About SPA
Participation with the Student Planning Association (SPA) is open to all students interested in the planning profession. All Urban and Regional Planning students are highly encouraged to be involved with the SPA to motivate group learning, to gain networking opportunities, to learn from professionals in the field and become involved in current trends in Florida.
Many SPA members take advantage of joining the San Felasco Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, which is the local section of the American Planning Association. Through the San Felasco Section, students are able to meet with and learn from professional planners in the local area by attending lectures, meetings, and socials.
Executive Board
Xavier Balerdi
PresidentXavier, originally from Miami, Florida, is entering his second year as a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) student. He earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2010 and a Master of Business Administration in 2021, both from the University of Florida. His planning interests focus on climate resiliency and sustainability. Xavier has always been curious about people, communities, and the built environment, which attracted him to the planning field. He is excited to be part of SPA’s E-Board this year and looks forward to hosting events and speakers for the student community.
Matthew Mullings
Vice PresidentMatthew, hailing from Miami, Florida, is entering his second year in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Florida in 2023. His planning interests include transportation planning, environmental planning, and health planning. Matthew is excited about the upcoming year and looks forward to the many exciting events that are planned!
Patrice Marcuson-Minogue
TreasurerPatrice, from Tampa, Florida, is entering her second year in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Meteorology from Florida State University in 2023. Her favorite planning topics include affordable housing, zoning and land use, climate change resilience in coastal communities, and GIS. As the SPA Treasurer, Patrice is honored to work alongside an amazing group of students to create exciting events for everyone. She is always available to answer questions or chat, so feel free to reach out anytime!
Oluwasegun James
SecretaryOluwasegun, from Lagos, Nigeria, is entering his second year as a Master’s student in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) and his first year in the Master’s program for Integrated Sustainable Development. He is excited about the opportunities and developments that SPA has planned for the year ahead. His planning interests include environmental planning, affordable housing, and GIS. Oluwasegun was drawn to planning by his belief in creating cities that are functional, efficient, equitable, and environmentally friendly. This year, he looks forward to connecting with everyone at SPA events as they network, learn, and grow together in the profession, encouraging full participation to make the most of these opportunities.
Emory Young
Social ChairEmory, originally from Tampa, Florida, is in the final year of the Master’s program in Urban and Regional Planning. A 2024 graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in Sustainability and the Built Environment, Emory’s planning interests focus on climate resilience and planning in informal settlements. This year, Emory looks forward to engaging in interesting classes, attending fun social events, and completing a thesis.
April Dotson
Online LiaisonApril, born and raised in Ocala, Florida, has lived in various parts of the state and is excited to serve as the new Online Liaison for the SPA. She is eager to connect with fellow planners, not only to gain insights into the field but also to build friendships. April joined the online MURP program in Spring 2024 and is now entering her third semester. With an undergraduate degree in Environmental Policy and Economics, planning felt like a natural next step for her. Despite her environmental background, her interests have shifted toward economics and housing policy as she has delved deeper into the field. April looks forward to becoming more involved with SPA, APA, and the broader planning community.
Dr. Laura Dedenbach
Faculty AdvisorDr. Dedenbach received her master’s in urban and regional planning and doctorate in urban and regional planning, with a graduate minor in anthropology, from UF. Her research interests include crime prevention and the built environment, urban resilience, neighborhood planning, empowerment, effects of gentrification on neighborhood culture and stability, land use and comprehensive planning, and issues of land use compatibility. Dr. Dedenbach is currently engaged in research and service-learning projects in Gainesville and Atlanta.