Simiao (Monica) Guo

Hometown: Zhengzhou, China
Education Background: B.S. in Urban & Regional Planning, Michigan State University

How did you get interested in your field?
I’ve always loved walking around on my own and paying attention to the activities of people on the street. One day in eighth grade, I was almost hit by a car while crossing the street after school. After that, I started thinking about how that intersection could be improved every time I passed by. Little by little, it got me thinking about the bigger picture on the relationships between pedestrians and streets.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Before Penn, I just graduated from Michigan State University and majored in Urban & Regional Planning and double minored in Cities: Environment, Design, and Society, as well as Museum Studies. I had a traditional urban planning background and was interested in public spaces and transportation.

Why did you choose Penn?
I spent both my high school and undergrad in Michigan, so for graduate school I wanted to experience a different place. In 2023, I attended the National Planning Conference in Philadelphia, and that experience made me interested in Philly. Later, I learned about the previous Studios, which became one of the main reasons I chose MCP.

What has been your favorite class so far?
My favorite class so far has been Studio I from last semester. I enjoy using knowledge I have learned to gain practical and hands-on experience. Collaborating with classmates and MCP alumni was also fun.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
Learning design software has greatly improved my ability to create clear data visualizations, especially since I don’t have a design background. I’m also learning to use R and Python for data analysis.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
I like how Philly has different vibes across its areas and neighborhoods. I enjoy going with friends and even on my own to explore the city. Site visits with classes or studios are also great ways to get to know Philly better from a professional perspective.

What are your career ambitions?
I’m open to exploring all opportunities, and I’m especially interested in transportation planning, particularly in areas like Mobility as a Service and sustainable mobility.