Socorro Martha Meg-ay "Meg" V. Daupan, an Igorot scientist from Sagada, Mountain Province, is the first Filipino to earn a master's degree in Natural Resources and Environment from the University of Michigan (UM).
I believe that human activities and behavior are the major factors for our planet's changing climate, increasing severity of natural disasters, and biodiversity loss. However, I also believe that we hold the power and authority to reverse the damages we have caused. - Meg Daupan
The Igorot woman from Sagada is currently working as a Program Manager for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan (DDCSP-UM).
Before this, Daupan graduated from the University of the Philippines (UP) - Baguio Campus with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and completed her Master's Degree in Microbiology from UP-Diliman.
As part of her graduate studies, she was awarded a spring fellowship at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in Korea that specializes in microbial fuel cells research.
After completing her studies, Daupan worked as a science educator at the Mind Museum in Taguig. Through this experience, she greatly developed many professional skills, especially science communication and curriculum design.
In December of 2013, the devastating impacts of typhoon "Haiyan" motivated her to change her career path and learn more about environmental crises.
In 2014, she made a big leap and moved to the United States to begin her new career.
She became the first Filipino to earn a master's degree in Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability.
Daupan is now working as a Program Manager for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan.
Her job includes leading all aspects of the program from recruiting students across the United States, to building partnerships with environmental researchers and conservation professionals, and serving as a mentor to the scholars.
In addition to Daupan's work and identity as a scientist, over time she has learned to better appreciate and value her indigenous roots, being half Igorot. She has continually engaged with experts in environmental justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Education
University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment (Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Master of Science, Natural Resources and Environment, April 2016
- International Center Student Council, 2014-2015
- Rackham Summer Award, Rackham International Research Award, Rackham Conference Travel Grant
- International Economic Development Program, Winter 2015 (Rio, Brazil)
- UN Climate Change Conference (SBI42) Side Event Presenter: Assessment of GHG Emissions Accounting in Rio, Brazil (Bonn, Germany); COP21 UNSD Education Caucus delegate (Paris, France)
University of the Philippines (Quezon City, Philippines)
Master of Science, Microbiology, Nov 2012
• Department of Science and Technology-Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (DOST-ASTHRDP) scholar (Awarded to top 5% of graduate students in priority S&T areas)
University of the Philippines (Baguio City, Philippines)
Master of Science, Natural Resources and Environment, April 2016
- Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute scholar (Awarded to upper 5% of graduating high school class who passed the scholarship examination)
Exploring Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Issues in Conservation
You may watch her upcoming webinar on Exploring Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Issues in Conservation this May 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM (Philippine Standard Time).
It is my pleasure to share what I learned as Dr. Dorceta Taylor's right-hand woman in running one of the diversity pipeline program at the University of Michigan (now housed in Yale School of the Environment), the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program. I will also be sharing about relevant environmental justice issues in the Philippines that are similar to those faced in many other countries.
The lecture series is open to the public. If you are interested to join, you may register here or watch it below or follow this link:
Source: Pinoy Scientist
