Area of Study 
Urban Planning
Concentration: Housing, Community, and Economic Development; Transportation Certificate

Why did you join the Program? 
From 2022-2025, I worked at a nonprofit music school in Louisville, Kentucky, helping to coordinate free music programs throughout the city. During this work, systemic barriers as they related to transportation became increasingly clear to me. It didn’t matter if the music lessons or community events were free if people couldn’t physically get to them! This led me to pursue a career in urban planning. 

While we loved Kentucky, we also wanted to move a bit closer to home. As I began looking into planning programs, I was excited to find such a high-quality program in my home state of Iowa. It has not disappointed!  

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the planning program at the School of Planning and Public Affairs (SPPA)?  
The field of planning is amazingly diverse, and everyone has a unique backstory. Don’t worry if you don’t have a background in engineering, or economics, or geography, etc. No matter where you come from, you bring a valuable perspective to the planning field. The SPPA faculty and staff are amazingly supportive and the program is designed to get you where you want to go! 

Did you do an internship? If yes, could you please share where you interned, how you found the internship, your experience, and role: 
This summer I am interning with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. I will be working in the City’s Home Repair Division within the Department of Housing and Community Development. I will be helping them launch a new program aimed at ADA/Aging in Place and Barrier Removal.

What is a fun fact about you? 
Before coming to planning school, I was pursuing a career as composer of experimental music. I enjoyed challenging preconceptions and expectations of audience members through music.