Winifred Rhea-Unruh

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Biography: 

In May 2025, I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Development. Since then, I have been pursuing a master’s degree in Geography with a concentration in Urban Planning through the accelerated master’s program. 

During my undergraduate studies, I worked with Dr. Shay on a research project analyzing car ownership trends in Western North Carolina before and after Hurricane Helene. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern with the City of Lenoir’s Planning Department, where I contributed to a variety of projects, including GIS mapping, downtown property rendering, and city ordinance research. In addition to my project work, I also had the privilege of observing the inner workings of city government by attending multiple city meetings. 

The experiences I have gained at Appalachian State have strengthened my passion for urban planning and design, while preparing me to enter the professional planning field. After completing graduate school, I intend to work for a city planning department and eventually transition into a private urban design consulting firm. 

In my free time, I work at the Schaefer Center on campus and enjoy backpacking, traveling, and playing card games with my roommates. 

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Winifred Rhea-Unruh