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The Word from Two International Nick Schoolers
A conversation with Sahil Nijhawan and Cesar Delgado, from India and Peru, respectively.
1) Was this your first time to the United States?
Sahil: Yes
Cesar: No, this is not my first time in "gringoland", although it's definitely the longest. My current 2 years as a resident has exposed me to the contradictions, pluralism and complexities of the modern American society, debunking my preconceived ideas of the USA. It has been a great experience and I will take home great memories and lots of new friendships.
2) What attracted you to the Nicholas School?
2) What attracted you to the Nicholas School?
Sahil: I was drawn to the research that a number of professors at Nicholas School conducted. Their research interests were very close to mine. But honestly, the major factor that pushed my decision to come to the Nicholas School was the financial support I received.
Cesar: Although he retired a year ago, Dr. Terborg's work in the Amazon had made Duke well known in many South American countries. Therefore I was already exposed to some of the Nick School research, faculty and students. However, it was the open scope of the program, the emphasis on technical skills and the fact that Durham living expenses were considerably lower than the alternatives that are the main reasons why I landed at the Nick school.
3) What influenced you to have an interest in environmental management?
Cesar: I am an Architect and an Urban Planer. Unfortunately my formation didn't include the repercussion of human infrastructure over the environment. My work experience exposed me to the consequences of human actions over the environments and consequently I searched for a formal education in these matters.
4) What is the most important environmental problem your home country is facing? Explain.
Sahil: India is in the midst of a wave of rapid industrialization which is compounded by the ever rising population. This puts tremendous pressure on natural resources. Environment has assumed lowest priority in this race for development. Poaching, illegal deforestation and habitat degradation is rampant due to weak law enforcement. A number of different conservation strategies have been applied but most of them have been ineffective. In sum, the biggest challenge right now for India is to come up with effective frameworks such that economic growth is in harmony with habitat conservation.
Cesar: It is incredibly difficult to highlight one particular environmental problem as most important.
5) What are you going to miss most about living and attending school in Durham?
Sahil: I am going to miss interacting with so many different people. Duke is such a diverse community and being here has given me an opportunity to know so many interesting people. Yeaa, I think I am going to miss this most besides just being in school. I am really excited to graduate and to experience the real world but at the same time I am a afraid to leave the protective bounds of the school/academic environment.
Cesar: All the friends I have made, but specially Dalia's enthusiasm, Joe's ironic remarks, Ian's Spanish pronunciation, Sahil's doubts about everything and Mike's mustaches.
Alex is a 1st year MEM/MBA student interested in creating financial incentives for conservation.
David, a first-year MEM student with a concentration in Ecosystem Science and
Conservation, is interested in the impacts of development
on urban ecosystems.
Brandon, a 2nd year Environmental Economics and Policy student focuses on the value of sustainability.