Sujan Kakumanu

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Education Background: BS Computer Science & Engineering, Minor in City & Regional Planning

How did you get interested in your field?

I've been interested in the built environment from a young age - noticing and slowly learning how cities grow, change, and shape daily life. Studying engineering strengthened my technical and analytical skills, but through my City Planning minor I realized how complex urban issues really are. That realization and interest led me to the Urban Spatial Analytics program and is shaping my career aspirations and journey.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?

After graduating in December 2021, I worked as a Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase and later began volunteering with a statewide transit advocacy group in Ohio. I stayed in both roles until I moved to Philadelphia to pursue the MUSA degree.

Why did you choose Penn?

The MUSA program itself was a big draw. Not a lot of programs allow you to blend complex technical classes with your choice of urban planning theory and policy. I appreciated that the program was housed within the Design School instead of an Engineering school. The Weitzman faculty stood out to me as well. They’re diverse, deeply experienced, and remarkably approachable, something I saw firsthand during the Spring Open House. Finally, Philadelphia helped sell Penn to me. It’s a great city to live in and offers many lessons on the transformative impact of planning - both positive and negative.

What has been your favorite class so far?

I love all my MUSA courses, but I’m taking a City Planning elective (Intro to Housing, Community, and Economic Development) that’s really helping me think critically about the planning issues I care the most about.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?

Two of my classes are helping me learn how to apply spatial data science to complex issues. They’re also helping me learn the abilities and limitations of these, which is crucial when you’re working on models that can have very personal impacts on people (whether intentional or unintentional).

What do you like best about Philadelphia?

Philly’s got great food and walkable neighborhoods, but what I’ve really come to appreciate is the people and sense of community. The city has a reputation for being direct—even a little mean—but I’ve found that to be a broad generalization. Coming from the Midwest, the directness stood out, but it’s refreshing. It’s easier than I expected to connect with folks and feel part of a neighborhood!

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?

Nothing formally yet. The beauty of Weitzman Planning is that my classes are introducing me to some amazing organizations in Philly that I’m excited to get more involved with after graduating.

What are your career ambitions?

Ideally, I want to work in a spatial science role that helps to expand transit and housing access.