When 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.

In 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. 

NYC 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.

As 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.

My 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.

I 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.

This 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. 

The ClimateIQ team is abuzz with activity as it prepares for the highly anticipated launch of a proof of concept prototype during Climate Week in September 2024 in New York City. 

As the Nature-based solutions for Urban Resilience in the Anthropocene (NATURA) initiative enters its fifth year, the excitement is palpable.

At 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.