Research Assistants

Zachary

Zachary Alfaro is a Master of Urban Planning Candidate (2026) specializing in City and Community Planning. Originally from Edinburg, TX, he never used public transportation until attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), from which he holds a Bachelor in Political Science and in Finance. Before attending NYU Wagner, he worked on sustainable economic frameworks at the University of São Paulo (USP) as a Fulbright Brazil Scholar and conducted anti-corruption research in Mexico City at the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO). His experiences in each of these cities shaped his love for improving public transportation in service of a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable society.

Jaley

Jaley Bruursema is a Master of Urban Planning candidate (2027) and Bloomberg Public Service fellow at NYU. She sees transportation as a fertile space for improving public health outcomes, especially for children and teenagers. Jaley is passionate about advancing transportation ecosystems that eliminate traffic fatalities, improve accessibility, reduce emissions, and make daily commutes joyful. Prior to her time at NYU, Jaley worked in community and economic development in Madison, Wisconsin. She holds a BA in Anthropology & Sociology from Denison University.

Ruby Foxall

Ruby Foxall is a Master of Urban Planning candidate (2026) specializing in City and Community Planning. Originally from Oakland, CA, her varying experiences with transportation across the US and in China sparked an interest in the relationships between land use and transportation, especially public transit, walking, and biking. Ruby graduated from Harvey Mudd College in 2023 with a B.S. in Physics and Public Policy.

Jack Kelly

Jack Kelly is a Master of Urban Planning candidate at NYU Wagner, specializing in City and Community Planning. He holds a B.A. in Visual Arts from Fordham University, where he graduated in 2024. From 2018 to 2022, Jack served in the U.S. Army Infantry. His interests include accessible public transportation, the future of AI and automated technology in public transit and advancing mass transit in his home region of the Pacific Northwest.

Gabriel

Gabriel Negrón is a Master of Urban Planning candidate (2026) specializing in city and community planning at NYU Wagner. Born and raised in the San Juan Metro Area of Puerto Rico, his experiences growing up there rooted his passion for shaping equitable urban policies. Gabriel earned a double B.A. in Political Science and Geography from the University of Puerto Rico. His experiences span from working at the Puerto Rico State House, where he authored bills to improve public transit and environmental protection, to interning at the NYC Council, contributing to the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative, and developing a NYC Transportation Equity Index.

To reach a Research Assistant, please email us at rudin.center@nyu.edu.