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Michi Yoshikawa

Class of 2025
MS in Environmental Science and Policy

Why did you choose to pursue environmental science and policy as a course of study?

I became interested in environmental science and policy while I learned more about climate change. As I engaged in climate action, I realized that a lot of the bigger changes we need to see to mitigate climate change need to come from policy change. And since environmental justice needs to occur hand in hand with climate action, I wanted to study these topics more.

Why did you choose to enroll in the MS in Environmental Science and Policy at Pace?

After completing my undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine in Japan, I increasingly became more interested in environmental issues and wanted to pursue a master’s degree in this field. Geographically, my focus was in and around New York City, as my family lives here, and when looking into graduate programs, Pace's MS in Environmental Science and Policy was most aligned with my interests. Once here, I had great classmates who supported each other.

What have your experiences been like with the Environmental Studies and Science department? What faculty have been instrumental in your academic journey?

I've really enjoyed my time at Pace and have found that most of the classes I've taken have been challenging and eye-opening in many ways. I especially found the environmental law survey and environmental justice classes taken at Pace’s Haub School of Law very interesting, in addition to my contemporary issues class, as we were able to hear from alumni from our program and learn about different career trajectories.

When looking into graduate programs, Pace's MS in Environmental Science and Policy was most aligned with my interests, and once here, I had great classmates who supported each other.

Professor Michelle Land, JD, in the Environmental Studies and Science department has really gone above and beyond as an educator. One of my favorite classes was the environmental policy class I took with her in my first semester. I liked the way she structured the class and the feedback she gave throughout the semester was very valuable. She is so passionate about what she does and deeply cares about her students.

What research have you engaged in as part of your studies that was meaningful to you?

I'm passionate about environmental and nuclear justice and am currently writing my thesis about how these two issues overlap. Professor Melanie Dupuis, PhD, my thesis advisor, has been supportive of this somewhat niche topic from the start, and has helped me through all the unexpected twists and turns that my project took.

What are your career goals?

I would love to do something that relates to environmental justice and communication. With the current state of the world, I'm not sure how that will look yet, but I'm excited to apply what I've learned and collaborate with others in whatever way that turns out to be. This program has equipped me with the knowledge and tools I need to start my career in the environmental field.