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<br />research on the language so far! Although this RCP project is different to my usual research, I <br />like the fact that it was a real-world project with an impact on the community. I’m also really <br />excited to meet and work with people from different programs. <br /> <br />Cate Bruns – Team Lead <br />I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Communication Studies. I hold an MA in Environmental <br />Communication and Advocacy from James Madison University in Virginia, where I became <br />interested in water issues. Now, my research centers on media coverage of water crises and <br />insecurities, such as bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, the ongoing Flint water crisis, and the <br />Lake Erie Bill of Rights. Like many UMN students this summer, I found myself with a lot of <br />time on my hands and a desire to put my skills to work in a local community. The City of Little <br />Canada's project initially caught my eye due to its environmental component, but I quickly saw <br />an initiative where I could finally apply the public participation and community facilitation <br />knowledge I picked up during my master's. <br /> <br />Gunnar Carlson <br />I'm a Master’s of Public Administration student. Last year I started working with the Met <br />Council as a research assistant on a project concerning minority youths' attitudes towards and use <br />of the regional parks. Our research consisted of partnering with five community-based youth <br />organizations and then going to different regional parks with them. We used these field <br />experiences to gather qualitative data. We're still finalizing the final results paper but the <br />preliminary findings and recommendations have been produced. I found myself extremely <br />excited by the process of turning research into policy and planning recommendations so this <br />project seemed like a great way to continue to learn and explore that space. <br /> <br />Kyle Franta <br />I am a third-year Master's Student in Landscape Architecture. I have a Bachelor of Landscape <br />Architecture degree from South Dakota State University, where I often worked with Rural <br />communities who needed assistance with planning and design. My on-going minor in ecological <br />restoration at UMN has broadened my knowledge of ecological systems and the unwavering <br />impact that humanity has burdened these systems with. My interest in mending fractured <br />ecosystems paired with my farming background has driven my most recent studio project to <br />critically look at the current industrial agricultural model and to design ways that our food <br />systems can be sustainable for both the planet and the people who work within these systems. <br />RCP was intriguing to me because it remained steadfast that community engagement needs to <br />continue during these challenging times, even if not in its usual form. This will undoubtedly be a <br />challenge for us all, but I am motivated to take on these challenges and to collaboratively create a <br />plan that serves the people of Little Canada. I am looking forward to meeting you all. <br /> <br />Kendra Klenz <br />I am a Landscape Architecture Master's student going into my third year this fall. I have a BA <br />from St. Olaf College in Economics and Environmental Studies, where I focused on restoration <br />ecology and environmental economics and policy. Broadly, I am interested in public space <br />design and access. RCP was most attractive to me because of the opportunity to work across <br />disciplines and on a real project. I am looking forward to working together to figure out new <br />ways to reach out to, and communicate with park users (and perhaps not-yet users) during this