Meg Daupan

Featured on March 28, 2021

This week, we are joined by Meg Daupan, Program Manager for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan (DDCSP-UM) — an undergraduate diversity pathway program that seeks to increase representation of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the environmental field.

Meg graduated with a bachelor’s in Biology and a master’s in Microbiology from the University of the Philippines Baguio and Diliman, respectively. As part of her graduate studies, she was awarded a spring fellowship at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology that specializes in microbial fuel cells research.

After completing her studies, Meg 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. Then, the devastating impacts of typhoon Haiyan in December 2013 motivated her to change her career path and learn more about environmental crises.

She made a big leap and moved to the United States in 2014 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.

In addition to Meg’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.

In her current position, Meg leads all aspects of the DDCSP-UM from recruiting students across the United States, to building partnerships with environmental researchers and conservation professionals, and serving as a mentor to the scholars.

Stay tuned to learn more about the research and other work that Meg has done in microbiology and environmental fields!