Zach Gerras
MS, Urban and Regional Planning (2026)
United States Army
2024
Zach Gerras is a first-year grad student at UW-Madison, where he’s pursuing a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on disaster mitigation and economic recovery, alongside a certificate in Spatial Technologies. Before returning to school, Zach served six years in the U.S. Army as a CBRN Specialist, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His military service included collaborating with NGOs and civilian partners to support local communities, which shaped his commitment to resilient planning and community support.
Originally from a mix of places across Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Turkey, Zach has always been drawn to both exploration and service. He earned his undergrad degree in Organizational Psychology with a minor in Anthropology from Kutztown University in 2016. Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find him rock climbing or hiking—two favorite ways he stays active and connected to the outdoors. Zach’s family has been his anchor throughout his journey, encouraging him from his Army days to his time now at UW-Madison, where he’s eager to make a positive impact.
2025
Zach Gerras is a first-year grad student at UW-Madison, where he’s pursuing a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on disaster mitigation and economic recovery, alongside a certificate in Spatial Technologies. Before returning to school, Zach served six years in the U.S. Army as a CBRN Specialist, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His military service included collaborating with NGOs and civilian partners to support local communities, which shaped his commitment to resilient planning and community support.
Originally from a mix of places across Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Turkey, Zach has always been drawn to both exploration and service. He earned his undergrad degree in Organizational Psychology with a minor in Anthropology from Kutztown University in 2016. Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find him rock climbing or hiking—two favorite ways he stays active and connected to the outdoors. Zach’s family has been his anchor throughout his journey, encouraging him from his Army days to his time now at UW-Madison, where he’s eager to make a positive impact.
