Faculty spotlight- Dr. David Bunn

The Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management is thrilled to welcome back Dr. David Bunn to our faculty roster. David was the EPM program director from December 2019-August 2021. He is now working as a conservation policy consultant and serves on the EPM External Advisory Committee.  Prior to serving as the Director for the EPM program, David served as Director of the California Department of Conservation from 2015 to 2019.  The Department of Conservation manages programs to conserve agricultural lands and watersheds, has oversight of mine reclamation, geological and seismic programs, and regulates oil, gas and geothermal resources.  Previously, David served the State as Deputy Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and as a natural resources policy consultant for the State Senate and Assembly.

What advice do you have for prospective students who plan to apply to EPM this year?

If you want to engage policy and management at any level EPM will give you the skill set to be effective. That is why EPM graduates are in demand and find jobs in their fields.

What class do you teach? 

I teach ENV 202, Policy Development and Implementation.

What skills do you hope that students take away from your course?

How to assess and engage legislative and budget processes, research policy issues and prepare policy briefs and to work in coalition on achieving policy and budget change.

What made you want to return to UC Davis to teach?

EPM is a great program preparing students to be effective in environmental and natural resources policy and leadership positions. It is great to share and contribute to the training of future leaders.

If you could recommend one book to help students with their professional development, what would it be? 

I would recommend the book Metabolical by Robert Lustig because the book discusses the need for significant policy changes in both our food and health systems.

When you aren't busy teaching and consulting, what do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy hiking, paddling and working on outdoor projects.