Student Spotlight- May Myo Myint
Hi, I’m May Myo Myint, a Fulbright scholar and masters student in the Environmental Policy and Management program (EPM). Prior to beginning the EPM program, I had 4 years of environmental consulting experience focused on environmental impact assessment, industrial pollution control, and public consultation. Currently, I am working on textile producer responsibility program and textile circularity projects with the California Product Stewardship Council.
In my spare time, I like to volunteer on projects related to youth empowerment and climate change/environmental health education. Last summer, I shared insights on how textiles can impact our health and how to choose sustainable textiles on YMyHealth, a digital media platform publishing healthcare resources for millennials. Recently, I authored an article on Proposition-65, available here.
What are your professional goals?
Originally from Myanmar, my career goals were shaped by the impact of Cyclone Nargis, which hit my hometown in 2008 when I was 13 years old. At that time, we did not receive any warning nor evacuation notice, and I witnessed firsthand how vulnerable are people and cities to climate change and natural disasters—physically, mentally, and socially.
This experience inspired me to become an environmental expert, dedicated to building resilient, climate-smart communities and addressing complex regional and global environmental challenges. My ultimate goal is to work with communities directly who are affected by climate change, drawing on my childhood experiences to make a meaningful difference.
Why did you choose the EPM program?
I like the EPM program for its flexibility that allowed me to take a variety of classes for breadth during my second year. I also appreciated the requirement to complete a practicum and a policy clinic project. As an international student, these hands-on experiences provided opportunities to understand the U.S. working culture. Needless to say, these experiences also helped build my portfolio and my professional network significantly.
Advice for incoming EPM students
I highly recommend joining professional associations that offer free membership for students, such as the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) and participating in on-campus committees like the EPM Social Committee, Student Diversity Committee, or the AEP UC Davis chapter. As an event coordinator for the AEP UC Davis chapter during my first year, I had the opportunity to attend their annual conference in Tahoe, which was an amazing learning and networking experience.
For international students, navigating the system here while studying full-time can be challenging. I suggest utilizing UC Davis's resources for career support, health services, services for international students and scholars (SISS), and other assistance, including legal consultations. Talk with Jessica-s for information about these resources, too!
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I am going to stay in the Bay Area, California, and I am seeking a job in climate change or the circular economy fields.