Oszkar Apama’bo Anand (MSEM ‘25): Dean’s Scholar

When Oszkar Apama’bo Anand was growing up in northwestern Uganda, he saw firsthand how pollution in the Osu river led to high water treatment costs, which in turn raised water bills and encouraged the burning of more fossil fuels to handle the load from pollution. This inspired him to advocate for five water guardians to protect the river – volunteer work for which Oszkar received a certificate of merit from the local council chairman. Now, as a first-year MSEM student, Oszkar is working toward his career goal of fighting climate change by helping the world transition to renewable energy sources.

Oszkar is a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship, which recognizes a select group of incoming graduate students who the admission committees believe will make a substantial contribution to the programs. Recipients are selected based on merit. For Oszkar, this award helped seal his decision to come to USF and played an instrumental role in securing a student loan and a student visa as well.

Why USF? Oszkar was attracted to the MSEM program by the courses, the faculty, and the location at the center of environmental action and innovation. From the moment he landed in San Francisco last August – his first time traveling outside Uganda – Oszkar has engaged fully in the experience.

We recently caught up with him, and Oszkar reflected on his experience so far.

What MSEM course have you especially enjoyed so far?

“I found the Ecology course to be particularly enlightening. Understanding the intricate roles ecosystem services play – such as water purification, climate regulation, flood prevention, biodiversity conservation, etc. – has deepened my appreciation for the importance of preserving and protecting these vital systems. 

Additionally, the Climate Science course provided me with valuable insights into our planet’s climate system and how anthropogenic activities disrupt the balance. This understanding has motivated me to be part of the solution by addressing the root causes of climate change.

Overall, the program has equipped me with essential tools – including effective communication strategies – to advocate for environmental sustainability and policy changes. My MSEM experience has been incredibly enriching so far.”

What have you learned to appreciate about living in San Francisco after making such a big move?

“Living in San Francisco has been a transformative experience for me. The city’s embrace of diversity and inclusivity has made a profound impact. San Francisco welcomes everyone with open arms, regardless of background. Personally, I’ve found solace in the fact that I can express myself freely without fear of judgment – even in the simplest choices, like how I wear my hair. As India Arie beautifully sings, ‘I am not my hair but the soul that lives within.’ This supportive community has become a haven where I feel accepted and respected. San Francisco’s ethos of respecting and embracing diverse opinions and choices is truly commendable, setting a standard for the rest of the world to follow.”

What else would you like to share with the MSEM community?

“While being away from family and loved ones is challenging, I’m reminded of the promise I made to my son – to join the fight against climate change for a safer world. This sense of purpose keeps me focused and determined to make a difference. Every leader should embrace the mentality that sacrifices must be made for the causes they believe in.”

Oszkar brings a breadth of interests and expertise to the MSEM community. In his hometown of Arua City, Oszkar founded Cloud-9 Youth Edutainment Centre – which he grew from a 5×5 abandoned grocery story to what is now a 2,000-person entertainment venue and community center that employs 10-15 local young people full-time. Previously, Oszkar worked as a process chemist in the sugar industry, after earning his bachelor’s degree in Industry Chemistry from Makerere University.

Meet other current Dean’s Scholarship recipients and learn more about the program here.