Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, Transportation Policy Intern
Lori Armstrong-Mathieu volunteered and interned with SPUR from November 2006-April 2008. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Lori first learned about SPUR on volunteermatch.org, where she saw a listing for the 2006 Silver SPUR Awards. After spending two days volunteering, she learned about SPUR and developed a keen interest in the organization’s work. Lori then took on a variety of important roles at SPUR, including coordinating volunteer and intern services, conducting research for SPUR’s ongoing work on the Market-Octavia Neighborhood Plan and organizing the Urbanist library. She also conducted research for SPUR policy papers, an experience that motivated her to take GIS courses at City College of San Francisco. Lori now works as a transportation planner in Ottowa.
Transportation Policy Intern
Geoffrey Danker interned for Dave Snyder, Transportation Policy Director, for 10 months during his senior year at UC Berkeley, where he earned a B.S. in environmental economics and policy. “My research concerning the Geary and Van Ness bus rapid transist system, Market-Octavia parking study and Muni reform were instrumental in finding my first job," says Geoffry. "My new boss at LSA Associates was extremely impressed with my work at SPUR and claimed that seeing it on my résumé allowed me to stand out from a large pile of applicants.” Geoffrey plans on being an active member of SPUR and the Young Urbanists for many years to come and looks forward to their substantial contribution to open-minded city planning in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Transportation Policy Intern
Linda Meckel, a Young Urbanists, earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology and zoology from the University of Washington. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in city planning at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, she is researching several topics involving intercity transportation, growth management and sustainable development. In her spare time she plays water polo, makes jewelry and travels whenever possible. Linda says, “I have talked about my work at SPUR with every potential employer, and SPUR’s well known reputation always interests professionals in the field. The hands-on experience goes a long way!”
Economic and Good Governance Policy intern
Lisa Bell joined SPUR in 2007 as an intern in economic policy. She received her bachelor's degree in economics at MIT, and a Master's degree in public policy from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the UC Berkeley. Before joining SPUR, she worked at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., researching national savings trends and labor policy. Lisa is very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the policy analysts and volunteers at SPUR.
Policy Intern
James Rogers recently earned a bachelor’s degree in geography with an emphasis on land-use planning from San Francisco State University. As a former longtime resident of Fremont, James has become an avid advocate for curbing urban sprawl. James says the opportunity to intern at SPUR has been very exciting for him, and he hopes to use the experience as a platform for advancing his education in smart growth and public policy. In addition to griping about bad development, in his spare time he enjoys biking, cooking, going to the gym and hanging out at the beach.
Development Intern
Dhivya Balasubramanian completed a bachelor’s degree in history and a master's degree in tourism development. Her research interests include sustainable development, ecotourism and planning. She is pursuing a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at San Jose State University to gain more specialized knowledge in environmental sustainability, land-use planning and urban design. Interning at SPUR has provided Dhivya with an opportunity to interact with and learn from people who are actively engaged in the causes about which she is passionate. Dhivya writes: “The sterling reputation of SPUR coupled with a helping hand from the staff have helped me in getting introductions to a number of key players in the private and public sectors of the planning industry, thus opening up new avenues for my career."
