Lu Yii Wong

Hometown: Singapore
Education Background: B.S. Sustainable Urban Environments, New York University

How did you get interested in your field?
My interest in urban planning took root during high school when I moved to Changshu, China. I was fascinated by the complexity of cityscapes and transportation networks. This exposure sparked a deep curiosity about the unique urban challenges faced by different environments. At NYU, this fascination transformed into a drive. I uncovered the potential of data analytics and visualizations, seeing how they could transform decision-making in real time. I became determined to merge urban planning with these tools, which led me to pursue dual degrees in City and Regional Planning and Urban Spatial Analytics at Penn. My goal is to harness the power of data-driven solutions and create cities that lift everyone, particularly marginalized communities.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Before Penn, I completed my undergraduate degree at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering in Sustainable Urban Environments. While at NYU, I developed a deeper insight into the social and technical dimensions of urban environmental challenges and gained an appreciation for the policy and planning strategies needed to create more livable, sustainable, and equitable cities.

Why did you choose Penn?
I chose Penn for two key reasons. First, the hands-on planning experience offered through the Studio courses was a major draw for me. I was eager to engage in real-world projects that would allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to tangible urban challenges, working directly with communities and stakeholders to develop impactful planning solutions. Second, I sought a program that would allow me to merge my passion for environmental and resilient planning with
my interest in data visualization and communication. Penn’s interdisciplinary approach offers the perfect blend, which ultimately sealed my decision to attend.

What has been your favorite class so far?
CPLN 6750 / MUSA 6750: Land Use and Environmental Modeling - Michael Fichman / This is one of my favorite classes. It was both fun and challenging. It is a GIS-oriented class that relies on statistical modeling. In this course, we worked with various software packages, such as ArcGIS, R, and NetLogo.
Other Classes I also enjoyed and recommend are Public Policy Analytics, Water Policy, and Modelling Geographic Space.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
I’m currently taking Geospatial Data Science, a Python-based class. In this course, we learn how to manage and use big data. The course is designed to teach students the tools to gather, visualize, and analyze datasets to transform results into understandable and compelling narratives.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
I love how Philadelphia is always buzzing with events, making it hard to ever feel bored! For example, the Southeast Asian Food Market at FDR Park in summer and early fall offers a vibrant taste of the city's cultural diversity. In October, the Eastern State Penitentiary transforms into a thrilling haunted attraction with its iconic Halloween Nights. As the holiday season approaches, Philly's festive spirit shines through with the charming Christmas Market in Love Park and City Hall, running through November and December. There's always something exciting happening to keep the city lively year-round!

What are your career ambitions?
After completing my studies at Penn, I aim to pursue a career in sustainable and resilient development, focusing on addressing the growing challenges climate change poses. I am also keen on working at the intersection of urban planning and climate risk modeling, where I can apply data-driven insights to help cities better prepare for and mitigate environmental risks. I aspire to contribute to developing climate-resilient communities, prioritizing sustainability, equity, and long-term ecological health. My goal is to work on transformative projects that protect vulnerable populations and enhance the overall livability and resilience of urban environments.