Alumni Spotlight - Sara Ostad

Alumni Spotlight – Sara Ostad 

I am currently a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the department of Life Sciences Communication researching how scientists, policymakers, and the public talk to each other about climate change. I am originally from Iran and got my love for science and nature from my parents who made sure my sister and I always spent ample time outside biking, hiking, and playing badminton. I am a double UC Davis Alum, getting my bachelors and master’s here! 

Why did you choose the EPM program?

My path to environmental science and policy work has not been a straight one. I was on the pre-vet track during my undergraduate studies until the first round of Covid-19 shutdowns. The extra time at home pushed me to get involved with the Caillaud Lab, looking at lemur behavior data. Getting to work daily with graduate students like Meredith Lutz got me very interested in graduate school. In addition, one of my favorite undergraduate professors Eric Post was also affiliated with this program so when it came time to apply, I opted to apply to the EPM program instead of applying to the vet school. I was not exactly sure what I had gotten myself into at first, but I don't have any regrets! 

What do you currently do for work?

The life of a PhD student is full of twists and turns, so I am working on a variety of research projects, workshops, and initiatives at any given time. Right now, I am focused on a research project that looks at the effects of Affective Polarization (the increasing dislike and distrust people feel for those in opposing political parties) on support for climate change policy. In addition, I am involved in a brand-new Energy Justice Graduate Working Group on campus and will be working on a Department of Energy funded project this summer!

Do you have any advice for prospective students? 

Looking back there are 3 things that really helped me so of course I think everyone should do them too: 

• Take classes outside the department and outside your specialization! I have managed to do very well for myself in my PhD because I refused to hyperspecialize. I have experience with environmental policy and project management, but I also took courses in Native studies, Python, and survey instrument design.
• Get to know faculty and staff in this department and others. Building close relationships with JP, JC, Dr. Ryan Meyer, Dr. Alessandro Ossola, and Dr. Eric Post is one of the smartest things I have ever done! Not only were they super helpful academically and professionally, writing recommendation letters and forwarding over cool opportunities, but they were also there to keep me grounded and make sure I was supported to do all that I set my mind to!
• Try to secure an on-campus TA appointment with tuition remission. I worked as a TA for the entirety of my 2 years. Trying to manage my TA schedule alongside my own classes was not easy but I still think I had a better time than my peers who were working off-campus. Make sure to apply for the BIS2B and BIS2C TA positions since they need a lot of TAs! Also make sure to share available TA positions with each other!