Environmental Psychology provided me with a new lens with which to view the world. Travels abroad developed an appreciation for the wonders and woes of human settlement. And, living in greatly differing cities fostered a genuine passion for our built environments.
Having made the decision to pursue urban planning, I was lucky enough to be given a job researching and developing an assessment tool for planners and developers to produce more walkable communities in Ontario. This subsequently lead to nearly two years (and counting) of work in the field linking planning, design, transportation, and public health.
That said, my true passion lies in two places: 1) (re)building cities for people, not cars -- allowing us to spend more time on patios and less time in traffic; and 2) integrating ecologically-responsible design elements that go far beyond conventional practices.
Thesis topic:
'Using pilot projects to reclaim public space for pedestrians'
An example case study is the recent work in New York City, including the closing of Times Square to vehicular traffic on a trial basis (which has subsequently been made permanent).
“Built environment and chronic disease overview." Health and built environment brief for LEED for Neighbourhood Development Committee of Canada (2010), , , , , “Final Report: Peel Healthy Development Evaluation Tool.” Policy report for Peel Public Health (2010), , , , , “Peel Healthy Development Evaluation Tool: Scorecard & Scoring Guide.” Policy recommendation for Peel Public Health (2009), , , , , “Peel Healthy Development Index: Literature Review.” Research report for Peel Public Health (2009),
SSHRC Graduate Scholarship
Directed Study - Studio on ecological urban design in which we created a conceptual package for a ecologically-responsible co-housing project in Ontario. Directed Study - Natural building materials and traditional building techniques
Graduate Research Assistant (2011)
UBC (Vancouver, BC)
Working with Dr. Larry Frank to research and develop a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Tool for a client in BC.
Research Coordinator (20010-2011).
McMaster University (Hamilton, ON).
Researching and writing journal articles on public health and the built environment as well as knowledge translation in public health. Also, preparing and writing major research grant proposals (e.g., CFI, CIHR).
Research Coordinator (2009-2010).
Centre for Research on Inner City Health (Toronto, ON).
Sole full-time member of a team researching and developing a practical tool for developers and planners to build more walkable, activity-friendly communities in Ontario.
