Josh Heupel is a candidate for a Master’s in Public Affairs focusing on domestic policy at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. He previously earned Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Business and Political Science from California State University, Fresno where he graduated in 2023. During his time at Fresno State, Josh was named the President's Medalist, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, a Rangel Fellow alternate, and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Growing up in California’s Central Valley, Josh developed his interest in climate and energy policy from growing up on his family’s walnut and almond farm. He is particularly interested in sustainable land use, agricultural policy, water rights, pesticide use regulation policy, and environmental justice. Josh was a research assistant at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for over a year where he assisted in predicting projected revenue from chemical sales across California’s agricultural industry. He also interned for two different members of Congress working on agricultural issues, while writing two research theses related to historical water rights in California and new sustainable pesticide alternatives. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, hiking, and playing beach volleyball with friends.