Master of Environmental Management student Alice Daeschler shares her journey to choosing the Community Engagement and Environmental Justice (CEEJ) concentration and how it鈥檚 preparing her for a successful career. From initial motivations to key experiences in the program, get an inside look at how this concentration is shaping her future.
What drew you to the CEEJ concentration and how is it preparing you for your career?
I found the management concentrations for this specific MEM program to be a really different and innovative way for students to focus on their interests and gain skills that they believe will be directly applied to their future careers. I chose the CEEJ concentration because I have always been inspired by community-based environmental work. I was drawn to the idea of framing environmental issues from a social justice, climate justice and equity lens. As someone who hopes to go into conservation and restoration, I think community engagement is one of the most important elements to successful projects. Similarly, I think it is so important to have a broader knowledge of the systems at play that are affecting the environment and the people.
How does that skillset complement what you're learning in your other concentration?
This concentration is really interesting to pair with the Coastal and Marine Systems (CAMS)! CEEJ is a really important lens to be looking at coastal and marine issues, especially when looking at sea-level rise and its disproportionate effects to communities. At Duke, there are a lot of opportunities that share this overlap, and students are able to research further into governance, equity, and social analyses within these environmental systems. In particular, I am working for the which has the main mission to conduct research on co-developing insights and tools for sustainable and equitable resource management. It has been really cool to look at equity through this 鈥渂lue鈥 lens, and it has inspired me to continue to look at barriers and injustices when thinking about the broader management practices.
What has been the most rewarding experience or project in the program?
The most rewarding part of this concentration is the amount of hands-on and real-world experience that we are able to gain. Even in a theory-based class, our professors make sure to include field trips, community work days, and other opportunities to get outside and learn from really interesting people practicing community engagement and justice. One of the most notable experiences I have had is kayaking with the Coharie Tribe and learning about their river restoration project. This semester, I am in the Community-Based Environmental Management Practicum class and I am working with Audubon North Carolina on a plan for a historically underserved area of North Carolina. It has been really interesting work and I know I will bring these experiences with me throughout my career.
What advice would you give to someone considering this concentration?
This concentration has a lot of range in terms of what you are interested to learn about and has great opportunities to work outside of the classroom and the school. The core of the curriculum is set to learn theory and put it into action, but within the projects for the classes, you can incorporate your own research and interests. That being said, my advice would be to take classes within this concentration that are outside of your area of expertise. There are amazing and inspiring professors that have a lot of insight to give, and the more perspectives, skills and information you are able to gain, the better a future environmental leader you will be!