Hometown: Seattle, WA, USA
Program: Online MSL in Environmental, Natural Resources, & Energy Law
Graduation Date: January 2026
Current Position: Regulatory Compliance Specialist (FERC Relicensing & Hydropower Permitting)
Olivia Smith is building a career at the intersection of energy infrastructure and environmental protection as a regulatory compliance specialist focusing on hydropower projects. In her role, she works on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing and permitting processes, helping navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape that governs energy development and natural resource protection.
Before pursuing her MSL, Olivia developed a strong foundation in environmental work through roles in consulting and scientific research. She worked with consulting firms specializing in communications, outreach, and facilitation on natural resource projects across Washington and contributed to research labs studying the impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems. These experiences sparked her interest in the policies and legal frameworks shaping environmental outcomes.
Motivated to deepen her expertise, Olivia chose the MSL path to gain a high-level understanding of environmental law without pursuing a litigation-focused degree. “I decided to pursue the Master’s degree and not a Juris Doctorate because I wanted to obtain a high-level understanding of the laws and focus on forward-thinking policies rather than litigation on past violations,” she explains.
The program provided her with exactly that perspective. “The MSL program deepened my understanding of the laws and regulations that exist at the state and federal level, as well as the Tribal resources and necessary processes to protect fish and wildlife,” Olivia says. This knowledge now directly informs her work on hydropower compliance and environmental permitting.
Olivia’s passion for environmental law is rooted in a personal connection to the natural world. “I love spending time in pristine wild places unscathed by the development and destruction of humanity,” she shares, “and I wanted to understand what laws and regulations existed to protect those places.”
During her time in the program, Olivia valued both the flexibility and the faculty. She describes her experience as positive and particularly appreciated the opportunity to learn from professors with deep expertise. Among them, Professor Dan Rohlf stood out: “He was my favorite professor due to his rich understanding of the legal frameworks. I look up to him and admire his ongoing effort to protect plants and animals.”
For prospective students, Olivia offers practical advice: “Focus on the main takeaways, not every single word. You get out of the program what you put in, in terms of time and effort. Meet with your professors, they are there to help and some of the most incredible people.”