Your application

Please complete the following fields to be considered for this project.

Please fill in this required field.
Please fill in this required field.
Please fill in this required field.
Please fill in this required field.
Please fill in this required field.
How much commitment will you have to this project?
Please select an option.
Are you available to dedicate 1-2 hours per week to the Build Project?
Please select an option.
Your application has been 
successfully submitted!
Explore more projects
Close
You already submitted an application for this project.
Explore more projects
Close
There was an error submitting your form. Please try again later or contact us.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This project is no longer accepting applications. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of new projects!

Get updates
Applications for this project will open on
January 16, 2024
. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of new projects!
Get updates
Bridging Science and Policy for Effective Environmental Management
Swapnil Mishra
Swapnil Mishra
Get updates
Register today
Apply now

Bridging Science and Policy for Effective Environmental Management

Develop a policy framework that bridges environmental science and public policy to address uncertainties and knowledge gaps in real-world environmental challenges.

Register today
Apply now
Mondays
 at
8:00
P.M.
 ET /
5:00
P.M.
PT
8 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Beginner
No experience required
No experience required
Some experience required
Degree and experience required

Description

In today’s environmental policy sector, the ability to transform scientific data into actionable, evidence-based policy solutions is a fundamental skill sought after in entry-level roles across government agencies, NGOs, and private companies. In this Build Project, you'll step into the role of an environmental policy analyst and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges like nuclear waste management and lead contamination. Under the guidance of your instructor, you'll analyze scientific research, assess stakeholder concerns, and craft well-informed policy recommendations that balance both environmental and societal needs. You'll become familiar with industry tools and methodologies such as stakeholder mapping and policy analysis frameworks. All this will take place in an environment that mirrors the operations of a real-world environmental policy team, providing hands-on experience in addressing global environmental challenges.

Session timeline

  • Applications open
    January 16, 2024
  • Application deadline
    February 18, 2025
  • Project start date
    Week of July 8, 2024
    Week of
    March 10, 2025
  • Project end date
    Week of

What you will learn

  • Assess the theoretical and practical complexities at the science-policy interface by exploring real-world environmental cases from government, civil society, and private sector perspectives.
  • Evaluate and describe the complexity of science-policy relations, developing critical-thinking and communication skills through written assignments and oral presentations.
  • Collaborate effectively in teams, leveraging complementary knowledge and skills to address real-world environmental challenges and formulate innovative policy solutions.

Project workshops

1
Science-Policy Interface
2
Environmental Narratives and Scientific Framing
3
Legislation, Regulation, and Governance
4
Case Study - Mojave Desert Nuclear Waste Management
5
The Role of the Judiciary in Environmental Policy
6
The Role of Advocacy in Environmental Policy
7
Corporate Influence on Environmental Governance
8
Case Study - Lead Pollution in Worcester, Massachusetts

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of Environmental Science and Policy: You should have a basic understanding of environmental science principles, particularly how socio-political factors shape environmental issues. This knowledge will help you navigate discussions on topics like nuclear waste management and lead pollution.
  • Research and Analytical Skills: You should be able to analyze case studies, evaluate scientific data, and assess the effectiveness of current policies. This includes the ability to synthesize different sources of information and make evidence-based recommendations.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills: You’ll need the ability to critically assess how different factors (political, corporate, social) influence environmental policies. This skill will help in crafting solutions to environmental challenges, like lead contamination in Worcester, MA or nuclear waste management in the Mojave Desert.
  • Communication and Advocacy Skills: You will need to articulate your analysis clearly, both in written and verbal forms. This includes being able to advocate for your policy solutions and engage with diverse stakeholders, including media, civil society, and government entities.

Sign up today

Get access to all of our Build projects, including this one, by creating your Build account!

Register today
Log in

Apply to

Swapnil

's project today!

Get started by submitting your application.

Apply now

Stay updated!

Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of new projects!

Please fill in this required field.
By clicking “Subscribe” you agree to our Terms of Services and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll notify you of new projects via email. In the meantime, you can explore our resources and learn more about our Fellows.

Discover our articles
There was an error submitting your form. Please try again later or contact us.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
About the expert

Swapnil Mishra

Environmental Science Fellow
DREAM Venture Labs
Swapnil Mishra is an Environmental Science Build Fellow at DREAM Venture Labs, where he collaborates with students leading projects that bridge science and policy for effective environmental management. Swapnil is also a Solar Energy Specialist at Sunbender LLC, where he focuses on leveraging his advanced knowledge of environmental science to educate users and raise awareness about the significant benefits of solar energy for both the environment and individual budgets in the United States. Swapnil has over three years of experience in the environmental field. Before his current positions, he worked as a Health Physicist for DDES, LLC, and CN Associates, Inc., as well as an Analytical Chemist for Alpha Analytical. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies from Knox College in Galesburg, IL, and an M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Clark University in Worcester, MA. A fun fact about Swapnil is that he recently started a “Dream Club” in Boston, where participants share a dream they’ve recently had to be collectively psychoanalyzed by the group, exploring the narratives scripted by the subconscious.
Visit
Swapnil
's Linkedin
More like this Project