Our world-class urban planning faculty has extensive training, education, and experience in planning practice and research. Our forward-looking, solution-oriented, and engaged approach to urban planning education, research, and mentorship is helping push the field in new and exciting directions.
Arlie Adkins, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, researches health and safety disparities related to urban transportation systems. He also has an appointment in the College of Public Health. He recently completed a five-year CDC grant on physical activity and health is currently the co-PI of the University of Arizona’s portion of the National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC). He teaches Urban Transportation Planning and the capstone planning projects course.
Kristina Currans, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, focuses her research on transportation and land use integration, economic impacts of transportation investment, and improving data and analytical methods for site level transportation impact analysis. She was recently awarded a two-year grant to operationalize the link between parking supply and vehicle use in California. Her courses include Planning Methods and Transportation & Land Use.
Nicole Iroz-Elardo, PhD, Research Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, works at the intersection of built environment, health, and transportation. Her research focuses on health equity and monetizing the health impacts and transport and built environment interventions.
Ladd Keith, PhD, Assistant Professor of Planning and Chair of Sustainable Built Environments, researches the intersection between urban planning and climate change and explores how climate action planning can make more sustainable and resilient cities. He has worked with diverse cities across the U.S. on climate action planning across a range of plans, policies, and regulations. He teaches Public Participation and Climate Action Planning.
Shujuan Li, PhD, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, has research efforts in the integration of spatial analysis and modeling with GIS for urban and environmental studies. Her research interests include landscape ecology, ecological planning, spatial data science, and ecosystem services. She teaches Land Use Planning Analysis, Geodesign Studio, and GIS courses.
Arthur C. Nelson, PhD, FAcSS, FAICP, Professor of Urban Planning and Real Estate Development, has made significant contributions in the areas of real estate analysis, smart growth, infrastructure financing, transportation and economic development outcomes, and metropolitan development patterns. Dr. Nelson is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences as well as the American Institute of Certified Planners. He teaches courses in Real Estate Development and Urban Planning.
Gary Pivo, PhD, Professor of Planning, works in the areas of responsible property investing, urban form, and sustainable cities. He holds professorships in the Planning Degree Program and the School of Natural Resources at the University of Arizona where he teaches courses on the land development process and sustainable cities. Pivo’s research has been cited by scholars in many different fields including urban studies, transportation, environmental studies, planning, public health, engineering, geography, economics, and more.
Drew Sanderford, PhD, Associate Professor of Real Estate Development & Urban Planning, studies innovation and sustainability in the property markets and urban development process. He collaborates with financial economists, hydrologists, ecologists, and public policy scholars across an array of funded projects. His case oriented teaching frequently engages practitioners to help students process, understand, and practice with decision-making. Dr. Sanderford teaches Real Estate Finance and Planning Theory and Practice.
Philip Stoker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture, researches water sustainability and the connections between land use planning and water management. He has conducted research internationally, working on projects with the World Health Organization, Parks Canada, the National Park Service, and the Whistler 2010 Olympics. His research has been featured in the Journal of the American Planning Association and Landscape and Urban Planning among other academic publications. Dr. Stoker teaches Introduction to GIS and Sustainable Urban Development and Design.
To see the complete listing of all CAPLA faculty and staff, visit the directory page.
Stephen Buchmann on 'Sonoran Desert Bees: Nesting Requirements & Husbandry Methods'
In this CAPLA Lecture Series lecture, Dr. Buchmann discusses some of the common native bees of the Sonoran desert, detailing their lifestyles and behaviors. He finishes the talk by highlighting some Tucson area bee nesting habitats and by discussing what landscape architects and homeowners can do to provide nesting sites and nesting materials for them.
In the News: Dr. Seth Okyere
Dr. Seth Okyere, a visiting assistant professor of Urban Planning and CAPLA Emerging Faculty Fellow, was interviewed by WalletHub for the "Best State Capitals to Live In' article.
Lecture Recap and Video: Teo Wickland on 'Automobile Supremacism'
In this CAPLA Lecture Series lecture, Teo Wickland presents on the complex power dynamics that exist in a society built around the automobile. He touches on resource consumption; supremacist hierarchies; and collective subsidies, and closes with reflections on possibilities for transforming transportation.
CAPLA Students Put their Best Foot Forward During 14th Annual Job Interview Fair
Nearly 180 College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture students honed their interviewing skills and forged valuable connections with potential employers during the 14th annual College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture Job Interview Fair.
2024 Southern Arizona Heat Planning Summit Invites Hot Takes on Addressing Heat from Community Members
The 2024 Southern Arizona Heat Planning Summit welcomed key decision makers and stakeholders to a day-long workshop to provide input on local efforts to address the negative effects of extreme heat.
MSUP Student Ash Avila Awarded Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship
MSUP student Ash Avila received the prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship, allowing her to explore the urban planning and transportation field, with a focus on climate and urban issues. Her long-term plan involves working on city government initiatives and pursuing a Ph.D. in the field.