2023 – Incoming Student Bios
Sana Avar
PhD student
I am a PhD student from Iran. I received my master’s degree in urban design and my bachelor’s degree in urban planning. I have always tried to have a versatile character, as I care about music, playing the piano and Hang drum. I am a photographer, I am into playing tennis and swimming professionally, I am a travel and nature lover and also, I have an eye in fashion. I have always been interested in cities and their histories since I was a teenager during my school years. I enthusiastically spent my free time wandering in my hometown and exploring hidden aspects of urban spaces such as streets. My focus in my field is public spaces design and analysis. Through my work experience and education, I realized that I cannot just design a public area based on the solid principles learned in university. Various contributors to a proper design, including the social-cultural contexts, must be addressed. Indeed, participating with local people in all design stages and
doing ethnographic research on the regions are integral parts of designing a public space. In drawing things to a close, I have always desired to have a pivotal role in designing better and more inclusive spaces helping vulnerable people, including women, and exploring city
transformation over time. I want to pursue my academic efforts to discover the mutual effects of public space for its users over time because a place can undergo numerous social-spatial transformations and take various titles, meanings, and roles in urban discourse.
Maryam Karbasi Dehkharghani
PhD student
I obtained my master’s degree in Architecture from Bilkent University in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Giorgio Gasco. My master thesis topic was “Public Life of Urban Squares: A Human Behavior Study of Kizilay and Ulus Square.” This research made me study people’s public behavior (Sitting, Standing, Walking) in urban areas based on the effective qualities of spaces like visual aesthetics, psychological comfort, and morphological attributes. Growing up in an artistic family gave me inner talent in both painting and visual perception. This is why I found that studying architecture at university can satisfy my imagination of space, material, and color. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Tabriz University, Iran. During my B.S. studies, I got fascinated by theories about the aesthetical qualities of the environment.
This led me to bring my focus on the visual characteristics of space for my final project, in which I tried to experiment theory of “ Serial Vision” by Gordon Cullen in an urban park. Since then, my research interest has been focused on promenade architecture, visual aesthetics of urban spaces, urban morphology, urban walking, human behavior in public spaces, space syntax, and human-centered urban design. I got fascinated by the comprehensive training Ph.D. program in Urban Studies, the research profile of faculty members and the variety of courses offered by the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. This insured me that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee can be a perfect option for me to build my future as an academician. I am very excited to pursue Ph.D. degree in Urban studies program.
Sinai Mendoza-Zarate
Master’s student
I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, in a small town where people are lively, and generous, where you can breathe clean air and drink pure water. However, economic disparities have pushed people out of their hometowns in search of better lives. My migration story began in 2004 when my mom decided to pack her bags and move to Milwaukee in search of a better horizon; a couple of years after that, I joined her. I attended a charter school in the heart of the Southside of Milwaukee and graduated with a bachelor’s in International Business from the University of Cardinal Stritch in 2018. During my undergrad, I found my voice and began my advocacy journey on different issues such as environmentalism, economic disparities, immigration, race, and women’s rights. I based my work on intersectionality and interconnections of beings. I am currently the owner of Ladi Nayaase, an organic, sustainable beauty brand whose mission is to bring healing to women of color and the planet through the acknowledgment of caring for our bodies. As an undocumented citizen, I’ve navigated
systems that are not welcoming to people like me. However, I have not let that stop me from entering spaces and advocating for my community. This fall, I will join the Urban Studies Program, which I hope will prepare me to continue learning, advocating, and studying the complexities of my undocumented community. I hope to focus on the economic impact this community plays in the development
of our city and dive deep into the lack of resources available for this community to thrive. In my free time, I love to run and hike. I am a daughter, a wife, and a mom to a 3-year-old German Shepherd.
Jack Rongstad
Master’s student
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies. The program encouraged an interdisciplinary approach, valued qualitative research, and taught practical skills that are valuable in the nonprofit world. The faculty also emphasized the importance of understanding history as a tool for understanding contemporary urban problems. As someone with a passion for history, this helped me thrive in the program. My senior thesis focused on Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park and the massive mid-century conservatories (the Domes) within the park. No comprehensive history of Mitchell Park or the Domes existed, despite their monumentality and the increasingly urgent need to address
the crumbling structures. I later had the privilege of presenting a portion of my honors thesis at the 2022 Urban Affairs Association (UAA) conference in Washington, D.C., which was a highly impactful
experience. By concentrating on Urban/Metro Economic Development, I hope to refine my writing, data collection, and data analysis skills while expanding my historical research through the use of place as a lens to understand urban change. More generally, I am someone who has always been drawn to activism and is deeply passionate about social justice. In 2020, I met with like-minded students to found a UWM chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). I have planned numerous events and marches, both on and
off campus. Currently, I spend much of my free time organizing with a national group that provides political education through several online courses.
Fatemeh ‘Darya’ Salehi Mava
PhD student
I am Darya Salehi, an Iranian woman specializing in urban planning and urban design. In fall 2023, I will begin a doctoral program in urban studies at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. With a bachelor’s degree in urban planning engineering and a master’s degree in urban design from Tarbiat Modares University of Tehran, Iran, a doctorate is the continuation of the journey that I started in 2011. During my bachelor’s thesis, I extensively explored and designed the urban spatial structure and environmental efficiency within the historical district of the city, aiming to enhance mental and physical well-being as well as economic mobility. During my master’s program, I acquired valuable knowledge and expanded my horizons through leadership in large-scale urban initiatives centered on designing and planning affordable houses, public spaces, and a road network that was guided by community priorities and placed a strong
emphasis on sustainability. Additionally, I had the distinction of being the first female researcher in Iran to employ both quantitative and qualitative methods in evaluating the reciprocal influence of different public spaces and social activities within segregated communities characterized by low-income levels and high crime rates. This research endeavor spanned a duration of two years and was undertaken for the purpose of my thesis. I began my professional career in January 2019, as manager of the urban design section of Karmani urban Planning and Architecture Company. In addition to architectural projects, I have completed several urban renewal and regeneration projects incorporating community asset-based development as a means of creating social equity and economic growth in segregated neighborhoods. Therefore, I am particularly interested in topics including, democratic place-making, social equity, public space, social and economic sustainability, neighborhood segregation, community-based planning, and urban policies-economic mobility. In the end,
it provided a general overview of my academic and professional life, and I believe that during my doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, we will take another significant step towards achieving a sustainable and healthy community for all members of society.
Benjamin Martinez
Bio Coming Soon
Nateya Taylor
Master’s Student
Patricia Torres Najera
PhD Student
Milwaukee PhD student and mother Patricia Torres Najera was interviewed for CBS58 Sunday Morning Spotlight.
2018 – Incoming Student Bios
Jennifer Luken
Master’s student
While serving in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, I continued my education in a very non-traditional manner. I was a weather forecaster in the military and received a BA in Natural Science and Mathematics at Thomas Edison State University. Knowing early on that science and math weren’t my passions, I was quick to switch gears when I transitioned to civilian life this January. I completed undergraduate coursework at UW-Milwaukee as a Community Engagement and Education major before making the final jump into a graduate program. I have had experience working with diverse teams and cultures, and I have seen issues that urban communities face across the country. I hope to gain a greater understanding of these issues and make a positive impact on my community. I am very excited to be a part of this team and look forward to starting in the Fall!
Kayla Naus
Master’s student
I’m a Wisconsin-native who enjoys reading, volunteering, and being involved in my community. My undergraduate experience at the University of Wisconsin – Madison paved the foundation for my commitment to public service. As a Community and Nonprofit Leadership major, courses were centered around community-based research. This experience demonstrated the importance of shared decisions, shared ownership, and learning from everyone involved based on their experiences, not their title or level of education. After graduating, I served with AmeriCorps VISTA and ventured to Albany, NY to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs. I decided to continue my education to equip me with the tools to advocate and support unheard voices. My interests include understanding Milwaukee’s history and how it has contributed to today’s issue of mass incarceration. Ideally, this will include community-based research and giving a voice for those who are directly affected by mass incarceration. At UWM, I am also a project assistant with the Urban Affairs Association and am excited to be involved with an organization that seeks to build a more just and sustainable world through urban research and action.
Kelly Marie O’Brien
Master’s student
I come to UWM from Chicago, where for the past four years, I’ve been working in the arts at the University of Chicago. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, I graduated from Fordham University in 2013 with a BA in American Studies. Following graduation, I pursued a U.S. Fulbright Student research grant in Montréal, Canada on the transnational subculture of graffiti and street art. Though I began the Fulbright firmly rooted in the art historical perspective of graffiti, I ultimately focused my research on how public art, legal and illegal, invigorates the community by transforming the street into a place of action rather than a transitory space. In the MS Urban Studies program, I am eager to continue this research through the lens of urban gentrification. (Kelly is also a Distinguished Graduate School Fellow this year and a Teaching Assistant for the 2019-20 academic year)
Nelson Sederstrom
Master’s student
I have decided to pursue my Master’s in Urban Studies after finishing my undergrad with a Journalism major (also from UWM). After spending much of my free time exploring, learning, experiencing and digesting everything it means to be in an urban environment, I realized I had my passion, I had just not put “pen to paper” in the academic sense. Some (lol) of my areas of interest include cycling or transit without a personal car/vehicle, architecture / utilization / preservation of aging structures, zoning laws as they interact with the first amendment and finally, various aspects of public city inner health, particularly rising HIV rates. During times between studying at the university while in Mexico City, I taught myself to become fluent in the Spanish language. I’ve been abroad a fair amount, and I love Mexico City, but Milwaukee is the only place I am proud to call home—at least in this country! I also love to play chess, tennis, soccer, cycle, cook, travel, or anything to do with history, maps or outer space. Arf!
Sai Sun
PhD student
I am a Chinese Urban Planner who loves playing piano, painting, skiing, and traveling. I started exploring urban studies at the University of Sydney in 2012 after receiving my bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in China. My master’s thesis examined the neighborhood changes influenced by cultural diversity within Central Sydney. By now, I have been working in Shanghai for nearly four years and the projects I participated in explored smart growth strategies for cities in Southeast China. I was also acting as an editor of a magazine for young planners, which enables me to interact with more practitioners and broaden my horizons. I am glad to be a member of the Urban Studies Program at UWM which has interdisciplinary urban research resources. I plan to further my research on land use and transportation planning. Specifically, I will focus on social travel demands and metropolitan spatial structure. (Sai will also be working as a PA in Urban Studies.)
Sally Svetic
Master’s student; BA alumna
I am a Milwaukee native who enjoys exploring our many beautiful neighborhoods! In the Spring of 2017 I received a double degree in Urban Studies and Women and Gender Studies from UWM. Since graduating, I have found inspiration in the urban landscapes all around me, and have been eagerly awaiting my return to the UWM Urban Studies Department. I am interested in studying strong communities especially providing the tools residents need, and assisting them in identifying and celebrating their assets. I will be placed with the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development for my MIED Fellowship, and look forward to building bridges between my scholarship and the many resources DCD has to offer. (Sally is one of this year’s MIED fellows)
Vijaya Tamla Rai
PhD student
I am from Kunakharka, a small village in mid hills of eastern Nepal. When I first came to Kathmandu, the capital city, I became dazzled by the buildings, the street lights, and the automobiles. My childhood discovery of utopia in Kathmandu turned out to be dystopia when April 2015’s devastating earthquake hit Nepal. Together with the fall of the iconic tower Dharahara, the lives of nine thousand people and invaluable loss to property were claimed. In Kathmandu, from riches to poor, people took asylum on the streets as the streets were readily available open spaces. However, even from such plight, inequalities were expanding, and consequently my interest in urban inequality and poverty emerged. I have earned Bachelor in Humanities and Social Sciences (2009) from Tribhuvan University, Master in Environment Education and Sustainable Development (2013) and Master of Philosophy in Development Studies (2018) from Kathmandu University. Some of my earlier research works are ‘Cock-a-doodle-do: a climate change alarm’ and case study on women vendors selling panipuri on the streets. Finally, I am excited to pursue my doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and begin the new chapter of my life as a curious mind hoping to illuminate the realities of urban inequality, poverty and injustice through academic research endeavors rooted in Milwaukee, but also connected to emerging cities like Kathmandu. (Vijaya will also be working as a PA for the Graduate School).
2017 – Incoming Student Bios
Gonḉalo Borges
PhD student
I am a Portuguese student interested in cities, culture, arts, sports, radio, and poetry (writing in general). I recently finished a M.A. in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Urban Studies is my new passion. My main academic interests are culture and institutions, globalization, sociology of organizations, non-profit organizations, social movements, social inequality, pedagogics, and urban sociology. I am also very interested in urban planning, architecture, and sociology of sports. In the past I have done a bit of everything, from working as a journalist, radio host and producer, researcher, to soccer coach. This means that I am pretty open for new experiences and new horizons. After three years in Milwaukee, I can say: I am at home. Thus, becoming an Urban Studies student in Milwaukee is an absolute pleasure, and time for joy. Studying, understanding and experiencing Milwaukee, as well as contributing to our community are my current goals. Let’s get to work. (Gonḉalo will also be working as a PA in Urban Studies)
Paul Davidson
Master’s student
I am originally from just outside of Washington, DC. I ventured to the Midwest for my undergraduate studies at UW-Madison, where I double majored in Economics and Environmental Studies. For my Environmental Studies Capstone project, I worked with a team on a project called, “Building Food Justice in South Madison,” where we worked to increase access to healthy food while simultaneously developing career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. This stemmed my interest in urban issues, and this past year I served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Milwaukee. At UWM, I will be a part of the Milwaukee Idea Economic Development Fellows program, and I am looking forward to applying my new knowledge right away to work on economic issues in Milwaukee. (Paul will also be working as MIED Fellow).
Cortney Dunklin
Master’s student
I am a Detroit native, food lover, and life-long learner. I received a dual degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Psychology from Michigan State University. In undergrad I worked as a research assistant at the MSU Center for Community and Economic Development. As a research assistant, I created community events that engaged, school faculty, East Lansing residents, and students; and I led on an initiative that brought 13 Mayors in the state of Michigan together to brainstorm ways to better their cities. My time in Milwaukee has been spent volunteering at environmental non profits and serving/working with City Year Milwaukee as an Americorps members, Senior Americorps member, and Impact Manager. As a UWM Urban Studies Graduate student, I look forward to learning more about how to improve and sustain the economic welfare of the city. (Cortney will also be working as MIED Fellow).
Toni Johns
PhD student; Master’s alumna
I’ve lived most of my life in Wisconsin and I consider both Madison and Milwaukee to be my home cities. I graduated last May from UW-Milwaukee with a MS in Urban Studies. My master’s thesis examined community education policy at UW-Milwaukee during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Prior to attending graduate school full time, I was a Skills for Success Youth Workforce Coordinator with the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin. The objective of Skills for Success was to help high school students of color living in Milwaukee prepare for careers and post-secondary education. I decided to pursue graduate school full time to study the systems that prevented the realization of the Skills for Success student’s aspirations. As a PhD student, I plan to continue my research on systems of exclusion with a focus on economic development and urbanization. I look forward to learning from and working with the excellent faculty and students in Urban Studies. With a PhD in Urban Studies I hope to engage in research, publish, and present my work at conferences. After completing my PhD, I would like to influence policy by engaging people through my research and teaching.
Catilin Taylor
PhD student; Master’s alumna
I’m a Milwaukee-native who loves biking, running, yoga, anything involving music, and traveling the world. Over the last few months, I’ve enjoyed fixing up my first home—a 100-year-old Riverwest beauty! My sociological undergraduate studies at UW-Whitewater led me to UWM’s Urban Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies programs. My master’s research focused on labor market segregation among home care workers of color in Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods. The Urban Studies program connected me with fair housing advocacy. I was an investigator for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council prior to joining the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. My current work explores enforcement, program compliance, and place-based initiatives in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood. In my non-UWM life, I served in the U.S. Air Force from 2008-2017. I was a certified sexual assault victim advocate and liaison for newer military members. I also served in Southeast Asia during Operation Enduring Freedom. I recently became a sociology adjunct instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, which allows me to teach the Introduction to Diversity course.
Joshua Tegen
PhD student
Born and raised along the east coast of the United States, frequent visits to iconic cities such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York, and Baltimore fostered my fascination with urban environments from an early age. In high school, exposure to public policy, urban planning, and political science topics cultivated my interest in urban development which led me to obtain my undergraduate degree in political science (2014) and graduate degree in public administration (2016) from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. While completing my graduate degree, I concurrently worked as an economic development specialist for the City of Oshkosh, primarily focused on industrial and commercial development. My research interests include urban development, policy, and planning, public administration and governance, and economic development. To date, I’ve conducted research examining city council conflict during the decision-making process, the regional economic impact of publicly subsidized sports facilities, and the impact of gubernatorial rule review power on urban development in Wisconsin, among other topics. I am excited to continue my education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, further develop my research capabilities, and learn from the diverse collection of students and professors in the urban studies program.
Keila Tirado-Leist
Master’s student
I am originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. I graduated from UW-Stout with a BS in Technical Communication and Philosophy. There, as a McNair Scholar, I researched the effectiveness of Spanish language translation of emergency room discharge instructions. I was greatly involved in social justice initiatives on and off campus that led me to go on for my MS in Public Policy and Leadership at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, I decided to postpone my studies and began working in the medical field in clinical research and Spanish translation. I enjoyed working in that field, however, after taking time off to stay at home with my children I am now prepared to complete my educational goals. I hope to continue my research and find solutions for undeserved community members in our city. I’m looking forward to beginning the program this Fall!
Kostyn Tyksinski
Master’s student
I am a graduate of Marquette University in 2010. Over the last several years I have worked overseas, spending four years in Spain, and in non-profits stateside. Currently, I work as a pianist and music director. I have a great love of learning, regardless of topic or manner. My hope is to gain an understanding of the complex challenges facing today’s disadvantaged urban communities that will guide me into an impactful career in service to said communities. (Kostyn will also be working as a PA in Urban Studies)
Fall 2016—Incoming Student Bios
Peter Burress
New MS student
Originally from Sister Bay, WI, I graduated last May from Carroll University (Waukesha, WI) with a BS in Psychology and Organizational Leadership. While at Carroll, I spent my spare time in campus and work activities surrounding community engagement and social justice. I am thrilled to be continuing my education at UWM where I plan to develop a more comprehensive understanding of social and economic issues specific to Milwaukee. With my degree, I hope to find work that allows me to help the city maximize its potential.
Tathagato Chakraborty
New PhD student
I received my B.Sc. (Honors) degree in Geography from University of Calcutta and Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Geography (First Class, Gold Medalist) from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, India. I was a lecturer at Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS-Pilani) in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences for four years (2012-2016) prior to joining the Urban Studies Program at UW-Milwaukee. As an urbanist I would like to focus on issues related to the urban development in the South and South-East Asian countries, from a multi-disciplinary perspective. My aim is to help develop the urban conditions for the global south, either by being an academician or a policy maker. The doctoral program in this department would prepare me to achieve this goal by allowing me to venture out in different disciplinary and methodological perspectives required to address urban problems adequately and holistically.
Jamison Ellis
New MS student
I am originally from Sheboygan, WI, but have lived in Milwaukee for the past eight years. Over those eight years Milwaukee has become my home, and I have greatly enjoyed my time in the city. I particularly enjoyed my time as an undergraduate at UWM. In the summer of 2015 I graduated with a BA in history and a certificate in urban studies. During my final three years at the school I also had the amazing opportunity to work as a research assistant for the Wisconsin Farms Oral History Project. As a member of this project I researched the affects of urban agriculture in the Milwaukee area, and interviewed a variety of members of the community involved with the urban agriculture organizations in the city. The work that I did for WFOHP is a significant reason why I am returning to school for my masters this coming semester. Over the course of the next two years I hope to get closer to my goal of either becoming a professor, or working for a nonprofit organization involved with urban agriculture. As a history undergrad, I always gravitated towards urban history and I believe that urban studies is just the next step in helping me understand how cities operate and why that is the case.
Kat Kocisky
New PhD student
I am most recently from Chicago, IL where I graduated with a MA in Geography & Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University. Previously, I earned a BA in English Education and French from Illinois State University. I’ve spent some time teaching high school English as well as ESL courses abroad, and worked in communications with the not-for-profit organization, Alliance for the Great Lakes. In the Urban Studies PhD program, I hope to research the intersection of urbanization and the natural environment. I am interested in researching how green space is valuable to urban communities, and how underserved communities can effectively mobilize for environmental justice. Eventually, I would like to teach at the college level, and become more involved in community groups that seek to make cities more people-centered, equal places to live. I am especially looking forward to exploring Milwaukee and its parks by bike.
Shavaughn Lawson
New MS student
My name is Shavaughn M. Lawson and I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology. As an undergraduate, I participated in research with my mentor Dr. Chandra Waring which aided in my acceptance into the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. My research focused on the racial and gendered dynamics of higher education specifically in the realm of leadership. This work was later published in a special issue of the Sociological Imagination Journal, entitled Be Seen but Not Heard, the Other Side of Tokenism: An Undergraduate Woman of Color’s Perspective (Lawson 2014). My main scholarly aim is to explore the experiences of minorities in urban educational settings with regard to the internalization of social constructions, oppressions and access to resources, or lack thereof. Pursuing a Master’s of Science in Urban Studies will prepare me through vigorous coursework and adequate training to better understand the city that I want to serve and lastly, achieve my ultimate goal of earning a Ph.D.
Harrison O’Brien
New MS student
It may be hard to believe, but the Urban Studies Program is what brought me to UW-Milwaukee in the first place. I have had so many monumental experiences in and out of class, whether it was working through urban theory in Urban Studies 150 and 250 or applying all I had learned outside of class while working on my capstone project in Urban Studies 600. For my capstone project, I was able to interview housing service providers in Milwaukee County in order to understand the relationship between the homeless and housing service providers. The Urban Studies Program gave me the critical lens I needed to understand the complex issue that is homelessness. One of the biggest factors in my success in the program was the faculty who I had the pleasure of getting to know. The Urban Studies faculty expanded my intellectual landscape far beyond what I thought was possible. Every class I was involved in became a critical part of my understanding of urban studies. Now I will be bringing all the things that I learned during my time as an undergraduate to the Master’s Program in Urban Studies at UW-Milwaukee. I had an easy time choosing where I wanted to go for my graduate education. I am ecstatic at the prospect of expanding on the theories and concepts I learned as an undergrad and continuing to grow with the Urban Studies Department. Beyond my education, the Urban Studies Program has made me feel at home. [Harry will also be working as a PA with the Urban Affairs Association (UAA), just down the hall from the USP office.]
Isabella Rieke
New MS student
I’m Isabella: native New Yorker, graphic designer, and lover of bikes, Motown and advocacy. In 2011, I received my BA in Political Science and History from Boston University, and I have spent the past four years working at New Visions for Public Schools, a remarkable nonprofit education reform organization in New York City. At UWM, I look forward to further exploring the wide-reaching implications of urban poverty and inequality, and the role of community activism and nonprofits in policy-making.
Sara Schultz
New MS student
My name is Sara Schultz and I am happy to return to my hometown of Milwaukee to pursue my MS in urban studies. I earned my BA in history and global studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Through my graduate studies I hope to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of urban life and collaborate with other passionate individuals to shape sustainable and equitable urban spaces.
2016
Ashkan Rezvani Naraghi
PhD in Urban Studies, 2016
As a PhD student, I spent five years in the Urban Studies Program. Although my background was in architecture and urban design, the program and its well-structured curriculum fundamentally transformed my understanding of the cities and their spaces. For my PhD dissertation, I investigated the formation and transformation of the public sphere and the production of political public spaces in Tehran, the capital of Iran, in the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries. Through the insightful support and guidance of my advisor, Professor Jennifer Jordan, I deeply engaged with the social theories of space. However, studying Iranian urban society, I realized the incompatibility of these models and theories with the Iranian context. As a result, through socio-historical analysis of Tehran and Iranian urban society, I developed a new model for the public sphere and investigated its relationship with political public spaces of the city.
After my dissertation defense, my short-term goal is to rewrite my dissertation as a book manuscript and explore the possibility of its publication. However, for the years to come, I would like to go back to my country, Iran, and use my knowledge both in academia and professional work. In the end, I would like to say a few words about the Urban Studies Program for its newcomers. This program shows you a vast landscape of knowledge about cities; it enables you to carve your research in the way you wish. The people in this program are absolutely supportive. They do their best so you can accomplish your goals.
Alex Synder
MS in Urban Studies, Spring 2016
The Urban Studies Program has had a huge influence in the way I view and approach today’s urban problems. First, USP gave me a much stronger sense of the time and resources needed to catalyze enduring change; I feel that my approach to problem solving is much more strategic today than three years ago. Second, I am much more attentive to differences of ethnicity, race, gender, and class. To be sure, these were differences I took into consideration before entering USP, but not necessarily to the degree I do now. USP gave me a deeper knowledge and understanding of the ways various national and local decisions have helped some, but hurt many others. I will carry this deeper awareness with me as I do my part to build healthier and happier urban environments.
Beyond all this, USP became a vehicle to further explore two of my professional interests: transportation planning and urban history. Ultimately, I combined both interests in a master’s thesis that explored the urban freeway teardown movement in Milwaukee. I am currently living in San Francisco and seeking work that draws on my transportation planning, public history, and communications skills and knowledge.
2015
Jennifer Weber
MS in Urban Studies, 2014
On Urban Studies at UWM… “The best part about my two years as an Urban Studies Master’s student was having the time to explore so many issues I was passionate about in-depth alongside other like-minded peers. I wrote my Master’s paper on gentrification in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, examining the conversation and information available in the digital age. I found that pro-gentrification rhetoric is prominent in mainstream digital media outlets and in online discussions. While in the program, I was also able to work with the Legacy Redevelopment Corporation (LRC), a non-profit CDFI loan fund located on the North Side of Milwaukee. At LRC, I saw the importance of providing capital to small businesses and non-profits located in low-income areas to boost neighborhoods and spur development. Post-graduation, I moved to Austin, TX and now work to raise funds for the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, a non-profit advocacy organization working to reform the state’s massive and ineffective criminal justice system.”
2014
George Papakis
PhD in Urban Studies, 2014
On Urban Studies at UWM… “From the outset, I truly enjoyed my time in the Urban Studies Program. One of the greatest benefits was that the program allowed me to choose from a wide variety of disciplinary and methodological approaches. This gave me the opportunity to accommodate and develop my specific research interests, and at the same time, gain a broader knowledge of various topics. The faculty in USP have been extraordinarily helpful and kind, and even though my research interests did not always coincide with their own, they encouraged me to pursue my goals and provided me with all the necessary support and precious advice. My advisors have granted me a great deal of freedom for taking intellectual risks, and they have been very supportive throughout the dissertation process. In my dissertation I trace the historical forces that conditioned the dearth of public spaces in Athens, Greece, and through the case study of the city’s first civilian airport, examine the current redevelopment plans of Athens’ largest remaining open space as part of a wider process of urban transformation.”
Gestina Sewell
MS in Urban Studies, 2014
On Urban Studies at UWM… “The Urban Studies Programs for me has been an amazing experience. USP has opened my eyes to my own privileges, and it also has impassioned me to serve my community here in Milwaukee. I have learned about the disadvantages that so many face because of socio- economic factors that contribute to low living standards in cities across the nation, which led me to study the issue of human trafficking in Milwaukee. Through my research, my independent data collection of human trafficking in general, and the level of trafficking via prostitution in Milwaukee specifically, I have garnered a greater sense of urgency in the need to teach our youth that there are more options for them than they may realize. With the average age of trafficking victims at 13 in Milwaukee, our youth are being targeted and being placed on a path of violence and early death. It is through education and other such measures that we can arm our youth; thus, I am happy to announce that I will be teaching in the Milwaukee Public School system in the fall of 2014.”
2011
Ozgur Avci
PhD in Urban Studies, 2011
On Urban Studies at UWM… “I spent about 6 years in the Urban Studies program at UWM. It was a life-changing experience in every respect. I did not only earn a Ph.D. degree, but also gained life-long friends/professors/colleagues as well as a baby girl in Milwaukee. I wrote a dissertation on the symbolic constructions of an urban-poor, “gecekondulu,” identity in Turkey in the 1960s and 1970s. I argued that the gecekondulu identity was an “other” to any political ideology, being neither in nor out, because of its incompatibility with all established paradigms explaining social development. Therefore, this marginal identity marked the boundaries of every symbolic system in this period.”
The Future… “I am currently looking for an academic job in Turkey. I am hopeful that my doctoral degree in Urban Studies will help me find a faculty position in a department or program such as political science, sociology, media and cultural studies, or urban studies.”
Liis Palumets
MS in Urban Studies, 2011
My Master’s paper was titled “The Data Center as a Spatial Data Provider to Milwaukee Community Organizations.” The paper was mainly based on my internship experience at the Data Center of the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee in fall 2010 and complemented by interviews and document analysis. The Data Center is an important source of spatial information for community organization and helps them to make well-informed decisions about the development of the neighborhoods. However, the strength of the Data Center mainly lies in the individuals working there, while the organizational sustainability is rather weak due to limited budget and staff size.
On Urban Studies… Having grown up in a small village in Estonia, I discovered the allure of city life while being an exchange student in Berlin, Germany. I started wondering what makes some cities a wonderful place to live, while the others cause distress and frustration. The Urban Studies Program at UWM provides a wonderful multidisciplinary answer (or rather a key to the answer) to that question. Having studied sociology and political science during my undergrad career, I especially enjoyed learning about the perspectives and research methods of geography and history and was fascinated about the synergy of bringing various disciplines together to study urban affairs.
What I am doing now… I graduated from the Urban Studies Master’s program in May 2011 and currently continue my work in the field of urban development in the office of the Minister for Regional Affairs of Estonia, my native country.
2010
Greg Carman
PhD in Urban Studies, 2010
Greg Carman graduated with a Ph.D. in Urban Studies in May 2010. His major emphasis was race, class, gender, and ethnicity. Greg is a 1972 graduate of UWM, majoring in History. He received a J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 1979 and spent the next 21 years as a local government lawyer in Appleton, Wisconsin. He received his M.A. in History from UWM in 1999 and started his Ph.D. work during the fall semester of 2000. He is married with three grown children, all college graduates. On the Dissertation Greg’s dissertation, “Wall of Exclusion: The Persistence of Residential Racial Segregation in metropolitan Milwaukee” (Major advisor: Amanda I.Seligman), addresses the history of segregation in Milwaukee. Drawing on census data, an overview of suburban zoning codes, an analysis of state laws regarding annexation and incorporation, and oral history interviews, Greg’s dissertation argues that a lethal combination of virulent racism, economic and social discrimination, and institutional barriers contributed to residential racial segregation in metropolitan Milwaukee.
On Urban Studies… I was very happy with the Urban Studies Program because of its interdisciplinary approach to urban issues. For the first time, I was immersed in sociology and geography, especially the spatial analysis that is crucial to understanding the growth and development of cities. While my dissertation is firmly grounded in historical research, it was certainly informed by the other regimens.
Jodi Kessel Lyon
MS in Urban Studies, 2010
Jodi Kessel Lyon completed her Nonprofit Certificate in May 2009 and Urban Studies Master’s Degree in August 2009. Her thesis was entitled “From Marriage to Divorce in the Suburbs: How Are Single Mothers Explaining Their Life Changes?” In it, Jodi questions the suburban ideal of intact families that includes a husband, wife, and children. Her study focused on single mothers living in a specific suburban community, who spent some of their married years in that same suburb but are now divorced and single. The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences and thoughts of these women and mothers who didn’t meet the definition of the “suburban family” and how they cope with being unlike their neighbors. The research explored questions such as: Are these single suburban mothers more stable than their urban and rural counterparts? Do these women have a higher level of education and consequently greater job opportunities? Are these women recipients of regular spousal and child support? And how are suburban divorced women adapting to their single status?
Where Are You Now? Jodi was hired in a new position of Business Manager with the SOS Center at 4620W. North Avenue in July 2009 and was promoted to Executive Director in March 2010. “UWM and the Urban Studies Program along with the Nonprofit Program prepared me extremely well to work for a nonprofit in Milwaukee. Working for a smaller nonprofit that doesn’t have specialized departments allows me to call on everything I learned in college to do my job, from the accounting classes to the history of Milwaukee to the urban social structure and the internal structure of the city.”
On Urban Studies… “What I like most about the Urban Studies Program is the broad range of areas of study. Going into the program I wasn’t working in a particular field and didn’t have a specific job or field I was trying to get into and the program opened my eyes to all the possibilities before me. I found I thoroughly enjoy archival research and may get into that sometime in the future. And now I know how I can research the history of the approximately 100 year old building the SOS Center owns! Being able to think outside the box and know how to problem solve was just the beginning. The Urban Studies Program was a perfect fit for me and is a hidden gem at UWM.”
2009
Tammy L Hodo
PhD in Urban Studies, 2009
Tammy was born and reared on the east side of Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from Washington High School in 1989, she enlisted in the United States Navy, where she served as a Personnel Specialist for four years before receiving her honorable discharge in 1993. She attended Albany State University, a historically black university, and majored in Criminal Justice, graduating in 1997. Tammy then earned a master’s degree in Public Administration at Columbus State University.
Between 1999 and 2005, Tammy lived in Germany and worked for the Department of Defense as a civilian employee providing a variety of social service support to different entities on the military base.
In 2005, she entered UWM’s Urban Studies doctoral program. One of her first classes at UWM was Research Methods in Urban Affairs, which was taught by Dr. Joel Rast. She selected the Minorities in Academia topic for her research paper, which she also used for her dissertation. She writes, “Being biracial (German, Irish, and half black) and being reared primarily by my German and Irish mother made me aware of race issues at an early age. I continue to have a difficult time grasping why racial distinctions are made and why they continue to affect the lives of people who are considered different.”
Tammy’s dissertation, “A Critical Analysis of an Urban Research University: Climate, Culture, and Minority Faculty,” is a case study that puts race and ethnicity at the center of inquiry by examining the climate and culture of UWM and how it is perceived by minority faculty members. For her study, Tammy interviewed 30 minority faculty members out of a possible 65 about their experiences within their departments at UWM and on the campus in general. Using Critical Race Theory, she examined how department climate, area of research interest, and tenure status affect the workplace experiences of UWM’s black and Latino/a faculty. Her findings indicate generational differences in perspective between older minority faculty (50+) and younger minority faculty. Also, the amount of ethnic/racial diversity within departments, tenure status, and research interest, affect how Latino/a and black faculty in the study perceived the climate in their department and UWM in general. The workplace experiences of some UWM minority faculty contradict the multicultural rhetoric so commonly heard within academia. Tammy hopes the dissertation will open up dialog among university administrators and provide insight into the academic climate and culture. She chose to conduct this study because the existing scholarship on minority faculty in traditional universities documents distinct obstacles encountered by Faculty of Color, but the data offer limited insight regarding this difference beyond merely documenting its existence. Her study attempts to add to scholarship by having black and Latino/a faculty members “name their own reality” as they provide narratives about their experiences at a traditional university like UWM.
Melissa Herguth
MS in Urban Studies, 2009
Melissa did her undergraduate work at Marquette University with a major in Social Welfare and Justice and with minors in Sociology and Theology. As an urban studies Master’s student, she continued a social justice focus, with her Master’s research examining Habitat for Humanity’s efforts in Milwaukee. Melissa has long been committed to affordable housing and working with community development nonprofit organizations. She worked for 2 years as a community organizer with the YMCA and is currently the Development Director at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. In this capacity, she oversees all the fundraising efforts for the organization with a $2,500,000 contributions budget. Melissa’s thesis project evaluated the development strategy and the neighborhood effect Habitat houses have had in the Midtown and Walnut Hill neighborhoods on Milwaukee’s north side. The findings of her thesis have allowed her to explore the organization’s history and the economic impact it has had in the community. The four major research questions she investigated in her research were 1) What is Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s development strategy? 2) Have MHH houses helped improve the neighborhood?3) Has additional nonprofit, for profit and public investment occurred in the case-study area? 4) How have the perception and quality of life changed in the neighborhood?
Reflections on USP and future directions… In her own words, “USP courses have provided me with a background and academic knowledge of the challenges that face the urban environment. I feel that my education in Urban Studies and the Nonprofit Management programs have provided me with both a practical and an academic foundation to tackle some of the social and economic challenges related to affordable housing. As a fundraising professional, it will be great to use this research on the impact Habitat has had in the Milwaukee community to educate donors. This way donors can see how their investment in the organization is transforming the lives of low-income families and neighborhoods. “My plans after graduation are to continue to work with Habitat for Humanity; I am enjoying my position at Habitat and am committed to living and working in Milwaukee. I also plan on working with Professor Judith Kenny to publish an article from my thesis project as well as possibly continuing on with further research as it pertains to affordable housing and Habitat for Humanity.”