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My cross-disciplinary research sits at the nexus of urban studies, planning, and public education. I ask questions about how public schools and planning at the neighborhood, city, and regional levels interact and contribute to the perpetuation of inequality. I also identify potential pathways for these systems to promote justice for historically marginalized and minoritized communities.

Jen has dedicated 24 years to the University of Maryland, contributing her expertise across various departments. Her extensive experience and diverse background enable her to provide invaluable support to MAPP. She initially joined MAPP as the Dean's Assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in academic administration and stakeholder collaboration.

Maria Day-Marshall, Esq. joined the University of Maryland's Real Estate Development Program in 2017, serving as Director until 2025, and currently directs the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development. She led efforts in curriculum development, faculty management, student advising, and course scheduling. Before her full-time role, she was a Lecturer since 2008.

Carrie Chard is the Assistant Director of the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Her primary role is to promote and provide outreach, marketing and promotion for the Masters in Real Estate Development program.

Margaret McFarland has over two decades of experience in real estate development, starting as an urban planner in Ohio. After earning her law degree, she joined O'Melveny & Myers in Washington, DC, assisting clients with financing for commercial properties, including those seeking historic preservation designation.

Marty Koelsch is the Shop Technician in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation where she maintains the Woodshop and the Digital Fabrication Lab, administers shop safety, maintains equipment, and provides instruction in the craft of model making. She works to provide shop access to students so they can work on their making skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Alice Agro is an Accounting Clerk with the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation’s Business Services Office at the University of Maryland, College Park. She supports the school’s financial and administrative operations and is the first point of contact at the front desk.

Historical archaeologist Dr. Cheryl Janifer LaRoche researches and physically explores the landscapes of eighteenth and nineteenth century free Black communities, their churches, cemeteries and institutions, and their relationship to the Underground Railroad.

Spring 2024 Colvin Capstone Competition Winner - First PrizeThe Eastern Exchange, the dynamic nexus where creativity thrives at the crossroads of Washington D.C. and Maryland. This transformative project redefines the Kaywood Shopping Center into a hub of artistic innovation and cultural exchange, meeting LEED Gold standards with unparalleled City support and limited competition.

Spring 2025 Colvin Capstone Competition Winner - First PrizeWhere Community Comes Together Under One RoofFuhrman Development is proposing The Haven, an 8-story mixed-use development in College Park, Maryland. The ground floor will consist of 6 retail tenants and a residential lobby with 2 levels of structured parking behind them to allow for 336 spaces.

Fall 2024 Colvin Capstone Competition Winner - First PrizeOakStone Communities’ Jacquelynn Residences at Upton Place is a 4-story, 138-unit independent living community located in Ellicott City, MD near the intersection of Baltimore Pike (US-40) and St. John’s Lane (MD-183).

Fall 2023 Colvin Capstone Competition Winner - First PrizeThe Residences at Harvard Court is a 144-unit, 115,000 SF assisted living and memory care community featuring studio, one- and two-bedroom units with kitchenettes and private bathrooms.