Jake grew up in parts of the Southeastern U.S and graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, with a degree in business and management. Prior to starting at UCLA, his planning-related experience consisted of internships with an architecture and urban design firm in Pasadena and an organization devoted to land conservation and park development in Sarasota, Florida. Currently, he is interning with ActionAid Philippines, primarily focusing on disaster management. His other professional experience includes time spent as a market analyst at Fresh Mark Meats in Massillon, Ohio.

He is pursuing a GPA certificate in Urbanization and Regional Development. In Urban and Regional Planning Master’s program, he is concentrating on Regional and International Development.

Jake’s internationally focused post-graduate goals have three elements. From a humanitarian perspective, he wishes to contribute to aid in improving the lives of people in developing countries through promoting economic and infrastructural development in poorer countries. Professionally, he would like to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the global marketplace, while simultaneously distinguishing himself from the rest of the domestic labor pool. Finally, from a personal standpoint, he would like an occupation that gives him the opportunity to immerse himself in a wide variety of cultures and environments.