Ayse aims to work at the intersection of AI governance, health equity, and public policy. Her current project, CASN (Cognitive Autonomy & Safety Negotiation), explores a privacy-aware AI decision-support system designed to help dementia caregivers navigate high-risk situations.
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Leveraging AI to enhance patient care and better healthcare systems
“The MPI Program didn’t just teach the “how” of data, but the “why” of using it to improve people’s lives”
Kevin Dehmer to Serve as State’s Chief Technology Officer
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Kevin Dehmer as her pick to be the state’s next Chief Technology Officer, overseeing the New Jersey Office of Information Technology. As Chief Technology Officer, Dehmer will advance the modernization of New Jersey’s digital infrastructure, improve the efficiency and transparency of the state permitting process, adopt technologies to clear licensure backlogs and reduce wait times, and strengthen our cybersecurity capabilities against AI-driven challenges to position New Jersey for long-term success.
Ian Lefcourte (MCRP ’14) Receives Prestigious Barbara Grace Award
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.
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.”