Alexander Felson

Professor Alexander Felson is the Elisabeth Murdoch Chair of Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. He is a senior certified ecologist and registered landscape architect, specializing in climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and constructed ecosystems. His work bridges academia and practice through initiatives like the Urban Ecology and Design Lab (UEDLAB) and Ecopolitan Design, focusing on resilient urban planning and ecological design.

Educations:

• Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University
• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), Harvard University
• MS in Land Resources, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Research Interests: Dr. Felson’s work centers on advancing sustainable urban ecosystems through experimental design. He explores topics such as climate-resilient infrastructure, amphibian habitat conservation in suburban developments, and the integration of ecology into urban planning. His projects include the NYC Reforestation Plan (MillionTreesNYC), coastal resilience strategies for Connecticut, and bioretention garden community initiatives in Bridgeport.

Notable Projects:

• Earth Stewardship Initiative: A transdisciplinary framework for urban ecological research and management.
• Regional Resilience Framework Plan: Collaborative planning with The Nature Conservancy.
• Rebuild by Design: Core team member addressing post-disaster urban resilience.

Advising & Grants: Felson has led major projects funded by organizations like the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) and the Nature Conservancy. His academic roles include former positions as Associate Professor at Yale University and Associate Research Scientist at the University of Connecticut.

Labs & Teams: Director of UEDLAB and founder of Ecopolitan Design, emphasizing applied ecological design and community-driven solutions for urban challenges.