: 26
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
SNRE degree sought: M.S.
Projected semester/year of graduation: 2010; dual degree with School of Public Health, pursuing an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences
Undergraduate degree: Oberlin College ('04), Biology and Environmental Studies

Why did you pick this particular field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?
I have a background in ecological field work as well as environmental advocacy. I first got interested in conservation by studying the effects of land use on the reproductive ecology of birds while I was an undergraduate at Oberlin College. After college, I decided to switch gears and worked in Washington, D.C., at a national environmental advocacy group called Beyond Pesticides, working on issues of environmental health, including children's health, asthma and water contamination. The Conservation Biology program at SNRE was especially appealing to me because it is such an integrated program, and I am able to take both science-based conservation courses as well as courses on policy, environmental justice, and other areas that interest me.

What do you like best so far about your program?
I've been amazed at the amount of resources and knowledge in the both the Conservation Biology department and SNRE as a whole. The faculty and students have all been exceptional.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
I am especially interested in the intersections between ecological and human health. As such, I decided to pursue a dual degree between SNRE and the School of Public Health. A particular focus of mine is the effect of toxic chemicals in the environment on wildlife as well as human health. By doing a dual degree between conservation biology and environmental health, I hope to have a unique background and perspective on emerging ecological and environmental health issues. My advisor, Bobbi Low, encouraged me to pursue this dual degree, and has been very supportive in helping me to focus my interests and make the most out of my time in SNRE.

My master's project focuses on the impact of increased corn plantings due to biofuel subsidies on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Specifically, we are focusing on land-use changes in the prairie pothole region and changes in habitat for key wildlife species. By doing a group master's project with four other SNRE students, we are able to bring different skills, perspectives and interests together in researching an important and relevant conservation issue.

One of my most exciting experiences at SNRE has been receiving the Doris Duke Conservation Fellowship. The fellowship, which is for students interested in conservation careers in nonprofit or governmental organizations, has allowed me to join a network of conservation practitioners, advocates and leaders throughout the country.

What will you do after graduation?
After graduation I plan on working at a conservation or environmental health advocacy NGO in Washington, D.C. I hope to be able to bring science-based research to the public and to policymakers as a way to motivate and create change.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
My advice for incoming students is to try to take advantage of all the resources that SNRE and University of Michigan has to offer. Get to know the professors and students within the department and the school, take classes in other schools, join student groups and figure out how to make the program meet your interests. The resources are all available - it is just a matter of figuring out how to get the most out of your short time here!

What is your favorite environmental-oriented web site and why?
My favorite environmentally-oriented web site is www.grist.org. Their motto is "gloom and doom with a sense of humor." I'm signed up on their email list and their daily emails keep me up to date on environmental news and happenings.