Ian Lefcourte, AICP, a 2014 graduate of the Bloustein School’s Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program, has been honored with the 2025 Barbara Grace Award.
Topic
Spotlights
Informatics: A Launchpad to Leadership and Community Impact
The Bloustein School’s Master of Public Informatics gave me the opportunity to combine my background in urban planning with advanced coursework in GIS, AI, and informatics, which is exactly what I needed to start designing the kind of spatial intelligence systems I envision for cities. It taught me to see spatial data not just as a record, but as a living system that can inform decisions, optimize infrastructure, and ultimately improve lives.
Design and Data: Transforming Urban Mobility
“What I enjoy most about the field of urban planning is that it combines design, data, and the ability to make a difference for communities, helping create fairer and more accessible cities. That’s the kind of work I want to do. My goal is to apply the transportation planning and GIS expertise I’ve developed at Bloustein to design more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transportation networks that improve quality of life in our communities.”
From Planned Community to Community Planning
“My interest in planning stems from a desire to strengthen the communities where I live and work. I love that I am entering a career where I can serve the public good and work to improve the quality of life of my community members. I came to Bloustein specifically looking to build technical planning skills while maintaining a people- and policy-focused approach. Every course I have taken—whether centered on spatial analysis, technical skills, or planning theory—has focused on the real-world impacts of the tools we learn.”
Transforming Transportation From A Single Traffic Light
“During my internship, I saw firsthand how crucial urban planners’ decisions are. Urban planning is a field that makes real, tangible impacts on people’s daily lives. Planners have so much power, whether we know it or not. These decisions need to be made with a critical eye and to really think about the short-term, long-term, and unintended impacts of planning decisions. If you want to be a transportation planner—which I do—Bloustein is the best school for you.”
Channeling Research Into Policy Reform
“Think about what truly excites you and what kind of impact you want to make in your career. Not just in terms of job titles, but in the difference you want to create. Public policy and public service can sometimes move slowly, but they offer a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. It can be incredibly rewarding, so if it’s something that inspires and motivates you, it’s absolutely worth pursuing.”
From Teaching Lessons to Learning New Ones: A Second Chance to Do More
“I’ve seen firsthand the barriers that exist in developing countries, and I know this is my chance to do more than what I was doing before. I want to keep learning, keep growing, and use data not just as numbers but as a way to solve real-world problems in meaningful ways. The Master of Public Informatics degree isn’t just a career move for me, it’s a second chance to build the kind of impact I’ve always dreamed of.”
Transit, Community and a Passion for Urban Connectivity
“I want to work on projects that enhance public transit, walking, and cycling, and I feel invigorated to apply everything I’m learning at Bloustein to foster better urban connectivity. My dual concentration in transportation and environmental planning allows me to explore how sustainable mobility can also promote environmental resilience, linking efficient transit systems with healthier, greener cities. Bloustein offers great resources, helpful professors, and a welcoming community. Be open to learning anything and everything you can. Even if you have some concrete ideas on the area of planning you’d like to focus on, it is helpful to be exposed to the different aspects of planning.”
Paving the Way for Equitable Environmental Policy
“I wanted a graduate school that would challenge me intellectually while preparing me for a leadership role in public service. Through family and campus visits, I found that Bloustein stood out as a top choice for both public policy and a public service education. I’m passionate about environmental justice, community engagement, and helping underserved populations. The Bloustein School aligns with all of those goals.”
Beyond the Bedside: From Biology to Healthcare Leadership
“When I started researching MHA programs in New Jersey, Rutgers was the first school I considered. The Bloustein School really stood out. It’s CAHME-accredited and offers a multifaceted, well-balanced curriculum. My courses are engaging, exciting, and challenging and have helped me build the competencies I need to become a leader in healthcare administration.”