My journey to this research began during my PhD, where I studied both the planning of nature-based solutions and the design of information systems to support urban decision-making. What fascinated me was understanding how co-creation processes work at a psychological level — what elements enable genuine collaboration between people and nature in urban settings?
Read MoreWhen I reflect on my path from environmental and forestry engineering to urban systems research, it feels like a winding yet purposeful journey. My fascination with applying ecological concepts to urban environments began during my master’s in urban environmental management at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Read MoreIn my research, I investigate archetypal developments of settlements on the Swiss Plateau (Figure 1). My arrival to New York City prompted me to think about the potential applicability of my research in the American context.
Read MoreNYC is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., and its geography makes it particularly prone to the effects of flooding. As these events become more frequent and severe, millions of residents could be affected, and the failure of critical infrastructure systems (CIS) could have cascading effects, spreading the impact beyond the initial flood zones.
Read MoreAs cities grapple with the dual challenges of urbanization and biodiversity loss, my PhD research explores an innovative approach to urban green spaces that could benefit both nature and city dwellers. My project, "Connecting Nature and People: A Collaborative Approach to Designing Urban Wild Spaces," investigates how we can reimagine urban ecosystems through the lens of "urban wilding" and collaborative design.
Read MoreMy doctoral research investigates the inclusive governance of urban nature-based solutions (NbS), with a particular emphasis on trade-offs and dilemmas in their planning and governance, as well as the justice implications of these trade-offs throughout the planning cycle.
Read MoreI recently attended the Nature of Cities Festival (TNOC Festival) in Berlin, Germany, where I hosted a session with colleagues on the Global Roadmap for the Nature-based solutions for Urban Resilience in the Anthropocene (NATURA), a National Science Foundation research initiative co-led by the Urban Systems Lab.
Read MoreThis winter and spring, the Urban Systems Lab was lucky to host three talented visiting scholars, who have contributed valuable insights and energy to the community.
Read MoreAs the Nature-based solutions for Urban Resilience in the Anthropocene (NATURA) initiative enters its fifth year, the excitement is palpable.
Read MoreAt the Urban Systems Lab, summer officially begins when the Spring semester concludes, just before Memorial Day, rather than on the June 20th solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
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