Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Spotlight: Adea Mekuli
Applying for a program like Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship can be a nerve-wracking experience. We decided to catch up with our alumni to ease your mind and provide you with an insider’s look into the Humphrey experience. We asked them to reflect on their experience and answer our insightful questions.
We are continuing our series of questions with our 2023-2024 Humphrey Fellow Adea Mekuli (Urban and Regional Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The Hubert H. Humphrey Program competition for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open and will be available until July 31st, 2024.
To learn more visit: The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program - U.S. Embassy in Kosovo (usembassy.gov).
What is your educational and professional background?
I am an urban planner and architect with a decade of experience in managing multi-sectoral projects, as well as in policy-making and analysis. I have held different positions in both governmental and private institutions focused on development and culture. Currently, I am focused on designing innovative approaches for regional development through culture.
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and Spatial Planning in Prishtina and a Master of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.
I have been a 2023 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship recipient from Kosovo, engaged within the Special Program for Urban and Regional Studies (SPURS) in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Why did you choose to apply for the Humphrey Program?
The program is very well-fitting for a mid-career professional such as me. The program offers a great platform for academic enrichment and access to a global network of professionals allowing us to discuss common issues in our fields such as urban planning and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. Additionally, the fellowship offers the opportunity to work with US-based institutions, allowing for hands-on experience in the field that complements the academic aspects.
Tell us about your experience as a Humphrey fellow in the U.S.
During the academic year, I have attended numerous classes within the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) at MIT, focusing on topics such as Urban Design, Urban Design Politics, and Digital City Design. I actively participated in conferences and forums at both MIT and Harvard, covering a wide range of topics from decarbonization in urban environments to the use of AI in urbanism and climate change.
Additionally, I engaged in networking activities with professionals in my cohort and across the university and held meetings with industry professionals and government officials in various states across the U.S.
As part of the Community Service, along with a few other SPURS colleagues, I have worked on drafting “The Roxbury Community College Master Plan Preliminary Development Guidelines”. At the same time, I have been engaged with the American Planning Association and contributed to the document “Sustainability Guidelines for Ukraine Cities and Regions”. I was also honored to be a panelist on the “City of Care” discussion held at MIT.
What is the most valuable component you have gained from the program?
Through discussions and experience sharing in both academic and social gatherings, I have come to understand that many countries face similar issues in planning, whether political, financial, or climate-related. Some successful solutions can be adapted and contextualized to fit within our country to enhance well-being and improve environmental conditions. The openness of the discussions and the relationships I have formed will be invaluable for the future of my work.
How do you plan to implement the knowledge gained as a part of the program at your home institution?
While there may be obstacles to implementing the methodologies and technical skills I have gained, I am committed to doing so with the support of the network of professionals I have connected with. In my current role, which involves strategic planning through data, I plan to significantly improve the processes of data gathering and data processing to enable more accurate and transparent planning.
How was the application process for you, and what tips do you have for the prospective candidates?
I found the application process to be straightforward, although it requires a significant amount of time and effort. It's important to clearly understand your reasons for applying and identify the knowledge gaps you aim to fill.
At the same time, be aware that those interests might evolve once in the academic environment. Before my application, I read about the program and the partner Universities to get familiar with the programs they offer. My biggest tip is to confirm with those writing your reference letters that they have completed and submitted them, as I experienced some issues with the system in the past.
What is the biggest culture shock you experienced in the U.S.?
Although I thought I was relatively familiar with US politics, I was surprised by the complexities of local politics. The interaction of health and education institutions with the real estate sector intrigued me. I was amazed to learn that many hospitals and universities own real estate holdings and have their own real estate agencies, highlighting how these institutions leverage their assets to generate revenue and influence community development.
What is your favorite place you have visited while participating in the Humphrey program?
I was very lucky to have had the chance to visit other states and cities in the US both for academic and leisure purposes, but my favorite remains Cambridge, MA, where I was based.
What is your favorite American dish/food?
I was very pleasantly surprised with the variety of vegetarian food options available both in the supermarkets and restaurants. My favorite places to eat and work were the local bakeries that offered an array of delicious savory and sweet baked goods.