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This summer, nine interns worked alongside DVRPC staff, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to DVRPC’s work and mission. In the excerpted interview below, the interns share their interests, their experiences at DVRPC, and more. 

You can learn more about each intern on our Instagram, where we will be featuring them throughout the month of August.

Which school are you currently or were you most recently enrolled? 

• Sasha Ahern, Transportation Planning and Outreach Intern: I recently earned my Master of Design (MDes) in Sustainable Urban Planning at Northeastern University. 
• Emma Ciaravino, Communications Intern: I’m at the University of Delaware, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations Communication. 
• Yadiel Duarte, Transportation Planning Intern: I’m at Temple University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in City and Regional Planning. 
• Theodore Frye Yanos, Congestion Management Intern: I graduated last May with a Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University Bloustein School.
• Sanaa Hall-Geiger, Energy Intern: I recently graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Community, Environment, and Development (CED) with a focus in Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) and energy-related work.  
• Michael James, Planning Intern: I'm at Temple University, pursuing a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning.  
• Skyla Rimple, Comprehensive Planning Intern: I graduated in May 2026 from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies. In August, I will begin the Master of City Planning program at the Weitzman School of Design, also at the University of Pennsylvania. 
• Gardner Spitzer, Transportation Planning Intern: I am currently at Temple University, pursuing a degree in Geography & Urban Studies.
• Mahalia Wijesinha, Operations & Organizational Development Intern: I’m at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science and minors in Management and Public Health.

What has been your favorite project or experience so far as a DVRPC intern?

• Ahern: I have really enjoyed learning more about the dynamics that DVRPC navigates with its partners and how plans move forward in accordance to those relationships. I also have had a lot of fun working on the rebrand of the Share-A-Ride program.
• Frye Yanos: I had been wondering how the speed data we get from cars with GPS tracking (a.k.a. Connected Vehicle data) could be applied to get rapid feedback on safety interventions. Because speed is such an important factor in crash severity (especially for cyclists and pedestrians), we don't have to wait for people to die to know a road is dangerous–or that we helped make it less dangerous! I reached out to Kendra Nelson, and she invited me to present to the Safe Streets and Mobility, Analysis, and Design teams for the Lincoln Highway Regional Vision Zero project, and you’ll be able to read about it in the upcoming report. 
• Hall-Geiger: My favorite project so far has been researching building benchmarking and building performance standards from across the country. It has been super interesting to learn how different states and municipalities approach energy efficiency in buildings and find ideas that can help or be useful for our own regional benchmarking programs. 
• James: My favorite project has been working on an analysis of childcare access across the region. This is an ongoing project, but back in May, I shared some initial findings and maps at the all-staff meeting, which was equally nerve-wracking and exciting. 
• Rimple: My favorite project has been the County Profiles portfolio I have spent the past few months working on. It has been rewarding to learn all of the ways that the Greater Philadelphia region is preparing to tackle issues I care about, including extreme weather and economic development.
• Wijesinha: My favorite project so far is probably working on the Clifton Strengths event with my supervisor Alyssa. It's been very fun and interesting to plan an event like this as it aligns well with my area of study.

Why did you apply for an internship at DVRPC?

• Ciaravino: In contrast to my fellow interns, I have no planning experience. Studying communications and journalism has led me on a path of writing for and promoting nonprofits, as well as heightening my awareness of different government agencies and public service organizations. When I saw that DVRPC was hiring a communications intern, it seemed like my interests in writing and having a positive impact on local communities were intersecting perfectly. 
• Duarte: I've been keeping track of transportation and bike projects within the region for years, so when the opportunity presented itself to be a part of the process that's making the Greater Philadelphia region safer, I felt compelled to apply.
• James: I applied here because I heard from professors and other people in the planning field that it was a great place to gain experience and make connections, which has all proven to be true. The magic of DVRPC is definitely the people who work here who are all subject matter experts, and it's been great to be able to see all the projects everyone is working on and learn something new everyday. 
• Rimple: I am pursuing a career in urban planning and have internship experience in housing finance, government, and nonprofit management, so I wanted to explore the transportation sector. I also found myself aligned with the DVRPC mission and values, and wanted the opportunity to gain more work experience before graduating.
• Spitzer: I wanted to work at DVRPC because of its planning focus, rather than working at a place with a planning department. DVRPC is also a reputable agency in the region, and I feel that it being a governmental agency led me toward applying. 

What do you like to do for fun?

• Ahern: I am very into pickleball, volleyball, and weightlifting. I am also an artist who enjoys painting, singing, and reading.
• Ciaravino: I’ve been dancing my whole life, and I love music, playing guitar, thrifting, and going to the beach!
• Duarte: I mainly do gardening and backyard construction, but indoors I like to play a Minecraft-like game called Vintage Story.
• Frye Yanos: Usually if I have nothing to do, I hit up my reliable transit nerd friends, and we take a train or bus to some neighborhood we've never been to before!
• Hall-Geiger: Outside of work, I'm a huge plant lover, so taking care of my growing plant collection is one of my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy drawing, thrifting, all things music, reading, watching anime, and anything art-related.
• James: I enjoy street photography, people watching in the park, swimming, running, playing tennis, and hanging out with my friends.
• Rimple: I enjoy cycling, listening to music, and going to the beach with my friends.
• Spitzer: I read, bike, and go on walks. I used to play video games but recently have been somewhat estranged from them. I'm also a social person who enjoys spending time with others individually or in groups.
• Wijesinha: I love to read, watch movies/tv shows, go to concerts, play the piano and guitar, and spend time with my friends.

What is your favorite place/area in the Greater Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region?

• Ahern: I really enjoy driving out into the counties to the west to look for historic buildings. To me, an 1800's barn house is as thrilling to see as the Eiffel Tower, and the countryside reminds me of home.
• Ciaravino: Media in Delaware County.
• Duarte: Germantown near the Wissahickon Valley Park.
• Frye Yanos: 30th St. Station on the regional rail platforms in the morning, looking east. The sun is out, birds are chirping, there’s an amazing skyline view, and your soul fills with the promise of the day ahead of you.
• Hall-Geiger: Honestly, I am not sure since I've only recently moved back home to Philly. But if I had to choose, I'd probably say Center City. There are so many cool spots here, and I like being able to walk around.  
• James: FDR Park
• Rimple: My favorite place in the Greater Philadelphia region is the Wissahickon Valley Park. I love to bike there with my friends in the fall to see the leaves change.
• Spitzer: I really enjoy being in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of West Philly.
• Wijesinha: Main Street in Exton.

What is your favorite coffee shop or quick bite recommendation located near the office?

• Ahern: I have yet to venture out much in the area for a quick bite, but I love the rooftop at Revolution House for a longer one.
• Ciaravino: Paris Baguette is always reliable for quick bites and coffee, but I like Time and Peace Cafe on 7th Street for the ambience!
• Frye Yanos: I like Café Couleur! Great vegan banh mì sandwiches and Vietnamese iced coffee if you need some midday energy :D
• Hall-Geiger: Paris baguette–they have the best pastries. 
• James: Thank You Thank You for coffee or Café Couleur for lunch.
• Rimple: The mango sticky rice at Cily Chicken Rice is a fan favorite among my friends and I.
• Wijesinha: Starbucks

What advice would you give future DVRPC interns?

• Ahern: Take initiative, show reliability, and be kind!
• Ciaravino: Take advantage of all the learning opportunities here! Talk to people outside your department, see how different teams collaborate, and get involved in projects outside of your comfort zone. Make the most of your time at DVRPC, surrounded by so many creative thinkers and individuals who are truly passionate about what they do.
• Duarte: Arrange as many face-to-face or online meetings as possible.
• Frye Yanos: When in doubt, just ask if you can go to something or ask someone about what they're doing and how you can learn more. DVRPC is an amazing place, so make the most of it.
• Hall-Geiger: Be a sponge and absorb everything you can. The people here know 100 times more than you do, and that's a good thing! Come in with an open mind, ask lots of questions, and don't be afraid to say you don't know something. Everyone here wants to help you learn, and you'll be surprised how much you grow in just a few weeks. 
• James: Be proactive, ask questions, and take every opportunity to be a part of a project in any capacity. You never know what you might learn. 
• Rimple: Eat your lunch downstairs in the cafeteria with your colleagues. It is so fun to hear what everyone is up to and a great break from the workday. Also, attend any seminars and workshops in the conference room that you can. It is great to hear what your colleagues are working on throughout the organization.
• Spitzer: I would say approach your work with confidence and understand that in your role as an intern, you are learning, so it's okay to need some time to adjust and catch up to the pace of some of the projects you work on. 
• Wijesinha: Don't be afraid to talk to people no matter what position they have in the office. Everyone is friendly and would love to get to know you. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help as the office is a very understanding and welcoming place!