Kimberly B

“I was introduced to the field of environmental psychology while researching ways of designing healing environments for a healthcare client of an architectural firm in San Diego. In the process, I encountered many publications authored by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, who are both on the University of Michigan faculty, and I realized that Michigan was the place to study the relationship between human behavior and the environment.

“The School of Natural Resources and Environment is one of very few schools that offers a strong focus on environment and behavior, and the collaboration among the behavior, psychology, landscape-architecture and planning researchers greatly enriches the master’s degree experience. The flexibility of the two-year Behavior plan allowed me to customize my studies and to expand upon my background in environmental and land-use policy, public health and design.

“One of my most stimulating and constructive learning experiences was Professor Stephen Kaplan’s Cognition and Environment course, which provided a new perspective on human functioning and introduced me to many valuable concepts. Associate Professor Ray DeYoung’s Behavior and Environment class also was formative. It gave me a great overview of existing research in environmental psychology and presented convincing evidence of the strong connection between human health and the environment.

“Throughout my studies, Michigan’s faculty has helped me explore my areas of interest while offering support and guidance. I have been a research assistant with Professor Rachel Kaplan, who is on the Natural Resources and Environment faculty. I also worked for a semester with Professor Stephen Kaplan, who holds appointments in both the Department of Psychology and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Currently, I am developing my thesis, which focuses on decision making in land preservation and the consideration of intangible and tangible benefits.

“Upon completion of my graduate education I intend to contribute to the existing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates the link between the environment and human health and behavior. By raising awareness of these relationships, I hope to effect a change in the way the natural and built environment is perceived, valued, and incorporated into decision making.”