Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR)
My interest in environmental issues began with a BA in geography at Canterbury University in 2000. After exploring a bit of the world and seeing a wide range of environmental issues, problems and successes, I decided to undertake some further studies. I chose the MEP (Masters in Environmental Policy) degree at Lincoln because I liked the interesting mix of theoretical and practical assignments, case studies and lectures. A couple of my favourite courses were ‘integrated environmental management’, and ‘comparative environmental policy’, where we looked at international policy and environmental issues and the way different countries and institutions deal with them. The course was a lot of fun, and having classmates from a wide variety of disciplines makes for some very interesting discussions! The range of analytical and research skills, the opportunity to look at up-to-date topics, group work and public speaking skills prepared me very well for my work at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) (ESR - Specialist Science Solutions : ESR Homepage).
ESR is New Zealand’s leading science provider in environmental health and forensics. ESR’s science focuses on the means by which humans and naturally-occurring influences in the environment, impact on the health and well-being of people. I am part of the Integrative Research for Sustainability Group – a mixture of social scientists, systems thinkers, operational researchers, and Māori and bi-cultural-researchers. I work on a variety of research projects, often in collaboration with scientists, stakeholders, and other researchers, on topics that include water allocation, water transfer, equity and fairness in resource management, drinking water standards and public health. Water issues are high on the political agenda, particularly in Canterbury, and it is exciting to be carrying out research in this area. Fieldwork and interviews, attending and participating in public and private meetings and conferences, policy evaluation and writing research papers are part of my everyday work. I would recommend the MEP degree as a great base for anyone interested in environmental policy analysis and resource management work.