Erin Rodriguez, a graduate of the UC Davis Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) program, joined with a clear goal: to deepen her understanding of the science that shapes impactful policy decisions. Today, as director of governmental affairs at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), she’s applying that knowledge to develop policies that benefit California communities.

Through the EPM program, Rodriguez gained the skills to quickly translate complex scientific data into real-world policy solutions – skills she uses every day. She also taps into the EPM network when hiring, often turning to fellow alumni to fill roles on her team. She values how the program prepares graduates with the curiosity, expertise and practical experience needed to succeed in roles like hers.

“The EPM program asks you to be able to pivot pretty quickly and review things in a real-world scenario way, and not just confined to a lab,” Rodriguez said. “I’m hiring for four positions right now and I have been heavily talking to EPM grad students. I anticipate I’m going to rely on the EPM network for years to come.”

One of her most memorable experiences while earning her master’s degree at UC Davis was her Policy Clinic project with the California State Assembly Speaker’s Office. Her team analyzed the effectiveness of the state’s extreme heat program, producing a report that eventually informed legislative decisions.

“They did use some of our research when they were evaluating the program,” Rodriguez said. “I feel really good that our work never sat on the shelf. It was used.”

Just one day before graduating from the program, Rodriguez was appointed deputy director of legislative affairs at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery. She spent two years in this role before being appointed by the governor to her current position at the CPUC. She credits the EPM program with preparing her for both roles.

“I don’t think I would’ve gotten my current job without EPM,” she said. “I’m really glad I went through it, and I can confidently say it’s paying off. I just want to maximize being the best public servant I can be. This is my dream, getting to do this every day.”