CPaCE News

As someone with a deep appreciation for nature, Nanci Torres-Poblano has followed her passion for the environment from national forests to community gardens to the CSULB campus. Nanci’s connection to The Beach is reflected in her roles as both staff member and recent graduate of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management and Policy (MSSMP) program.

“Being a part of the MSSMP program has allowed me to feel more confident in my current role,” Nanci said. “With the rise in sustainability-focused jobs, I have gained confidence in knowing that I have the skills needed to pursue any role I wish.”

As Sustainability Specialist in CSULB’s Campus Planning & Sustainability Office, Nanci designs new programs, conducts education and outreach, plans events, collects data, and provides support to students. She has helped launch multiple initiatives on campus including the Sustainability Champions program, the Sustainability Fellows program, and Green Grad Campaign, in addition to other events that take place during Sustainability Month and Earth Month. 

In her previous job, Nanci was an environmental science educator at Yosemite National Park. But the Covid pandemic prompted a career change, and Nanci came across the MSSMP program while searching for graduate programs that aligned with her background. As the first program of its kind in the CSU system, it was an easy choice for her to enroll. The sustainability-focused courses and CSULB’s location close to home meant that she could work full-time with an easy commute while attending the program from 2022 to 2024.

“Some semesters were more demanding than others, but it was manageable,” she said. “I enjoyed debates that challenged me to think critically and pose questions frequently. I enjoyed getting to collaborate with my classmates on a variety of assignments while learning new skills.”

“All of the professors gave me tools, support, and encouragement to pursue opportunities even when I was not sure if I should try,” she continued.

Nanci cites MSSMP instructor Steven Kerns as an influential mentor who taught students to become the next generation of change-makers in their field. He even conducted a mock interview on a weekend to help Nanci prepare for the Yale School of the Environment's Environmental Fellows Program, which she received with additional help from Professor Nataliya Acc-Nikmehr. Another MSSMP instructor, Claudia Yefremian, provided guidance for Nanci to apply for the role that she holds today as Sustainability Specialist.

“They set expectations that demanded my classmates and I to be intentional, critical, and compassionate as we learned about the law,” Nanci said. “Now I make it a practice every day to read sustainability-related news and pose questions as I read the articles.”

For her final capstone project in the MSSMP program, Nanci and her project partner presented work about community gardens. They collaborated on an interactive map using GIS software to centralize the resources available to start a garden, while also highlighting cities that do not have any to identify areas in need. 

“Community gardens are amazing spaces where communities can foster new skills, connect with neighbors, and grow fresh food, amongst other benefits,” Nanci said.

“I want to continue to support our campus in its sustainability efforts,” she stated. “Through our student interns, I also get to support them in achieving their goals.”  

With a growing demand for sustainability professionals, the MSSMP program is fulfilling an important need in the job market as well as the global response to climate change. Other recent graduates are currently working across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector as environmental scientists, policy analysts, and corporate relations professionals.

“I enjoyed getting to see how my classmates and I started to undergo career changes that aligned with sustainability,” Nanci said. “We got to celebrate each other and create a long-lasting support system.”

Learn more about CSULB’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management and Policy (MSSMP) program.