Hi, I’m Dan
I help to build more resilient, equitable places by reshaping policy.
I use spatial analysis, mapping, and data science to understand and interpret interlocking urban challenges. I work with communities to identify issues, communicate needs, and advocate for reform. Through grounded research and effective communication, I bring about policy change and practical reform. About me
Projects
🚴 Test Citi Bike’s reliability
As riders increasingly complained of finding Citi Bike docks empty or full of broken docks, I collected and analyzed the system’s real-time station data to show patterns of poor reliability — especially in neighborhoods home to more Hispanic, Black, and lower-income residents.
🚗 Look for inequities in parking tickets
Search for patterns of inequities in where New Yorkers get parking tickets and put these data on the map to allow interactive exploration.
🏡 Help a redevelopment agency choose where to build housing and where to restore flood-mitigating green space
As Baton Rouge faces greater flood risk, escalating housing costs, and unequal growth, this project helps the region’s urban redevelopment agency choose which of its properties to redevelop as affordable housing and which to convert to stormwater-absorbing green spaces.
🖥 Find where broadband access will close the digital divide and boost local economies
Locate areas where improving access to broadband internet can spur equitable growth, nationwide at a fine-grain scale.
🏗 Forecast sites for affordable housing
Forecast likely sites for affordable housing across New York City and probable number of affordable units on any parcel developed as affordable housing, based on the patterns of units built and preserved under the Housing New York plan.
🗓 Detect inequity in penalties for low-level infractions
Minor non-criminal citations (like tickets for loitering) can be elevated to arrest warrants if those cited can’t pay off fines. This project found new data to test the true scale of those facing arrest for these minor violations, then identified the inequitable patterns in how warrants were assigned across income groups.
🍃 Measure inequity in tree canopy change
Use high-resolution data to measure tree canopy change across New York City and use analysis tools to evaluate equity.
🌳 Design analysis for NYC Parks to mitigate flood risk
I designed analysis to focus tree planting where it can most reduce flood risk
🔎 Find and highlight unique neighborhood insights
Understand and explain what makes neighborhoods unique and how they are likely to change
🛫 Model carbon emissions for Hawaii to meet its clean energy goals
For a groundbreaking report guiding Hawaii to its ambitious, 100% clean energy goal, I modeled aviation and marine emissions to make policy recommendations for these sectors. I studied current emissions, viable technologies, feasible resource availability, and state policy levers that could reduce carbon pollution while enabling necessary transportation to the remote island state.
🚍 Train local leaders to remake public transit
Lead workshops for elected and community leaders to plan transit expansion. Launched ballot measure campaigns that secured hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding for public transportation.
🚃 Guide advocates and local leaders on improving transit
Research examples and best practices from around the U.S. and write a guidebook for transit advocates for making big and small improvements to transit service.