Alison Miller, who graduated from Columbia’s Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy (MPA-ESP) in 2011, is now a senior leader at the Nature Conservancy, where she works at the intersection of science and implementation, helping turn environmental evidence into on-the-ground action. With a background spanning government, academia, nonprofits and corporate business development, she brings a unique perspective to sustainability work.
Miller spoke with us about her career journey, lessons from the MPA-ESP program and advice for students entering the field of sustainability.
Can you tell us about your current work?
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental NGO that focuses on climate and biodiversity solutions, with nature at the heart of what we do. I support the science team by helping deliver strategies, advancing applied science and making sure the solutions we implement are backed by evidence.
It is a very rewarding role because it combines big-picture thinking with on-the-ground impact. I love that our work spans everything from land preservation and sustainable agriculture to supporting corporate sustainability, all informed by science.
One big focus right now for my team is establishing a monitoring, evaluation and learning program to ensure our work has the long-term impact we aim for. We are also starting to look at a longer time horizon, to 2040, to consider the conservation and climate challenges and opportunities of the future. It is exciting to think ahead and start laying the groundwork for the next chapter of our work.
You’ve worked in government, academia, nonprofit and corporate business development. How was it navigating these very different environments?
They each have their own dynamics. A common thread I have seen across government, academia and nonprofits is the emphasis on stakeholder engagement, making sure the right people are at the table and having the right conversations. It is about consulting the right experts and building broad agreements.
That said, deep stakeholder engagement processes can slow things down compared to corporate environments where decisions tend to move faster. I would not say I have a favorite since each sector taught me something different. What ties them together for me is the mission-driven work and the importance of bringing people along.
Looking back, was there a turning point when you decided to dedicate your career to sustainability?
Yes. Before ESP, I was working in the financial services sector and realized I wanted to do something more impactful and more aligned with my personal values. The ESP program really appealed to me because of its balance of science and policy.
Coming from an economics undergraduate background, I did not have much formal environmental science training and I wanted to fill that gap. The summer of science was actually my favorite part of the program because it gave me that foundation while also teaching me how to think like a generalist. That mindset has served me well.
Was there a course at Columbia that you found especially meaningful?
The courses Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management I and II (ENVPU9229-U9230) were probably the most meaningful for me. I liked the structure, having a manager, a clear work plan and learning how to advance a project step by step. It mirrored the real world very well and prepared me for professional teamwork in a way traditional classes did not.
Not long after graduating, I was hired for an independent consulting project. I brought together a team of fellow ESP alumni. As we worked, we realized it felt exactly like workshop. That was a great moment.
How did the MPA-ESP program refine your professional focus?
I came in without a science background and the program gave me the confidence to work in roles where I support scientific work and translate it into actionable strategies.
The program did not try to make us experts in any one field. Instead, it taught us to synthesize information, think critically and communicate effectively. That generalist approach has been invaluable, especially in a field that is constantly evolving.
What advice would you give current MPA-ESP students who hope to work at the intersection of science and policy?
Take advantage of everything Columbia has to offer. The workload in ESP is intense, but if you can, try to engage beyond your cohort. Go to events, network with students from other programs and join clubs. There is so much more to tap into outside of the classroom.
Do not be too rigid about your career path. Stay open to opportunities, keep learning, and do not worry if your journey does not follow a straight line. It rarely does in this field.
Focus on the soft skills. Learn how to communicate clearly and concisely, understand your audience and be able to synthesize credible evidence to make your case. Even something as simple as the one-page memo exercises we did at Columbia has been incredibly useful.
Finally, stay nimble. Keep up with emerging tools and technologies, whether it is AI or data visualization. You do not have to be an expert in everything, but being adaptable and open to learning new things is crucial in this field.
What is something surprising you have learned since graduating?
I was surprised by how nonlinear this field really is. People come from all kinds of backgrounds including agriculture, finance and policy, and they find ways to make an impact in sustainability. Every role and every skill set can contribute. That diversity of experience is actually a strength, and it gives me hope that the tent keeps expanding.
What keeps you motivated in the face of challenges?
Even when federal policies are not ideal, we still see progress at the local and community level. We just have to look for the bright spots and shine a light on them. Working with passionate and dedicated people helps a lot. Knowing that there are thousands of people and organizations out there pushing forward is inspiring.
Maintaining work-life balance is also key. Mission-driven environmental or sustainability work can be emotionally heavy, so setting boundaries, taking time off and caring for yourself emotionally and physically makes it possible to keep going.