Diego Zorrilla
  • Law
  • Class of 2019
  • Cumming, GA

Diego Zorrilla Named to the Urban Fellows Program at the Georgia State University College of Law

2017 Sep 26

Diego Zorrilla of Cumming has been named as one of 30 Urban Fellows of the Georgia State University College of Law's Center for the Comparative Study of Metropolitan Growth for 2017-18.

This year's students of the interdisciplinary program come from across Georgia State University and Georgia Tech's School of City and Regional Planning.

"The Atlanta Metropolitan Area has become the focal point for urbanization studies and research, and understanding it's vastly increasing diversity is key to determining best practices for our nation," said Samuel Molina (J.D. '18). "I look forward to engaging in crucial discussions about the collective impact that all voices and groups can have on developing our 21st Century Atlanta Metropolitan Area."

"As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and metropolitan areas continues to grow, the people and environment is often a forgotten byproduct of growing economies. The Urban Fellows Program gives me the opportunity to pursue my interest found at the intersection of public health and environmental degradation," said Logan Stone (J.D. '19).

"To genuinely know and understand something, you need to view it through the contextual lens of history, influencers, and constraints. The Urban Fellows program will uniquely provide me the contextual lens to analyze not only my city but also provide the building blocks for analyzing cities everywhere," said Frank DePalo (J.D./MBA '19).

Students are carefully selected for the Urban Fellows Program based on clear interest in urban issues demonstrated through volunteer work, academic and professional experience and world travel. Urban Fellows enrich their studies with discussions about environmental, land use and urban issues with top decision makers through a special lecture series. A hallmark of the program is the opportunity to write an in-depth research paper on an urban issue of personal interest. Some Urban Fellows students are offered the opportunity to work as graduate research assistants for the Center.

"I'm thrilled by Atlanta's consistent growth and I can't wait to learn about urban issues and opportunities from local experts who truly appreciate both the struggles and achievements of the city of Atlanta," said graduate research assistant Colt Burnett (J.D. '19).

"As a military brat, I have been exposed to different cities and towns that have their own cultures and strengths. By far, Atlanta, is a city with an innovative background and that is something that I am excited to explore as an Urban Fellow. My academic and professional experiences in both my public health graduate program and work as an educator have shown me just how important and interrelated various social, economic, political, and educational determinants are in Atlanta and how they can influence change," said Breyanna Mikel (MPH '18).

"Year after year, graduating students tell me that the Urban Fellows Program was the highlight of their graduate school experience," said Karen Johnston (J.D. '08), assistant director.

"As I shift my practice focus to land use and environmental law, I am excited to join the Urban Fellows program. I can't think of a better way to take on the developmental and growth questions facing Atlanta and cities around the world than to collaborate with my colleagues from many backgrounds and disciplines," said Jonathan Futrell (LL.M. '18).

"I look forward to another exciting Urban Fellows Program this year as we dive into topics such as affordable housing, wage growth, and urban development. I also look forward to connecting the new Urban Fellows with our strong alumni base," said Johnston.