Picture
Ben McDonald
2025 class
MS in environment and politics
Why did you choose to continue environmental sciences and policies as a study program?
I grew up in the finger lakes, which is known for its magnificent natural environment. Throughout my life, I have seen in the first hand how difficult it can be to maintain this environment and keep my neighbors safe and healthy. Since I was undergraduate student at Suny Binghamton, I knew I wanted to promote justice at all levels while creating a healthier environment.
Why did you choose to register for the MS program in Environment and Politics Sciences in Pace?
New York State, including New York, is a real defense and environmental science center in the country and in the world, the work done here with great implications. I was attracted to the master’s degree in environmental sciences and politics to be around this and use the incredible connections that the program favored throughout its history. In addition, I love the program of this PACE allowed a very well balanced experience with an accent on science and politics which, I think, is very important for any professional in the field.
I love the program of this Pace allowed for a very well balanced experience by emphasizing science and politics which, I think, is very important for any professional in the field.
What do your experiences look like with the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences?
I had an incredible experience as a student in the program in the Environmental studies and sciences department, learn many great teachers, but I have to emerge the professor Michelle Land, JDas really instrumental in my trip. She has been both my teacher several times and my advisor and goes constantly beyond to make sure that her students are doing well inside and outside the class. If I have I have questions or concerns about the program, my career or anything else, she will listen to and do her best to help. Professor Land is one of the most attentive, competent and passionate teachers that I had throughout my university career.
In what research did you have started as a student?
I am currently working on my Capstone project with Riverkeeper, which consists of creating a set of drinking water quality data covering the Hudson valley. Given the implications of the data, he combines science, politics and plea in a very exciting way for me. I am very impatient to fully process the data and learn everything I can on our drinking water.
What courses did you have as a student?
I had the opportunity to work as an intern in climate policy at Waterfront Alliance, who consisted in conducting political research, collaborating with other organizations to pursue our coalition objectives and to speak both to experts and elected officials to advance our efforts. I also had the opportunity to work at Riverkeeper for my exterior required as mentioned above.
What are your career goals? What would you like to do with graduation?
I started this unnecessary program of what I wanted to do as a career. Two areas of interest for me are political advocacy and housing restoration, and thanks to the experiences I had in classes, internships and external, I have both perfected my skills and established incredible connections for the path I finally chose.