June 6, 2025
On a sunny afternoon at UBC's gorgeous campus, we celebrated the achievements of these SCARP grads, whose strong sense of community was forged together, in events, teamwork, and planning. What they've built together will last them forever.
This spring we're celebrating:
A few highlights from some of these graduating students
Brinnae Cooper,
who was chosen as one of UBC's delegates to the COP29 climate change conference. She later reflected on what she experienced and learned, "underscoring the urgent need for structural reforms in how climate responsibilities are shared across nations".
Dr. Peyvand Forouzandeh,
who will stay closeby this summer as she teaches visiting students in our Vancouver Summer Program. The course she designed for them is "Transforming Cities for Just and Sustainable Futures"
More by this amazing cohort
Doctoral Citation: Dr. Meryem Belkadi
Dr. Belkadi's work examines how uncertainty during the transition phase of displacement impacts key actors, from government agencies to displaced households. It highlights financial, spatial and social challenges that shape post-displacement outcomes. The study also offers insights for improving displacement policies and practices.
Doctoral Citation: Dr. Peyvand Forouzandeh
Dr. Forouzandeh explored the role of real-world urban sustainability experimentations in addressing urgent challenges like affordable housing. Through diverse case studies across Canada, she identified key dynamics and dimensions shaping their success and developed frameworks to enhance their impact in connection to broader urban transformations.
Read about the MCRP grads' Planning Studio and ICP Practica
We leave you with the words of PhD graduate Dr. Meryem Belkadi, with her advice to new students:
Reach out for help when needed; I have found everyone at UBC to be very helpful and always willing to lend a hand. - Take part in professional development programs, workshops, and events organized by the university; it is a great way to connect with other students and to network. - Have a plan, but be willing to embrace uncertainty.
