Environmental Justice Student, Sidney Brown

Sidney Brown is pursuing a master's degree in Environmental Justice. She plans to graduate in 2010 with an M.S. and a master's in Public Policy from the Gerald R. School of Public Policy. Originally from Brush Prairie, Wash., Sidney earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Washington in 2006: the first, a double major in European Studies and History; and a second in International Studies.

Name: Sidney Brown
Age: 25
Hometown: Brush Prairie, Wash.
SNRE degree sought: M.S. (dual with Master's in Public Policy)
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2010
Undergraduate degrees: University of Washington, B.A. ('06). A double major in European Studies and History, and a second degree in International Studies.

Why did you pick this particular field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?
My mother spent many formative summers in Glacier National Park, where my grandfather was a park ranger, and my dad is an avid sailor and former smokejumper. Their mutual love and respect for the environment was passed on to my brother and me at a young age. Dedicating myself to understanding the complexities of environmental and human interactions seemed like a natural decision. More specifically, I was drawn to the Environmental Justice track through my previous study of international development issues and income disparity.  

What do you like best so far about your program?
The School of Natural Resources and the Environment prepares students to work in the interdisciplinary fashion necessary for environmental preservation.  Basic literacy in both the natural and social sciences is provided through the core curriculum, and gives students a foundation on which they can communicate with each other, faculty and future employers.
What I find most attractive about the Environmental Justice program is the presence of faculty working on international issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
My master's project presents me with an opportunity to focus on climate change adaptation in Western Africa and Latin America. The team collaborating on this project includes students from four different tracks, whose range of skills will allow us to add breadth as well as depth to our analysis of adaptation strategies.

Additionally, I work in Dorceta Taylor's Multicultural Environmental Leadership Initiative lab. This experience has increased my understanding of environmental justice from a domestic perspective.

What will you do after graduation?
My career goals remain broad, but have the underlying theme of working on climate change adaptation strategies and international development. I would love the opportunity to work, or continue my studies, abroad after graduation.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
Take advantage of the incredible people surrounding you! Ask questions, engage in conversation, and take an active role in the SNRE community. Your classmates, as well as your professors, have a wealth of knowledge and experiences - learning from each other is an important part of any graduate education.

What is your favorite environmental-oriented web site and why?
I enjoy browsing through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation's web site. The CEC is the environmental branch of NAFTA and has the unique task of addressing environmental issues of mutual concern to Canada, the United States and Mexico.

How do you relax when not studying?
Any excuse to get outside is a welcome one! Taking advantage of Michigan's parks and trails is one of my goals for this year, as is learning how to cross country ski. Although I've been in Ann Arbor for a year, I have a lot to learn about staying active and outdoors during a true winter! Regardless of the season, however, there is always time for a walk through the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum.

Ann Arbor also has great (and affordable) concert and sports scenes, which I take advantage of on a regular basis.