Emily
Gunderson

What does a typical day look like for you in your position?

The work I do focuses on conducting community assessments in both urban and rural contexts and providing evidence-based tools and data to inform decision-making and development processes. The vast majority of the communities I work in are in South Texas along the Texas-Mexico border. The projects center around public engagement, equity, and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) efforts to best impact locally-driven community health improvements. These improvements may be accomplished through long-range plans, park activation, and connectivity and mobility solutions. The deliverables are often in the form of comprehensive plans, walkability plans, park activation plans, and pilot-tested demonstrations.

What is your favorite thing about your current position?

I enjoy the education and teach-as-you-plan component that ‘Extension’ focuses on. I enjoy working in lower-resource communities and being able to connect these often forgotten and underserved communities with A&M’s resources. As I’m sure most people are aware, The Valley is rapidly developing, but many communities lack capacity, staff, and funding to manage and plan for this growth. Texas A&M has a deep pool of resources and knowledge in connecting border communities with the University’s resources.

How does what you learned at Texas A&M help you in your current role?

Learning about theories and history of planning gave me a greater appreciation for our built environment and how cities grow and develop. I learned that there is no one-right-to-plan, but it’s about being data-driven and using best practices.

Why did you choose Texas A&M?

I completed my undergraduate degree at A&M. I eventually wanted to work full-time in Texas, so I considered continuing my education at an institution that has a great alumni network. I also was offered a scholarship and graduate assistant position which further incentivized me to join A&M.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming or current MUP students who want to work in the area of planning that you do?

It may be not encouraging to hear this, but grad school teaches you theory and then the basics of technical skills. Once you’re in the workforce, you will gain more knowledge on how complex and long-lasting the planning process is. It is up to you to find your knowledge gaps, use your resources, ask questions, go to public meetings and just sit and listen, etc.