Name: Luke Ciminillo Delamotte
Program: Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning
Year: Senior 

Why did you choose your major?

I chose City and Regional Planning because it seemed to capture so many of the topics I was interested in: design, local governance, sociology, transportation, and sustainability.

You interned at the Columbus City Council. Can you tell us about it?

There were ten interns and we were assigned to different council members or departments at the Columbus City Council. It was an educational experience to see how rezoning and variance requests are processed, how they are discussed, and ultimately why one gets approved or not.

What advice would you give high school students who are interested in your particular program?

One of the most helpful things I did was research. I watched TED Talks and videos of planners discussing their work and research, and I read books and articles about the current issues in the discipline. If you struggle to stay awake while reading a book on planning, then probably the field isn't for you, but if you breeze through it, then planning might just be the perfect fit.

What do you enjoy most about being a Knowlton student?

It’s hard to say what I enjoy most about being a Knowlton student—I like the building, I like my fellow students, and I like all of the opportunities the school provides. But if I had to choose, I would say the classes. I don't think I have ever been bored in one of my City Planning courses.

When you are not at Knowlton working/studying, what do you like to do for fun?

I dance. I am part of a company in Columbus, so when I am not in class there is a good chance I am in rehearsal. Outside of that I would say just hanging out with my friends. I've recently started pickleball, which is a cross between ping-pong and tennis. Although the average age of a player on a pickleball court is 67, I would recommend it to anyone.

What's the best advice for a new Knowlton student?

To engage with the school as much as possible. Go to your professors' office hours. Check out the student organizations, and attend all the events you can.

Can you describe the student groups you are involved in and what leadership roles you have within the group?

At Knowlton, I am part of the leadership team of the City and Regional Planning Student Association (CRPSA). I am also a Knowlton Ambassador. Outside of Knowlton, I work as an economics tutor. Last year, I was a Global Ambassador at the Office of International Affairs, and this year I am part of the Global Leadership Initiative also at the Office of International Affairs.

Can you describe work that you have done at Knowlton that illustrates your interest in the field?

Last semester in my studio class we were put into teams of four and each team was tasked with finding solutions to address chronic homelessness in Columbus through the built environment. I enjoyed this project because it was real. We had a real client, the City of Columbus, who we met with on a regular basis, and we were working on a real problem. The issue we were trying to address was one of the most pressing any city faces, and I felt that as students we all had a chance to make a positive change. It was the reason I started studying CRP at Knowlton.