Thursday, November 21, 2024
Selfie of Gypsy Russ wearing Hawaiian lei

Area of study
Urban and Regional Planning
Concentration: Economic development; Land use and environmental planning

Why did you join the program?
I want to help make people's lives better. I think this starts with clean water and reducing factory farms in rural areas, and ensuring people have access to basic needs in urban areas. I also feel it is important to preserve the history of cities and towns, not change all the names and tearing down the statues. Remind people of where they don't want to go back to historically, if that's the case. I want to be part of a responsible planning team wherever I may end up. I think my background in economics and political science is a good base to keep things real as well as find compromises and solutions.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining this program?
Make sure you have enough time for all of the reading that is required! Graduate school is more than just assignments and tests. It is a ton of research that will sneak up on you.

What is a fun fact about you?
I'm a surfer! I lived in Hawaii a good part of my life. I have also done extensive traveling and surfed on five continents. I have seen some very poorly designed cities and some very beautiful ones as well.