Each year, the My Streetscape Summer Research Institute brings together a select cohort of rising high-school seniors from across New York City and immerses them in the intersection of engineering, urban technology, and social science. These students spend six intensive weeks with the Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3), moving between hands-on engineering labs, fieldwork in Harlem, and conversations with researchers who are currently working on the real-world applications of smart-city technology.
The 2023–2024 cohort distinguished itself with curiosity, resilience, and a remarkable grasp of the ethical and community-focused dimensions of smart-city research. Through projects in computer vision, IoT systems, transportation engineering, and qualitative research methods, these students began shaping academic identities that continue to evolve as they enter college and professional life.
One of these alumni, Ezra Ju, has carried the spirit of interdisciplinary research into his studies at Johns Hopkins University, where he is pursuing a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering as part of the Class of 2028. Ezra first joined the My Streetscape Summer Research Institute seeking an opportunity to engage in research broadly. Additionally, to understand what it means to work within an interdisciplinary research environment. The program offered him a first-person perspective into how engineering and social science can be combined to instantiate change in people’s quality of life.
Ezra reflects that one of the most enduring lessons from the Institute is the importance of prioritizing community members while conducting research. He was able to experience working with Harlem residents, listening to their concerns, gathering their perspectives, and understanding the nuances of their lived experiences. This reinforced his belief that innovation should be based on the needs and values of the people most affected. This principle continues to guide how he approaches his academic work in engineering.
As he transitioned into college, Ezra found that the My Streetscape Summer Research Institute had prepared him not only with technical skills but also with a refined sense of intellectual curiosity and a broader understanding of the research process. The program helped him develop the ability to examine research questions from multiple angles, which is an asset he now applies as he explores new areas of study. This includes nano and microtechnology with medical applications.
When asked whether he would recommend the program to other students, Ezra’s response was simple and emphatic: “Yes!” The supportive environment, interdisciplinary structure, and emphasis on experiential learning left a lasting impact on his academic development.
Looking ahead, Ezra plans to pursue graduate school and continue researching advanced medical technologies. Beyond his academic goals, he is also deeply committed to another passion: Olympic-style (WT) Taekwondo sparring, in which he competes at the national and international level. His ability to balance high-level athletics with rigorous scientific study speaks to the curiosity, discipline, and drive he first began cultivating during his time with CS3.
Applications to the 2026 My Streetscape Summer Research Institute are now open! If you are interested in applying, please visit the My Streetscape Summer Research Institute Page.