Allison Yu

“Taubman has helped me look at planning and design problems through multiple lenses and approaches.”

Hometown
Detroit, MI

Degree Program(s)
M.U.R.P. and M.U.D.

Expected Graduation Date
May 2025

Academic Areas of Interest
Physical Planning, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Urban Design

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Ceramics, pottery, miniature assembly, cooking, exploring new neighborhoods

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I wanted to be in a highly collaborative environment to explore and apply what is taught beyond theoretical settings and help contribute to an engaging set of communities. Taubman has helped me look at planning and design problems through multiple lenses and approaches.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
Taubman provides support in bridging perspective students and alumni alike into their community and networking process. Everyone is here to help and meet you where you are. Many of the courses offered are composed of students from a wide range of disciplines, both in and outside of Taubman College, which creates a highly interdisciplinary learning experience.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Faculty and staff are extremely engaging, encouraging and do their best to offer exciting learning environments. Many of them care about what you are doing and want to know your passions and hobbies outside of academic settings.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
Taubman’s career coordination and advising team is a great resource. Shane and Lou are very knowledgeable and encouraging in their work. They help students get connected and exposed to new branches of disciplines within their fields. Expanded Horizons, study abroad, studio site visits, and career fairs offered have been tremendous. It not only pushes the limits of what is possible, but also helps to catalyze new emerging fields and areas of interests.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
I enjoy getting to know and learn from many students from all walks of life, expertise, and cultural backgrounds. There is a huge intersection of communities all over campus grounds; always activities and events happening each weekend. Looking for opportunities to get involved in volunteering and causes are at your fingertips.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
Ann Arbor is an integrated campus. Even though there are two locations, the variety of transportation modes allows everyone to be connected seamlessly to endless events and spaces. There is also a very localized farm-to-table system. I highly recommend checking out the farmers’ and artisans’ markets on the weekends.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Do your best to be brave. Chances are, there are many other students with views, questions, and concerns similar to yours. Open the dialogue a bit further. Questions are encouraged and everyone is eager to build on top of each other’s curiosities.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work in roles where both urban planning and design are interdependent and can strengthen one another. I have a particular interest in streetscapes, urban campuses, and areas of designing infrastructure to be more accessible for people and resources to be connected through equitable systems.\

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective student?
Talk to the students and communities to gain a better insight into daily life.