Urban Studies Graduate Rediscovers Passion at Georgia State

ATLANTA — Daniel Krasner (M.I.S. ’25) entered graduate school after nearly a decade of professional experience. A longtime interest in cities and social inequities came into focus after a conversation with a former supervisor with a background in urban planning, prompting Krasner to enroll in Georgia State University’s Urban Studies program.

At Georgia State, Krasner found that interdisciplinary thinking was not only encouraged but integral to the program. With guidance from Professor Dan Immergluck and Clinical Associate Professor Adam Pah, they studied a blend of data science and urban policy, using technical tools to better understand and address the complexities of city life.

Krasner worked in the Urban Studies Institute’s Micro-Mobility Lab under their adviser, Assistant Professor Fei Li, swiftly putting this approach into practice while contributing to research on how Atlantans make transportation decisions and how those choices relate to health, infrastructure and air quality. As part of the study, participants were surveyed about their commuting habits and outfitted with Fitbits — wearable devices that track activity and heart rate — along with air quality monitors. This approach allowed the research team to collect both behavioral and environmental data, offering a comprehensive look at how walking, biking and other mobility choices impact and are influenced by urban conditions.

While studying full time, Krasner also maintained their full-time job as a research manager at JUST Capital, a nonprofit focused on corporate accountability and stakeholder impact. Krasner took full advantage of the degree program’s flexibility, stretching their coursework across four semesters to explore electives in data visualization and policy evaluation — including cross-registered classes at Georgia Tech.

“Balancing both academics and full-time work was intense, but Georgia State made it possible,” Krasner said. “My program allowed for that kind of flexibility, and that mattered a lot to me.”

Krasner also interned with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, working remotely on digital accessibility and policy compliance, an experience that gave them insight into how decisions get made at the federal level.

While in the program, Krasner launched a digital communication project on Instagram, data.urbanist, where they translate complex planning and policy concepts into accessible visuals. The account, which started as a personal creative outlet, has since grown into a networking tool and professional portfolio.

As they approach graduation, Krasner is excited to continue exploring the intersections of data, design and policy — especially as they relate to transportation and housing.

“I’m especially interested in who cities are designed for and how we can make them work better for the people often left out of that equation,” they said.

— By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Communication)