Mason is a second-year doctoral candidate in Environmental Science and Engineering at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Mason received his Masters in Biology as well as his Bachelors degree in Marine Biology at UCLA. Prior to the program, Mason also worked as a Client Relations Director in the financial sector. His background in the biological sciences, coupled with his focus on environmental policy and applied problem solving, have provided him with a broad understanding of the environmental issues facing us today. Mason believes that any plan to address these issues must include an understanding and focus on science, policy and economics together. He hopes to use his knowledge and experience to help bridge the gap that often exists between these three critical sectors, creating a plan forward that encourages communities, businesses and local governments to work together to achieve a sustainable future for everyone.