Alumni Spotlight- Denise Walker
Denise graduated from the EPM program as a 12-month track student, in June 2022.
What is your current job?
I currently work as an Associate Environmental Scientist with the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI), investigating ecology, hydrology, and geomorphology of the Delta ecosystem. Although my focus is on the Delta, projects range throughout the Bay Area, and collaborate with various nonprofits and government agencies to provide ecological management solutions to environmental challenges.
How has EPM prepared you for the workforce?
EPM equipped me with exceptional quantitative courses that I need for data analysis in my current position. I generally work with R to produce results and manuscript figures, in addition to building models and maps in ArcGIS. Besides the flexibility of courses, the most beneficial aspect of the EPM program was taking part in a Policy Clinic and working with a client. This has been the most applicable experience for me in the workforce. During the Policy Clinic, I was able to bolster my project management skills which have been essential in my position at SFEI.
Do you have any advice for incoming/current students?
My best advice for incoming/current students is to be open to diving deep into subjects you know nothing about. Take courses that intimidate you, attend seminars around subject matter you've never heard of, and choose a Policy Clinic topic that makes you feel clueless. Not only will you become a more well-rounded scientist but you become a more attractive candidate in a job search when you can speak to your applicable skills and willingness to take on challenges.
What was your favorite memory from EPM/Davis?
My favorite memory from the EPM program was preparing for our environmental law negotiations. They were long and stressful, however it created a buzz among the cohort of students and it strengthened the camaraderie during a busy quarter.
Please share a fun fact about yourself!
When I am not working, I spend most of my free time on long bike rides or climbing rocks. I also have a pet lionhead bunny named Figaro.