Hi, I'm Charles.
I’m passionate about addressing environmental challenges through long-term, sustainable solutions that prioritize equity and resilience. I’m always learning more from my work and remain committed to shaping cities that serve both people and the planet.
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Brief Introduction
I am a second-year Master of Urban Planning student at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, with a strong interest in transportation and infrastructure, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.
I served as a Legislative Intern at the Massachusetts State House, supporting the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and working with the Office of Representative Mark J. Cusack, House Chair of the committee.
Education
I began my academic journey at the University of Ghana, where I pursued a B.A. in Geography and Resource Development. Growing up in Anyaa Market, a vibrant community on the outskirts of Accra shaped by informal systems and unplanned spaces, I developed a deep curiosity about how our environments influence mobility, opportunity, and quality of life. That early awareness, combined with my academic exposure, motivated me to explore how cities can be shaped to work better for the people they serve.
During my undergraduate studies, my research focused on assessing the sustainability of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the Accra Metropolitan Area - an effort to better understand the intersection of transport infrastructure, environmental impact, and urban development. I graduated in 2022 with First Class Honors, recognized among the best graduating students at the Department of Geography.
Currently, I am a Master of Urban Planning student at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where I continue to explore how long-term, systems-level thinking can lead to more equitable and resilient cities. I’ve worked closely with faculty on research involving transportation systems, sustainable planned communities and new towns, clean energy transitions, and the global real estate market. My work is guided by a strong commitment to sustainability, equity, and thoughtful urban transformation.
Experience
Legislative Intern
Massachusetts State House – Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy | Salata Institute Climate Policy Internship Program
Boston, MA | May 2025 – August 2025
At the heart of Massachusetts’ clean energy policy work, I conducted legislative research and policy analysis focused on electric transportation, sustainable infrastructure, energy and utility reform. Supporting the office of Representative Mark J. Cusack, I assisted in shaping bills that advance climate action and energy justice across the Commonwealth.
Intern
Anyaa Zonal Council
Accra, Ghana | Feb. 2024 – July 2024
As an intern with the Anyaa Zonal Council, I contributed to environmental planning and governance through policy analysis, data interpretation, and administrative coordination. I supported the review of environmental policies and land use regulations, prepared research documents and proposals for decision-making, and participated in site visits to assess compliance and development trends.
National Service Personnel
Société Générale Ghana, Lapaz Branch
Accra, Ghana | Nov. 2022 – Nov. 2023
I was responsible for driving sales of banking products, onboarding new clients, and assisting with customer inquiries. I prepared operational and performance reports, supported cross-functional service delivery, and built strong customer relationships while promoting financial products including loans, insurance, and growing investments.
Service at Harvard
Urban Planning and Design Summer Experience (UPDSE) Coordinator
Harvard Graduate School of Design | May 2025 – August 2025
As coordinator for the 2025 UPDSE program, I helped with logistics, summer programming, and communications to support the Urban Planning and Design community. I organized local educational tours and visits to notable places like the Massachusetts State House and a collaborative Boston Architectural tour with APA-MA chapter, and helped facilitate alumni panel discussion to foster connection and mentorship within the planning and design community.
Research Assistant
Harvard GSD | Sep. 2024 – Present
I support the New Towns Initiative, focusing on the evolution of planned communities and urban redevelopment projects across the globe. My work includes data analysis, real estate market research, literature reviews, and preparing presentation materials for lectures and academic forums.
Research Assistant
Harvard GSD | Jan. 2025 – May 2025
In collaboration with faculty research on informal transit systems, I analyzed transport data from Kampala, Uganda and helped develop methodologies for evaluating transit dynamics in rapidly urbanizing contexts. This research intersects with my broader interests in transportation planning, equity, and sustainable mobility.
Extracurricular
- American Planning Association
- Proposal Reviewer | National Planning Conference 2026 (NPC26)
- Student Ambassador (Jan 2025 – Present)
- Carol Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee (Jan 2025 – Present)
- City Review Committee (Jan 2025 – Present)
- City Planning and Management Division (Oct 2024 – Present)
- Eno Center for Transportation – 2025 Leaders Development Conference Fellow
- Salata Institute – Harvard Climate Leaders Program, 2024–2025 Cohort