Shun-Te Wang, MSc Environment, Politics and Society

With roots in biology and community work, and further grounding from our MSc Environment, Politics and Society course, he navigates the space between academic insight and real-world application. His work highlights the value of interdisciplinary thinking in responding to urgent and evolving environmental challenges across East Asia.

What are you doing now, and what does a typical day look like for you?

“I’m currently working as a researcher at REnato Lab, a Taiwan-based consultancy focused on the circular economy. As the field continues to evolve rapidly in Taiwan and East Asia, my role requires constant learning and interdisciplinary communication. 

“Beyond reading literature, it’s even more important to actively listen to the needs of industry stakeholders and policymakers, and to understand their language and challenges.”

What led you to study MSc Environment, Politics and Society at UCL?

“My background is in biology and community engagement. Over time, I realised that today’s environmental issues, from conservation to climate change and sustainability, require us to connect fragmented knowledge into more systemic understanding. 

“This led me to seek a broader, interdisciplinary perspective. The Environment, Politics and Society (EPS) course, with its curriculum linking politics, conservation, and human geography, offered exactly what I needed.”

Was there a particular highlight of your time in the course?

“One of the most transformative aspects of EPS for me was the diversity of the student body. Studying alongside classmates from around the world allowed us to bring a wide range of global case studies into shared discussions. 

“Seeing how they later applied EPS knowledge in their own countries gave me greater confidence in my own career path and potential impact.”

How has your time at UCL shaped what you do now?

Issues like climate change and the circular economy are still taking shape across East Asia. Their development involves navigating international trends, domestic politics, economics, industry, and civil society. 

“EPS gave me the tools to engage with this complexity and adapt to fast-changing knowledge environments, something I’ve found sets me apart from many peers.” 

Do you have any advice for current or prospective students interested in this area?

“What EPS offers isn’t a fixed set of skills for immediate employment, but the ability to stay flexible, explore emerging issues, and develop your own approach over time.

“In an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing world, I believe these are exactly the qualities we need to meaningfully engage with environmental and social challenges.”