Faculty Spotlight: Sara Tjossem
Sara Tjossem is a Senior Lecturer in MPA’s Environmental Science and Policy Program and the Program’s Associate Program Director. The program is offered by Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in partnership with the Climate Institute.
as a senior lecturer MPA Environmental Science and Policy Program, one of Sara Tjossem’s interests is reminding people that there are some intractable problems that simply cannot be fixed by another technical fix. Individually and collectively, we need to try to bring in ethics and values, judgment and management, and scientific and political context, she said. All of these are essential to solving these large-scale problems.
what is the focus of your research transfer these years?
After doing an undergraduate degree in biology, I realized I wanted to learn more about the natural world. When I went to graduate school in ecology, I found I was more interested in why and how scientists study the natural world. So I ended up switching from a biology major to an interest in the history of science. I am drawn to contemporary issues and how humans shape their interactions with the natural world, more specifically how we manage the world. This brings me to environmental policy.I found out at Columbia University MPA Environmental Science and Policy Program Nice mix of my science background and humanities and a bridge between the two fields.
How can the curriculum be adjusted to take into account the needs of students and the needs of the world?
I’ve been here for about 17 years. We used to talk about environmental science and policy, not sustainability. Sustainability has become a key focus of the program and of incoming students. We have a series of core courses and since they are foundational courses these courses and topics remain the same but the overall content changes. These changes follow the faculty and current events of the year in which they are provided. Guest speakers and adjunct faculty can quickly reflect broader trends. However, finding a balance between core disciplines and responding to multiple interests can be a challenge.
What is your current research project?
One of my current research projects is researching sustainability and sustainability science at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Specifically, how they see sustainability as a unifying concept in their different relationships with the world. Finland is my focus because I took a Fulbright to Finland decades ago, where I spent a year as a biologist. Furthermore, I was later invited to give a lecture on my research on marine cooperation at the University of Helsinki. After reconnecting with individuals, I was introduced to the Helsinki Institute for Sustainable Development, where I started my joint project to document the history and negotiations of sustainable development in a Finnish context.
What do you learn from your students?
Students from different disciplines, backgrounds and ages bring new energy and enthusiasm. Given that our program allows me to be an advisor to students, I want to learn about their backgrounds to help them figure out what they want to do to make permanent change. I emphasize that their year in the program is a year of exploration, whether they come in knowing what they want to do or not. I also learned what motivated them, which helped re-motivate me and suggested the direction I should be heading.
What do you want your students to take away?
I want them to know that they are not alone, that they are part of a larger effort, and that there is hope for the future. Our world is a bit messy, and we face enormous challenges. They’re just one person, but harnessing their abilities can help foster change. Doing nothing is not an option. The program and like-minded individuals are making a genuine effort. I want them to have fun while taking themselves seriously. I hope they keep hope.
her mike bross Intern in MPA’s Environmental Science and Policy Program.
Students in the MPA Environmental Science and Policy program take a one-year, 54-credit course offered by Columbia University School of International and Public Affairsand climate School.
Since its inception in 2002, MPA has Environmental Science and Policy The program provides students with practical experience and analytical and decision-making tools to implement effective environmental and sustainable management policies. The program’s 1,112 graduates have advanced to national and international jobs in environmental policy, working in government, the private and nonprofit sectors. Their work addresses issues of sustainability, resource use and global change, with focus areas on air, water, climate, energy efficiency, food, agriculture, transport and waste management. They serve as consultants, advisors, program managers, program directors, policy analysts, teachers, researchers, and environmental scientists and engineers.
