MUP Ambassadors

USC Price MUP Ambassador Bios

Kevin Argueta is a dual degree graduate student in the Master of Public Policy and Master of Urban Planning program at USC Price. Currently, at USC, Argueta is involved with the Associated Student in Planning Development Board and the METRANS Transportation Center. His academic and research interest are urban development, economic development, transportation systems, and innovative urban technology. Before attending USC, Argueta earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and has had experience working for a United States House Representative, the Port of Long Beach, and the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office. Argueta is a Southeast Los Angeles native and is inspired by the area’s urban landscape, culture, and socioeconomic development.

Gabriela Magaña is a first-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Urban Planning (MUP) dual-degree candidate at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Price. Prior to USC, Magaña received her undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Public Affairs from UCLA. During her time at UCLA, Magaña was involved with Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) and The Tenants Law Firm, where she focused on advancing tenant’s rights and assisting those facing displacement in Los Angeles. Magaña’s research interests include housing policy, urban development, the role of nonprofits in advancing policy, and land repurposing. In her free time, Magaña enjoys running, crocheting, reading, and rollerblading.

Emily Ng is a Master of Urban Planning (MUP) student concentrating in Environmental Planning and Analysis. On campus, Ng works at the METRANS Transportation Research Center. Ng received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Environmental Analysis and Sociology from Pitzer College in Claremont, California. Prior to enrolling at the University of Southern California, Ng served as a CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow at the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, where she conducted the first environmental justice and equity audit for the city’s sustainability plan — L.A.’s Green New Deal. Ng is interested in leveraging her experiences in environmental policy and expanding her understanding of Urban Planning. Ng is particularly passionate about sustainable and equitable cities, with a specific interest in transportation and its air quality impacts.

Ayush Patel is a first-year Master of Public Administration & Master of Urban Planning dual-degree candidate from Fremont, CA. Before arriving at the University of Southern California (USC) for graduate school, Patel studied political science at the University of California, Davis, where he developed interests in local governance and city planning. Having interned for city and state governments and participated in a transportation commission for the City of Davis, Patel obtained experience in his respective interests. At Price, Patel, a City/County Management Fellow, looks forward to learning more about the intersection of city management and transportation planning at Price. Beyond school and work, Patel likes to be physically active, binge new T.V. shows on Netflix, and explore new areas.

Lindsey Squirewell is a second year Master of Urban Planning and Master of Public Administration dual degree candidate from Atlanta, Georgia. She received a Bachelor of Architecture from The Howard University in Washington DC. Lindsey’s experiences have curated her passion to effectively use her multifaceted education to help communities set up programs that will give them the tools to combat the inequities they face. She also is committed to community service and exploring the link between education and mental health. After graduate school she aims to become a community planner in local and state governments. Lindsey lives by the following quote by Dr. Maya Angelou, “Prepare yourself so that you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud”.