“Before coming to the University of Michigan, I truly had no idea what I wanted to study in college but International Studies ended up being the perfect major for me! I was able to combine my interests in global politics, economics, and urban planning by taking a wide variety of collaborative and interdisciplinary classes. This major truly encompases aspects of every field of study and allowed me to hone in on my interests due to the overlap with environmental science, Spanish language, and urban studies. 

Having grown up in NYC and being given the incredible opportunity by my parents to travel around the world at such a young age truly inspired me to study the world on a deeper level. The International Studies major taught me about economic concepts, global health, urban development, and various global conflicts. Due to the flexibility and overlap of the major, I was able to create an international urban planning focus by taking classes focussed on cities, the built environment, and development. I was able to incorporate all of this knowledge into my capstone PICS Honors thesis project in which I focus on urban development trends in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

I am so grateful for everything I have learned at the University of Michigan and hope to share this acquired knowledge by being a global citizen.”

Nicholas Daniel

BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development); minor, Urban Studies ‘21

Hometown: New York City, NY

Affiliations: Kappa Alpha Pi, Michigan Sailing Team, Spanish Conversation Club, SHEI Magazine, Semester in Detroit 

Future plans: “I am currently looking for jobs in real estate and urban planning in NYC!”

Fondest memory of his experience in PICS: “I would have to say that my fondest experience has been working with the PICS Honors thesis cohort despite the challenges of the pandemic. The group is full of diverse interests and perspectives which makes the thesis process all the more rewarding and unique.”

Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “Thank you all so much for everything these past four years! I have made lifelong friends, mentors, and built a community of like minded and passionate individuals. As always, I would like to add a special thanks to my spectacular parents who made this all possible!”