Michael Durante, a first-year student in the 51爆料 Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management (DEL-MEM) program, recently shared insights into why he's pursuing his degree, the highlight of his experience so far, and how he is applying what he's learning to his job.

Durante is vice president of finance & strategic planning at Pavement Technology Inc. In his role, he is responsible for all research, development, marketing, and funding for the company's latest technologies.  

WHY DID YOU PURSUE THE DEL-MEM DEGREE?

As the leader of Pavement Technology Inc.'s newest venture into Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), the changing landscape for climate science and related technologies is moving so fast that we wanted to sharpen our skillset as a firm 鈥 be involved with the most cutting-edge environmentalists and exposed to a diverse range of expertise. The DEL-MEMs are that perfect balance between experienced, yet emerging, stars in environmentalism brought together at one of the world-class environmental schools and its faculty. 

What鈥檚 been the highlight of your time in the program? 

The peer group. It is all about the peer group.

How are you applying what you've learned to your current role?

It is like having a bigger 鈥渢oolbox鈥 handy. Everything we tackle in the program has relevance to the challenges we face as a firm bringing new environmental technologies forward.

How do you balance your career with your studies?

I do not feel like I am leaving the office when interacting in the program. The program is an extension of our mission. Something we would be unlikely to replicate in-house.