Oscar Lai '12

US Agency For International Development Environment Foreign Service Officer, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Oscar

"The LAS program provided me with the opportunity to study and understand natural resource management policy in Latin America. Through a Tinker award, I was also able to conduct my field research in Honduras on decentralization reforms in the water sector. I really enjoyed creating lifelong friendships with my LAS colleagues!"

scarlai@gmail.com
Oscar Lai is a USAID Environment Officer currently working in the Dominican Republic and has over 16 years of experience as an international development and natural resources management specialist. He previously served as the Unit Lead for Central America for the US Forest Service Office of International Programs supporting a team of 35 people working in the region. While working for the US Forest Service, he focused on growing the next generation of conservation leaders through a highly successful Youth Conservation Corps and Fire Management Program in Honduras. Oscar previously served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras. He holds a dual Master’s degree from the University of Arizona in Latin American Studies and Public Administration and a BA in Spanish from Depauw University.
 

Lai is an International Advisor and current employee for the U.S. Forest Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lai graduated from a Dual Master in Public Administration and Latin American Studies from UA in 2012. Uncertain at first on his career path, Lai then started taking every opportunity outside of the classroom. Currently he has more than seven years as International Advisor for Latin America, where he coordinates USFS programs in Honduras.

Degree(s)

  • MPA University of Arizona, 2011