Alumni Spotlight- Kassidy Heckmann

Kassidy is a proud New Yorker who graduated the EPM program in 2019. After graduation, she was hired as a policy analyst for an environmental lobbying firm where she advocated for clients on issues related to environmental health, water, and natural resources. The following year, she was hired on as a legislative aide in the California State Capitol for an elected official from the Bay Area. She was able to expand her policy knowledge to other issue areas and before the end of her first year, she was promoted to legislative director.

EPM student community celebrates achievements in year end gathering

The Environmental Policy and Management Social Committee hosted its annual spring celebration, Legacy Night. Previously, known as EProM, this end of year event evolved into something much more than a “prom”. The new name reflects a broader purpose of bringing together EPM students, faculty, alumni and friends to celebrate both accomplishments and the enduring legacy of the program.

Faculty Spotlight- Jim Sanchirico

I am a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy (DESP) at the University of California, Davis, and a University Fellow at Resources for the Future (RFF) in Washington, DC. I received my PhD from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis in 1998 and was on staff at RFF from 1998 to 2007, returning to DESP in 2007.

Faculty Spotlight- Tracy Winsor

Tracy Winsor is a Senior Assistant Attorney General specializing in environmental law and a lecturer at UC Davis, mentoring students in environmental policy and law.

UC Davis Environmental Policy and Management Program Hosts Annual Open House

Each year, the Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) program at UC Davis welcomes prospective students to campus to showcase the program and campus. The Open House traditionally begins with an excursion to Sacramento, highlighting the strategic advantage of Davis's proximity to California's Capitol and the opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge environmental work.

Statewide Research Uses Advanced Instruments to Analyze Hazardous Air Pollutants

In communities across California, residents are grappling with poor air quality, often without a clear understanding of the pollutants in their environment. A new research project led by Clare Cannon, associate professor with the Department of Human Ecology, is trying to help these communities take action by bringing advanced air monitoring tools directly into their backyards.

Water Governance in a Classroom Simulation

In an Environmental Policy and Management course, students participated in a hands-on water governance simulation that transformed classroom learning into a dynamic policy negotiation exercise. The simulation challenged students to address complex municipal water infrastructure decisions by role-playing various local government actors, developing critical skills in collaborative problem-solving and multi-stakeholder decision-making.

Student Spotlight- Daniel Harper

Daniel Harper is a second-year student in the Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management. After graduation, he hopes to work in natural resources management either with the state or in the private sector.

Graduate Applies Real World Experience to Regulatory Career

During Bilegt Baatar’s time in the Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) graduate program at UC Davis, he worked on a project that explored meaningful solutions for rural communities. He was part of a student team that analyzed gaps in electric vehicle infrastructure in non-urban areas and developed policy recommendations to address these challenges. Years later, Baatar was excited when a regulatory department cited his team’s work.

In the Wild: Abbey Gyetvai with the Consensus Building Institute

My name is Abbey Gyetvai, and I am a current student in the Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management. I will graduate in June 2025 with a specialization in City & Regional Planning and Environmental Justice.  I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon in 2020 in Environmental Studies, where I focused on Geology, Policy, and Social Sciences. I also received a minor in Political Science.

Building Bridges: Record-Breaking Turnout at EPM Job Fair

The Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management with sponsorship by the UC Davis Institute of the Environment hosted the second-annual Environmental Internship and Job Fair. This event marked a significant milestone in connecting students with potential employers. The event brought together 21 diverse organizations and attracted more than 250 attendees, a substantial increase from 150 participants in the previous year.