Bio
Sharanya studied Urban Studies and Data Science at UC Berkeley, concentrating on Sustainable Development and Engineering. After graduating in 2024, she worked at the National Institute of Urban Affairs in India, where she brought together students, academics, and professionals around river-sensitive urban planning. Her work explored the tension between urbanization and natural resources, including nature-based solutions and approaches to improving governance. This experience strengthened her interest in urban planning and led her to pursue graduate study. At Rutgers, Sharanya has taken part in research on affordable housing and environmental resilience and interned with Strategic Communities, a community development consulting firm focused on neighborhood planning in New Jersey. Through these experiences, Sharanya has come to see housing as a foundation for individuals, households, and communities to thrive, shaping her goal of pursuing a career in affordable housing development. Outside of work and academics, she enjoys swimming, exploring nature, and learning to cook with loved ones.
