Student Spotlight: CJ O'Brien
MDP student CJ O’Brien is a marine scientist turned development practitioner. She is passionate about mitigating plastic pollution in coastal communities. We sat down with her to catch up about her first semester in the MDP program.
Here are a few of her answers:
What made you decide to pursue a Master’s in Development Practice?
One of the aspects I love about MDP is the interdisciplinary approach. During my study abroad experience in Zanzibar, Tanzania studying plastic pollution in the Stone Town Harbor area, I realized that conservation could NOT be done with science alone. A deep understanding of the context, community needs, the policies, and the history of a place is equally important. I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree and I loved how it nurtured an environment where many different fields can come together to grapple with pressing issues.
How do you envision applying this program to your future career?
I hope to go on to a PHD program or go into further research looking at coastal community adaptation and perceptions of the changing climate or plastic pollution. With the interdisciplinary nature of this program, I hope to take aspects of environmental health, anthropology, policy, organizational management, and development theory to give me a platform to do meaningful research.
What accomplishments during this program are you proud of?
I am so proud to be working with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper this semester to create their first microplastic monitoring program. We want to learn the major sources of plastic pollution through this program and hope to raise awareness for how to reduce our plastic waste in the watershed. It is so important because 5 million people rely on the Chattahoochee for clean drinking water! Recently, Jess Sterling and I presented our findings at the first annual “Water Warriors Summit” at the Georgia Aquarium. It was so rewarding to engage with young people who are passionate about marine issues such as pollution and climate change. It really gave me hope that the new generation of earth stewards are a force to be reckon’ with!
What was/is one of your frustrations with the field of development?
My frustration with development, especially research lies in the lack of community involvement. I don’t think researchers include the public enough in planning and outreach. I have always been so frustrated with the strict use of “academic” language in papers that no one will read, the notion that scientists do not need to interact with the local community, and the unwillingness to interact with other disciplines. I think as scientists moving forward, we need to ask ourselves how our presence could be negatively affecting the people being studied and do research in a way that sees the public as an equal partner.
What do you like to do on the weekends when you aren't doing school work?
I try to get involved with as many things as possible! Since it is only a 2 year program, I've tried to say yes to everything! I volunteered at the Georgia Climate Conference, attended Mission Blue's announcement to make the Georgia Coast a "Hope Spot", and have done as many river cleanups with CRK as possible. It has really allowed me to connect with other NGOs and organizations doing incredible environmental work in Atlanta. On the weekends, I love walking around Piedmont park when they have their farmers market! I usually get Blue Donkey coffee, buy locally grown produce, and read a book on a blanket in the park. I also enjoy doing yoga and researching places that I can go SCUBA diving next.
Curriculum
The Emory MDP curriculum combines natural, social, health sciences and management.
FIELD PRACTICUM
The Field Practicum is a core component of the Emory MDP curriculum.