Skip to main content
Urban Studies and Planning Urban Studies and Planning
  1. HOME
  2. What We Do
  3. Student Research
  4. Urban Expo

2026-Expo.png

Join Us for the 36th Annual Urban Expo!
Thursday, March 12, 2026 | UC San Diego

Discover the innovative ideas shaping the future of our cities at UC San Diego’s 36th Annual Urban Expo, hosted by the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP).

This signature event celebrates the creativity, insight, and impact of our graduating Urban Studies & Planning and Real Estate & Development students through their research and capstone projects - each tackling real-world urban challenges and opportunities.

Explore Projects and Presentations Focused On:

  • Real Estate & Development
  • Architecture & Urban Design
  • Community & Economic Development
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Food Systems & Urban Agriculture
  • Housing & Homelessness
  • Infrastructure & Transportation Planning
  • U.S.–Mexico Border Issues

In addition to capstone projects, the Expo will feature exciting presentations from DUSP student organizations, including:

  • Architecture at UCSD (ARCH)
  • Roger's Community Garden
  • Triton Real Estate Organization (TREO)
  • USP Student Representatives
  • Urban Changemakers
  • Young Planners Society (YPS)

You’ll also have the chance to learn about the work of DUSP-affiliated research centers, such as the UCSD Homelessness Hub, Just Transitions Initiative, Labor Center, and Bioregional Center, as well as student projects from DUSP courses in design, architecture, planning, real estate development, site analysis, and sustainability.

Come celebrate innovation, community, and the next generation of urban thinkers shaping the future of our built environment!

RSVP for the 2026 Urban Expo

We kindly ask that you RSVP in advance. A reminder with important parking and transportation information will be sent to all registrants the week before Urban Expo.

Awards

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning is proud to offer a number of awards to both our graduating seniors as well as our continuing students. Most awards are nominated.  Award winners will be celebrated during an Awards Banquet on Friday, April 10th, 2026.

Link to view past award winners.

Past Ceremonies and Project Galleries

 

2025 Award Winners:

Academic Distinction Award
    Emma Berwanger (RED)
    Lily Keefauver (USP)
Meritorious Community Service Award
    Yana Alvarez
Pete Georgiou Award for Service to the Dept of Urban Studies and Planning Dept.
    Andras Lengyel (RED)
    Jarvis Tran (USP)
Placemaking Award
    Pierce Brownstone
Ambitious Designer Award
    Patricia Estaris (USP)
    Alessandro Zarattini (RED)
Professional Development Achievement Award
    Theo Clausen (RED) 
    Ally Fung (USP)
Exemplary Teamwork Award
    Devin Banks
    Olivia Moreira
Emerging Scholar Award 
    Samantha Lee
Emerging Innovator Award 
    Olivia Darensbourg
Emerging Leader Award 
    Guadalupe Barrera
    Katelyn Chen
Outstanding Undergraduate Instructional Apprentice Award
    Evelyn Rivera
Outstanding Teaching Assistant
    Alelí Andres
Alumni of the Year
    Rebecca Louie
The Stephen Lew ’01 Civic Leadership Award in Urban Studies and Planning
    Veronica Liu
The Stephen Lew ’01 Civic Internship Award in Urban Studies and Planning
    Ally Fung
    Masaki Mendoza
    Claire Stokes
Best RED Capstone Project Award
    HUE Hillcrest: Theo Clausen, Đặng Ngọc Phú, Andras Lengyel
RED Capstone Project Award Runner Up
    BRIO: Devin Banks, Heidi Galan, Andrea Marie “Andie” Ongaco, Daniel Wanderling
Best USP Senior Research Project Awards
    Patricia Estaris (1st Place)
    Jackson Ludtke (2nd Place)
    Alejandro Sanchez (3rd Place)
Best USP Poster Awards
    Pierce Brownstone (1st place)
    Michael Yang (2nd Place)
    Yana Alvarez (3rd Place)