Growing up in South Florida, Samuel observed the negative effects of the car-dependent sprawl that is prevalent in much of the region. He began his studies at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a degree in Urban and Regional Planning, however, the environment of the Seattle area and the holistic nature of the Community, Environment, & Planning program at the University Washington prompted him to transfer. He is interested in studying the interconnectedness of metropolitan areas and looking for ways to enable them to be more efficient and equitable.