Welcome!

The concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy is designed to provide a multi-disciplinary introduction to current problems of the environment. It is founded on the premise that the ability to form rational judgments concerning many of the complex challenges confronting society today involving the environment requires both an understanding of the underlying scientific and technical issues and an appreciation for the relevant economic, political, legal, historical and ethical dimensions.

Information for Prospective Concentrators

Watch this video for a faculty message about choosing ESPP as a concentration. Visit the Board of Tutors page to find a list of ESPP faculty which includes their home department, research interests, and email address. ESPP faculty are happy to be contacted via email by prospective students. Interested in declaring ESPP? Please visit here for instructions.

Please make an appointment (via window on the right) with Lorraine to discuss declaration. Pre-concentrators are encouraged to reach out to us as early as freshman year--you will be added to our email list and learn about events and fields trips. 

Want to Learn More about ESPP? Talk to a Current Student!

ESPP concentrators who have agreed to be contacted by prospective students to answer questions about ESPP and share their stories and interest.

 

Fred Asare-Konadu 24

Winthrop House | He/Him

fasarekonadu@college.harvard.edu

ESPP Interests: There are few things ESPP related that I don't love to talk and learn about. One of my main focuses as of late has been evaluating the role of the private market in the climate transition, most specifically finding ways to align the interests of companies with what is best for our climate. Through my courses I have also enjoyed discussing sustainability, climate responsibility and overall climate injustice. I would be happy to talk about anything previously mentioned, along with general questions about ESPP and course work and how it balances with other academic / extracurricular interests.  

 

Robin Greene 24

Mather House | He/Him

rgreene@college.harvard.edu

ESPP Interests:  I am interested in everything from nutrient cycling and biogeochemical processes to environmental justice and social ecology! ESPP has given me the resources and support to study these issues from both a scientific and political perspective. Outside of the Harvard sphere, I use ESPP frameworks to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and I am studying abroad this fall in Lisbon, Portugal. Always happy to chat about anything, ESPP-related or otherwise! 

 

Alexandra Kassinis ‘24 

Pforzheimer House | She/Her

akassinis@college.harvard.edu

ESPP Interests: I am interested in the intersection of environmental issues and health, especially the impacts of climate change on food security, water resources and migration. Outside of the classroom, I am involved in the Harvard Undergraduate Clean Energy Group and the Harvard Global Health Institute. Happy to talk about all things ESPP, anytime! 

 

 

Lexie Purcell ‘24

Eliot House | She/Her

lexiepurcell@college.harvard.edu

ESPP Interests: I am primarily interested in the intersection of environmental science and public health. As an ESPP concentrator and pre-medical student, I frequently encounter the overlap in these subjects and the potential implications for the future of healthcare. Management of natural resources, air pollution, and endocrine disruptors are just a few examples of the subjects I am most interested in studying. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat or have questions about ESPP!  

 

 

Grace Taylor ‘24

Quincy House | She/her

gtaylor@college.harvard.edu

ESPP interests: I'm really passionate about a wide range of topics, including concepts like fairness in our surroundings, the interconnectedness of societies and nature, and how our environment and economy interact. ESPP has been an incredible foundation for me, offering the tools, guidance, and flexibility to delve into the crossroads of these subjects. This journey has also led me to explore Global Health and Health Policy as a secondary focus. Through ESPP, I've gained not only a strong belief in the synergy of science and politics but also the courage to tackle them. I even had the amazing experience of teaching physics in southern Vietnam last summer! I'm always up for a chat about ESPP and all the exciting experiences it has brought my way! 

 

 

Cara Yu '25

Winthrop House | She/Her

carayu@college.harvard.edu

ESPP Interests: I am interested in the interplay between policy and the private market in the context of the clean energy transition. It’s exciting to see how well designed policies can align corporate interests with climate benefits and accelerate solar energy adoption. I would love to talk about policy dynamics, innovative clean energy solutions, and the potential of a climate-conscious private sector. Feel free to reach out – I'm happy to chat about anything and everything! 

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Book an appointment with Lorraine Maffeo, Program Administrator

Book an appointment with Dr. Diana Sharpe, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies 

 

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Spring 2024 Courses

ESPP 90b. The EV Revolution: Outlook, Environmental Impact, Policy, and Challenge
ESPP 90s. The Technology, Economics, and Public Policy of Renewable Energy
ESPP 160. US Environmental Policy and Policymaking: The Role of Congress, EPA, Stakeholders, and Courts
ESPP 173. Water Resources in Developing Countries
ESPP 180. Climate Change, Health, and Environmental Justice-Focusing on Solutions

Course Catalog Listings 

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