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LEARNING

Undergraduate and graduate students accomplish outstanding interdisciplinary scholarship in urban issues and pursue direct community engagement through Georgetown’s schools, departments, centers, programs and initiatives. The following offers insight into a few of those students and the projects, passions and service they bring to communities in D.C., the region and around the world. The Georgetown Global Cities Initiative welcomes all Georgetown programs with interests that intersect with our mission. To get involved, email globalcities@georgetown.edu.

Kennedy Copeland: Global Human Development Program

Kennedy Copeland is a 2nd year Master's student in the Global Human Development Program. She is focusing her degree on Sustainable Urban Development. She is interested in the fastest-growing cities and how to build and plan them better to lessen human impact on the earth. Read more

 

 

 

Jake Hicks: Urban and Regional Planning

As an emerging urban planning professional with a strong focus on public transit and sustainable city development, he leverages  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data - driven policy frameworks to contribute to effective transportation and urban design solutions. His work is driven by a vision to create safe, efficient, and inclusive transportation systems that serve diverse communities and enhance quality of life. Read more

 

 

 

Bela Walkin: Public Policy

Bela Walkin was born and raised in Lake Charles, LA. She graduated from Rice University in 2020 with a BA in Economics and a Certificate in Language and Intercultural Communication (French concentration). After college, Bela worked for two years as a management consultant in Houston in the financial and energy sectors. Her projects included crafting a biofuels-based energy transition strategy for an oil refinery and launching a route automation program for a waste disposal provider. Read more

 

 

 

Sean Rafferty: Government and Physics

As a student of Government and Physics, I’ve enjoyed exploring the inner workings of policymaking institutions using both qualitative and quantitative methods. I've used these interdisciplinary skills to focus my studies on the relationship between transportation infrastructure and democratic systems. In my coursework, I’ve investigated topics including rail policy’s role in European political integration, effects of American federalism on electric transmission systems, and causes of corruption within the transportation sector. Read more

 

 

 

 

Francesca Hales: American Studies with minors in Economics and Environmental Studies

As an aspiring community-based urban planner, she is interested in diverse topics including participatory processes, nature-based solutions, environmental justice, housing, and mobility. She has pursued these interests as the Research and Advocacy Coordinator for HOME, Georgetown’s housing justice organization, and as an intern for Sur-Urbano, a podcast that explores urbanism across Latin America. Read more

 

 

 

 

Darsey Trudo: Anthropology and Environmental Studies

I have cultivated a deep passion for understanding the complexities of urban ecologies and the cultural narratives embedded within them. My recent semester abroad in Copenhagen sparked an insatiable curiosity about urbanism and livability, prompting a commitment to explore how Nordic design principles can intersect with the unique histories of American cities. Read more

 

 

 

Reed Asselbaye: Georgetown Law

My name is Reed Asselbaye, and I am a third-year J.D. student at Georgetown Law. I am currently an articles editor on The Georgetown Law Journal, a zoning intern with the National Zoning Atlas, and a research assistant for the American Planning Association. Read more

 

 

 

 

 

Lidya Woldeyesus: Urban and Regional Planning

As an emerging practitioner with a geographic focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, she leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and innovative sustainability frameworks to serve as a skilled urban planner and leader in Africa’s next fight in this climate crisis. The continent is grappling with environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and a burgeoning urban population, all of which make it susceptible to climate-related disasters. She ultimately believes establishing sustainable, resilient, and liberated communities is intrinsically linked to addressing the climate crisis and eliminating racial and socio-economic disparities around the world. Read more

Mya Carter: Environment and Sustainability Management

Mya graduated cum laude from Skidmore College in 2024 with a B.A. in Environmental Science and minors in Sociology and the Periclean Honors Forum. In 2025, she will graduate from Georgetown University with her M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management. Mya is the Director of Outreach for no2plastic, a global nonprofit that aims to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Passionate about invasive species, ecological management, and socioenvironmental projects, Mya was a 2024-2025 Alternate for Fulbright Research Award in Greece. Read more

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