Jim O’Connell teaches in the Boston University City Planning-Urban Affairs Program. His courses include The Planning and Development of Metropolitan Boston and Global Cities. Jim has a Ph.D. in Urban History from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from Bates College. He has written six books including "The Hub’s Metropolis: Greater Boston’s Development from Railroad Suburbs to Smart Growth" (MIT Press) and "Dining Out in Boston: A Culinary History". He formerly was a planner and historian at the National Park Service, working with National Parks in the Northeast on creating engaging visitor experiences. In exploring Boston, Jim likes to focus on all aspects of urbanism, including the evolving cityscape and the new projects that are reshaping it.