Hello! My name is Isabelle. I am a senior at the University of Arizona with a major in Sustainable Built Environments and an emphasis in Sustainable Communities. I am interested in developing solutions for urban challenges, policies for better communities and designs that better fit the needs of urban areas.
Growing up in Penang, Malaysia, my interest in sustainable development, urban planning, and the built environment first stemmed from watching the state government work tirelessly to preserve the heritage areas in George Town whilst simultaneously encouraging economic growth and regeneration to benefit the people. This showed me the importance of smart policies and a people-first approach on the growth and development of a city.
Over the Summer of 2020, my internship in Penang Institute (a state-funded think tank) gave me a first-hand understanding to the various approaches and intricacies behind policy development to meet the needs/wants of all parties. When conducting field research, I learned the importance of reaching out to individuals, companies, and not-for-profit organizations to gain a comprehensive view of 'ground zero', so to speak. The information gathered was curated to aid policy-making at the state level. With the help of my supervisor-cum-mentor, I gained valuable insight into the world of urban planning and policy development, which further cemented my passion for the profession.