Degree: Ph.D. in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy
Year: 2024
Please tell us a bit about your background and path to your graduate program?
I got my bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning in China. I worked as an urban designer before coming to the U.S. where I got my master’s degree, same, of urban and regional planning in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy here at UC Irvine. After that, I continued to pursue the doctoral degree in the same department, but switched my gear to environmental policy, with a specialty on drinking water policy and regulation.
Why did you choose your field of study and your program specifically?
I’ve always been in the same field ever since my undergrads. I’m fascinated with urban environments and dream to be a designer. The traditional field of urban planning in China focuses on the design side of the physical environment. Whereas I learned how to see the bigger picture from a policy perspective during the period of study abroad in the U.S. I feel that sometimes it is more important to get to know why we want a project or a design in the first place than just do the work. Studying policy provides me with a better understanding of the motivations and mechanisms of the process of policy-making and implementation. These are the aspects I’m specifically interested in.
Have you conducted any research? If yes, can you tell us a bit about it?
My current focus is my dissertation. They are about drinking water regulations in the U.S. I’m particularly interested in evaluating the effectiveness of the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act in terms of its regulatory efforts, such as inspection and enforcement. Further, whether the act achieved its goal of equality or environmental justice. Moreover, the consequences of violations of the law from the standpoint of view of public health, to inform whether the mandatory standards of the existing regulation are protective. If not, any policy changes or improvements can be made.
How do you envision your degree from UCI opening doors for you and benefitting your career?
My degree from UCI would be beneficial in multiple ways to my career. It opens an entire world of theories and knowledge that I never would have had a chance to explore if I had not gotten into this program, which is very satisfying. The process of training a doctoral student itself is also constantly shaping my personality. I learned that to be scientific is a thinking approach that could be applied to any type of work, not only academia. It also taught me the importance of endurance, optimism, self-discipline, and self-motivation when facing challenges, which will all benefit, I believe, my career.
Was there anything that surprised you or that you didn't expect about this program?
I’m very impressed by the supportive environment of my department and the program. I knew it is a warm community before I got into the program, but still was surprised very often by how nice and thoughtful the faculties, staff, and my peers are. They are a wonderful part of my experience of studying abroad.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone enrolling in the program?
I’d suggest she be open to any opportunities no matter in the department, the school of social ecology, or campuswide that provide resources, such as talks, speeches, or workshops, to broaden your horizons, expose yourself to innovative ideas, even if they are not directly relevant to your research. And the sooner you get started to think about your short-term research topics as well as long-term career goals the better.
Where will you go from here?
I might look for any research-based professional jobs after I finish my dissertation and get the degree. Currently, the thoughts are quite open and broad.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?
No matter how challenging it is, I believe that a doctoral student's life would be one of the most valuable life experiences, and it may not be as long as you thought it would be, so, enjoy.