March 26, 2025
Interns Claire Wolgast, Katie LaCava, Kai Yuen, Neve Zhang, and Stewart Tillyer recently presented on the various projects they have been a part of during their time at DVRPC.
Earlier this month, five interns who have been with DVRPC for at least six months shared their work and experiences with DVRPC staff. Claire Wolgast, Katie LaCava, Kai Yuen, Neve Zhang, and Stewart Tillyer presented on the various projects they have been a part of as well as what tools and skills were necessary to complete their work. They also took part in a Q&A where they answered both project-specific questions and questions about their overall experience with the organization. When asked what DVRPC staff can do for interns going forward, the response was to continue to trust interns as valued members of the team. The interns said they appreciated the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to DVRPC’s work.
Find out more about the interns and their presentations.
Claire Wolgast, Sustainability Intern, Office of Sustainable Energy
Undergraduate education: Skidmore College, Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, May 2024
Graduate school: Yale School of the Environment Master’s of Environmental Management, starting in fall 2025
Presentation topic: Thermal energy networks (TENs) and the Regional Benchmarking Pilot Program
Favorite part of working at DVRPC: Work on the regional scale has allowed me to complement previous federal experience with an understanding of how federal and state funding and programs are implemented locally. I have loved learning from the network of energy and sustainability partners across the counties and staying informed on energy policy and trends through them. Another favorite part of this internship was making so many new friends who are passionate about improving the region and sharing their knowledge!
Anything else you’d like to share?: My experience at DVRPC’s Office of Sustainable Energy has energized me (pun intended) to continue my education in building energy programming that supports cost savings, job creation, and more efficient energy technologies that can be realized across the region.
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Katie LaCava, Planning Intern, Office of Capital Programs
Undergraduate education: University of Delaware, BA in Public Policy and BS in Energy & Environmental Policy, May 2024
Graduate school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Masters in City and Regional Planning, starting in fall 2025
Presentation topic: TIP Cost Increase Analysis, bridge and pavement prioritization web map, TIP/Wrapped/I-95 articles, tracking IIJA grant awarded projects
Favorite part of working at DVRPC: My favorite part of working at DVRPC is the flexibility and vast opportunities that I can mold to my interests and strengths, while having the space to work on weaknesses or gaps in my skillset.
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Kai Yuen, Transportation Planner Intern, Office of Safe Streets
Undergraduate education: Temple University, Environmental Studies BA, May 2024
Graduate school: Temple University, Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate, TBD
Presentation topic: Regional Vision Zero and the Vision Zero: Wissahickon Corridor Study
Favorite part of working at DVRPC: My favorite parts of working at DVRPC are the openness and inclusivity of the office and the ability to see and participate in government work done at so many different levels and across such a diverse array of focus areas and programs.
Anything else you’d like to share?: Working on Vision Zero is particularly important to me personally as someone who does not own a car in the city and gets around primarily by walking, biking, and taking public transportation. It’s very empowering to be able to bring that perspective to the work and see the meaningful progress being made to make the system safer for everyone.
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Neve Zhang, Planning Intern, Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED)
Undergraduate education: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bachelor of Fine Arts, May 2023
Graduate school: University of Pennsylvania, Master of City Planning, expected graduation May 2025
Presentation topic: Retail Districts of Greater Philadelphia related work:
- Early stage development of retail district update methodology
- Retail district visit data cleaning using cell phone geolocation data (if citation needed, data is from Buxton Co.)
- Pharmacy decline
- Immigrant-serving retail districts & immigration snapshot
Favorite part of working at DVRPC: The broad range of duties that DVRPC handles as the regional MPO has allowed me to engage with and learn about diverse topics, whether through my own work, interactions with colleagues, or regular activities like meetings and webinars. Beyond enriching my understanding of the region, the inclusive, trusting environment at DVRPC also allowed me to apply my unique skill sets and appreciate those of my peers. I find DVRPC a great place to grow, thrive, and collaborate!
Anything else you’d like to share: Every aspect of my work is interconnected, allowing me to develop a comprehensive understanding of our retail districts and their contributions to regional vitality through the lens of community and economic development. Additionally, I appreciate the collaboration opportunities between OCED and Planning Innovation, where the integration of research and data not only aligns with my areas of expertise but also delivers meaningful tools and insights for local planning efforts.
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Stewart Tillyer, Smart Growth Intern, Office of Smart Growth
Undergraduate education: Syracuse University, Bachelor of Architecture, May 2020
Graduate school: University of Pennsylvania, Master of City Planning, Graduating May 2025
Presentation topic:
- SEPTA Transit Oriented Communities (Bristol Station and Langhorne Station studies)
- Pottstown Station Area Concept Plan
- Regional Parking Study
Favorite part of working at DVRPC: I’ve enjoyed being able to collaborate with different agencies and communities in the region on projects that can have a meaningful impact for many people. I appreciate the responsibility that I’ve been given on my projects and the trust that my coworkers and advisors have in my ability to contribute to the work that DVRPC does.
Anything else you’d like to share?: It’s exciting being able to work on projects that I truly believe are important for the growth of the region and to work alongside others who feel the same way.
Commission, Transportation, Livable Communities, Health & Safety, Economy