Reflecting Towards a Purpose

What’s your purpose, and how does it connect to Urban Science?

PRESENTED BY PETER HUU TRAN

March 27, 2025

Why does this matter at CUSP?

Because purpose is powerful.

2

Why Did You Choose CUSP?

• Founded as a partnership between NYU and the City of New York, CUSP leads research, educational, and entrepreneurial initiatives that advance the science of cities. By applying novel insights to urban issues, we develop data- and technology-driven approaches that drive positive impact. With an additional focus on training future leaders, CUSP offers interdisciplinary academic programs in applied urban science and informatics for graduate students and professionals.
• CUSP also engages with stakeholders across city agencies, start-ups, industry players, community-based organizations, and nonprofits to address urgent socioeconomic, environmental, and infrastructural challenges. The center’s ultimate objective is to improve urban quality of life by using data to innovate and refine inclusive, equitable, and sustainable practices for cities everywhere.

3

Why Reflection and Purpose Matter at CUSP

CUSP = many directions → purpose helps focus

Reflection = tool for clarity, growth, and adaptability

​

4

What is Urban Science?

Urban science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the structure, function, and dynamics of cities using data-driven and computational methods. It integrates tools from data science, complexity theory, urban planning, and public policy to model cities as complex systems. By leveraging large-scale urban data, urban science informs decision-making aimed at improving quality of life, sustainability, and equity in urban environments

(Bettencourt, 2014; Batty, 2013; Kitchin, 2014).

5

What is Urban Science in practice?

6

What is Urban Science to YOU? Share your thoughts here.

7

Finding your

WHY.

Connecting Your

WHY to Urban Science.

8

Create Your Personal Mantra

Value + Action

“Equity through innovation”

“Designing data for good”

I-Statement

“I build systems that serve people.”

“I ask questions that lead to change.”

Three Words or Phrases

“Curious. Critical. Connected.”

“Listen. Learn. Transform.”

9

<Name>’s CUSP Mantra

Value + Action

Pick 1–2 core values

(e.g., equity, sustainability, justice, innovation, community)

I-Statement

Think of what you want to do with them

(e.g., improve, design, investigate, advocate, transform)

Three Words or Phrases

Pick 3 words or phrases that can center you and your purpose.

10

Bring It All Together

How will your mantra guide your choices—course selection, capstone, internships?

11

“

12

You just took an important step in setting the tone for your CUSP journey.

Clarity + intention = a powerful foundation.

👋 Connect with CUSP Education Team

• Jenny Huang
• Peter Huu Tran
• Dr. Anton Rozhkov

📅 Join Us Again!

Your next opportunity to connect:� 🗓️ Mapping Housing Inequality� 📍 April 1, 2025 - 9 – 10 AM EST� 🎯 Led by Ziwei Zhang (NYU CUSP ’25), this hands-on workshop introduces participants to the ArcGIS Online Map Viewer, focusing on how to visualize and analyze spatial data for real-world applications. Using NYC eviction data and U.S. Census Bureau income statistics, you'll create thematic maps, explore spatial relationships, and gain insights into how GIS can be used for social analysis. No prior GIS experience is required.

RSVP via Event Invite

​

13

Admitted Student Events

Reminders

14

Admitted Student Receptions

Admitted students from around the country are invited to join the Office of Graduate Enrollment and Admissions for an Admitted Student Reception in your area. During these events you'll learn more about New York University, and have your questions answered by admissions directors. Register for an event in your country.

China

​

Tuesday, April 8th

Taipei, Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel

Wuhan, Wuhan Marriott Hotel Wuchang

Thursday, April 10

Chengdu, The St. Regis Chengdu

Shenzhen, Shenzhen Marriott Hotel Nanshan

Saturday, April 12

Beijing, Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

Sunday, April 13

Shanghai, The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai

India

​

Saturday, March 22 at 1PM - 4PM

Chennai, Hilton

Hyderabad, Le Meridien

​

Sunday, March 23 at 1PM - 5PM

Bangalore, JW Marriott

Mumbai, St. Regis

​

Tuesday, March 25 at 6PM - 9PM

Delhi, Le Meridien

Pune, Ritz Carlton

​

Thursday, March 27 at 6PM - 9PM

Ahmedabad, ITC Narmada

​

New York

​

Friday, April 25th

NYU Manhattan and Brooklyn Campus

15

Admitted Student Webinars

1. Tuesday, March 4th at 9:30 AM
2. Tuesday, March 11th at 5:30 PM
3. Friday, April 4th at 5:30 PM

16

Next Steps Webinars

1. Thursday, March 6th at 5:30 PM
2. Tuesday, April 1st at 9:30 AM
3. Tuesday, April 15th at 9:30 AM

17

Visa Application Webinars

International admitted students are invited to attend "The Student Visa Application and Interview: A Webinar on What to Expect" hosted by NYU Office of Global Services (OGS).

Dates are offered throughout the semester. Visit OGS Program and Events (see bottom of page) for more information and to register.

​

18

Deposit Deadlines

Submit Your Deposit and Accept Your Offer

To confirm your enrollment in our incoming class, please accept your offer of admission and pay your non-refundable tuition deposit by following the steps below. This deposit is credited toward your first semester's tuition bill.

​

19