With a degree in urban design and a background in architecture, Kurt is following up on his research from last year which focused on the design aspect in pop-up shop retail. This year he is looking at region 6 as a whole to determine ideal sites for pop-up retail development opportunity through GIS mapping. He believes that design plays a big role in affecting successful economic development for cities in need. Kurt teaches adjunct in the geography and planning department and will be working on this project with student research assistant, Kristin.