With a background in architectural design and evaluation, I seek to understand and improve how our urban environments impact human health and social connection. In downtown Madison, I used my project management and community engagement skills to initiate the Lakefront Porch Park enhancement, where I led grassroots efforts to build city partnerships and raise almost half a million dollars to activate an underused neighborhood resource. In my work as a Design Research Analyst, I collected data and surfaced insights that informed the creation of more supportive and activated spaces for people to work and learn. I now strive to use the framework of human-centered systems thinking to co-create solutions for vibrant, healthy urban places that foster strong communities.