My Story
About me
My journey into urban planning began with a simple fascination: how the design of our streets, neighborhoods, and cities shapes the way people live. That curiosity led me to earn a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas State University, where I gained a foundation in land use, development processes, and the ways planning decisions influence communities.
Wanting to go deeper, I pursued a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) at the University of Texas at Arlington, specializing in walkability, Smart Growth, and New Urbanism. My graduate research focused on how urban form, land use mix, and transportation choices affect accessibility and livability. For my professional report, I analyzed walkability in Arlington, Texas using the EPA’s National Walkability Index and the Smart Location Database. This project sharpened my skills in ArcGIS Pro, data visualization, and spatial analysis while reinforcing my belief that planning is most impactful when data-driven insights connect with community needs.
At the heart of my work are three guiding values:
• Walkability – creating safe, connected, and inviting streetscapes that support health, equity, and sustainability.
• Smart Growth – promoting compact, transit-oriented development that balances growth with long-term resilience.
• New Urbanism – designing human-scaled neighborhoods with vibrant public spaces where people can live, work, and gather without relying solely on cars.
The American Walkability Atlas is an extension of these values. Through this platform, I combine technical expertise with my passion for livable cities, presenting maps, research, and analysis that make complex data more accessible. My goal is to inform planners and policymakers while also empowering residents to imagine and advocate for more connected, people-friendly communities across the United States.
My Skills
Timeline of Walkability & Professional Experience
2016 – 2018 | Blinn College
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Built a broad liberal arts foundation with an emphasis on transferable skills for urban studies.
Prepared for upper-level coursework in planning and geography.
2018 – 2020 | Undergraduate Foundation
B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning, Texas State University
Developed core knowledge in planning theory, GIS, sustainable urbanism, and Smart Growth principles.
Began engaging with ideas of New Urbanism and community-focused development.
2020 – 2022 | Early Career Development
Applied planning knowledge in zoning, CIP assessments, and community engagement.
Gained hands-on experience balancing logistics roles (FedEx) and customer service with planning-related projects.
Strengthened adaptability, leadership, and communication skills.
2022 – 2025 | Graduate Research & Walkability Focus
MCRP, University of Texas at Arlington
Specialized in walkability, Smart Growth, and sustainable development.
Coursework and research integrated GIS, data visualization, and planning policy.
Professional Report (2024–2025):
Walkability Analysis of the Pioneer-Arkansas-Cooper-Matlock Intersection, Arlington, TX.
Applied EPA’s National Walkability Index (NWI) and Smart Location Database.
Regression modeling on intersection density, proximity to transit, employment mix, and employment/household mix.
Connected findings to Jane Jacobs, New Urbanism, Smart Growth, and the 15-Minute City.
American Walkability Atlas (2025–Present):
Research and data visualization platform extending graduate work.
Produces city- and MSA-level analyses of walkability using NWI variables.
Makes technical research accessible to broader audiences.
2023 – 2025 | Applied Planning Experience
Technical Skills:
Advanced in ArcGIS Pro, Tableau, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office.
Created professional maps, graphics, and analysis for projects and reports.
Community & Leadership Involvement:
Completed Mansfield Muni-Versity program and attended public planning meetings.
Earned a Certificate in Location Analysis.
Collaborated on team-based planning projects in transportation, land use, and sustainable urban design.
2025 – Present | Professional Career Launch
Actively applying for Assistant Planner and MPO Associate Planner positions.
Bridging academic walkability research with applied planning practice.
Focused on data-driven, sustainable, and people-centered planning.