“My experiences using public transit in NJ and NY made me curious about how towns and cities were designed and why certain places are more car-dependent than others. After taking Methods of Planning and Analysis, I began discussing ideas and existing research on basic needs insecurity with Professor Bernadette Baird-Zars. Joining her research team and studying integration and affordable housing helped shape my interest in pursuing a career that works with underserved communities to create change at the local scale.”
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Undergraduate Urban Planning Design Student Spotlights
From Simulations to Cityscapes: Designing Smarter Cities
“As I got older, I became increasingly aware of the social and environmental challenges tied to urban design. All of my experiences led me to a major where I could combine creativity, problem-solving, and a vision for better cities into something tangible. Rutgers has given me the chance to blend the technical side of planning with creative design. Urban planning is a multidisciplinary field, and the ability to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, such as engineers, architects, environmental scientists, and policy experts, will enrich your learning and the solutions you develop.”
A Love of Green Spaces Changes a Career Path
“I want to be a part of creating special places that people feel a connection to and look back on fondly. I would love for people—especially in urban areas where it is often lacking—to have the same opportunity that I had to connect to nature. Choosing urban planning allows me to focus on planning greenspaces within the public realm while sharing what is really important to me.”
Disney Inspires Interest in Sustainable and Equitable “Cities of Tomorrow”
The Urban Planning & Design major, says Michael Panchery is certainly not one-dimensional. Encompassed by a variety of disciplines, the field of urban planning will expand your
knowledge and technical skills, making you a more well-rounded individual.
Intersecting public service, community design and participatory planning
Looking ahead, Justin plans to attend law school in the fall of 2022 and is considering pursuing a dual J.D./Master of City Planning.
Alexander Liz
Hometown: Hackensack NJ Work Experience Student: At my first college I worked as a laboratory aid in the drafting department where I helped students complete and work through their drawings and exercises. At Rutgers I was proud to join the Habitat for Humanity E-Board...