Karina Burck

Studio Intern

Karina is in her final semester at The Ohio State University, where she is completing degrees in City and Regional Planning and Public Policy Analysis. From a young age, she sensed that the world around her was not working as it should, and as she grew, she came to understand how deeply inequality and exploitation shape people’s lives. Determined not to stand by, Karina pursued higher education to understand these systemic challenges better. She learned that the problems communities face are complex, without quick fixes, and that progress comes from working at the local level to build trust and connections. She has put this belief into practice at her previous internship with Columbus Stand Up, organizing a debate for Columbus City Council and Columbus City School Board elections.

At the Harwood Institute, Karina brings this focus on local connection and people-centered change to her role. She supports research, community engagement, and communications, while helping advance initiatives and events that strengthen the Institute’s mission.

Outside of work, Karina loves exploring cities and nature, practicing yoga, discovering new restaurants, and learning how the natural world can help heal and sustain us."