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.
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Graduate Public Informatics Student Spotlights
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.”
A Journey from Finance to Data-Driven Policymaking
Nurul Hoque hopes to leverage his combined expertise in finance, data analytics, and policy analysis to spearhead the development of data-driven policies and programs that promote social justice, equity, and sustainability.
Merging the Energy Sector and Global Data Analytics
Yousaf’s experience in the program has been pivotal in preparing him for a career in energy policy and analytics. One of his standout courses was Global Data Analytics, where he gained a deeper understanding of how data can shape sustainable energy policies.
Beyond Borders: Navigating Public Policy for Socio-Economic Progress
As a dual public policy/public informatics master’s degree candidate, Beauty Okunbor is not wasting any time working towards her goal of helping eliminate the declining socio-economic conditions in her home country.
Quantitative Compassion: A Journey to Data-Driven Policy
Tarun Arasu’s journey towards public service was sparked during his undergraduate years at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani). While majoring in energy efficiency and energy economics, he served as the General Secretary of the student body.
Junghoon Lee, MPI ’24
Meet Junghoon Lee, a dedicated professional with a background in urban planning, now making strides in the field of Public Informatics through the Public Informatics at Rutgers University program at the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and...
Dayana Toledo-Mendoza, MPI ’23
Nonprofit Maven and Rising Public Informatics Star Meet Dayana T., a dedicated professional at Rutgers University making waves in the nonprofit sector and a Master of Public Informatics graduate student at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers....
Elana Simon, MPI ’22
First-Gen. Grad and Energy Analytics TrailblazerElana Simon, Senior Research Fellow - Center for Law, Inequality, and Metropolitan Equity, is a 2022 MCRP-MPI graduate of the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Through a careful...
Ali Jan, MPI ’21
Ali Jan is a highly skilled data analyst and an alumnus of Public Informatics at Rutgers University. With a careful selection of courses, research work, and an internship at the MPI program, Ali has honed his expertise in data analysis, statistical modeling, and...