I chose to do this research program because it seems like a great fit for me. I have the opportunity to create a project that is completely my own, and learn about digital tools to help make the project that I envision. I do not have much experience with many digital tools, and want to learn more so that I have more to bring to the table for my remaining academic life and future career. I think it is really important to learn about new tools, especially in an increasingly technological society.
During this summer, I hope to create an interactive map that highlights sustainable features within select US cities. I am going to conduct a comparative analysis of major US cities in order to identify major environmental concerns we currently have, and ways that we can address them through urban planning and initiatives. I will be looking at New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. Each city has unique environmental issues that city government and citizens must work to minimize. I will be investigating the ways in which we go about working towards sustainability, and see which city is being the most progressive about change.
I hope to learn more about where we stand, and where we need to go. Urban planning and public policy are key to understanding the ways in which we live, and we must learn the best ways to develop cities. I am inspired by what we can learn from each other, and I think that looking at the ways in which our cities are adapting is critical to find success. In times of growing pollution and climate change, we must find ways to do better by the environment, especially in our highly populated urban centers.