Area of study
Urban Planning
Concentration: Transportation Planning

Why did you join the Program?
Prior to joining the Program, I worked for the federal government. While I enjoyed being a public servant, I wanted a more direct and lasting impact with the work I was doing and Urban and Regional Planning provides that. I also love all forms of public transportation and wanted to apply that to my career field.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the planning program?
The planning field is one of the most diverse and welcoming places to learn and work. Peer collaboration in the UI program is also incredibly helpful to your personal success and your peers. 

Did you do have an internship? 
I had an internship at the City of Huntsville, Alabama, with the Planning Department. I found the internship through personally reaching out to the Manager of Urban and Long Range Planning. During my internship I applied subjects and knowledge from all the courses I have taken during my first year in the program such as land use law, public finance, history and theories of city planning, and much more. This position provided perspective on the day to day of a planner in the field, the challenges of planning, and varying career field opportunities. 

My role as a City of Huntsville intern consisted of research for the planning department on subdivision regulations, public outreach for transportation and safety projects, and sustainability in the city. In addition, the interns prepared a capstone project. I created and led my group’s project on the accessibility of transit in Huntsville and the impacts on food insecurity. At the end of our internship program, we presented our projects to the Mayor of Huntsville and the heads of all City departments. 

What is a fun fact about you?
My dream is to be sponsored by Clif Bar and Red Bull. My favorite flavor of Clif Bar is Cool Mint Chocolate and favorite flavor of Red Bull is sugar free Wild Berries.