About
Cara Michell serves as Assistant Professor of Race and Social Justice in the Built Environment at Northeastern University's School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, where she bridges academic scholarship with artistic practice to address systemic inequities in urban spaces.
Her academic journey includes:
- Master of Urban Planning from Harvard University Graduate School of Design
- Bachelor's degree in Art & Archaeology and sculpture from Princeton University
Dr. Michell's research centers on community-led cartography and de-colonial approaches to participatory map-making, challenging traditional power structures embedded in conventional mapping practices. Her work creates pathways for marginalized communities to reclaim agency in shaping their environments through innovative spatial practices that blend art, activism, and urban planning.
Her scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on transforming urban planning methodologies to prioritize community knowledge and racial justice, with recent publications examining how spatial practices can be reimagined as tools for empowerment rather than control.
Her distinguished honors include:
- Forefront Fellow, Urban Design Forum (2020)
- Ideas City Detroit Fellow, New Museum (2016)
- Doebele Fellow, Harvard University GSD (2015)
- Excellence in Visual Arts Award from Princeton University (2014)
Prior to her academic appointment, Dr. Michell worked as an Associate and Senior Urban Planner at WXY architecture + urban design in NYC and BrookMcIlroy in Toronto, where she contributed to urban design, transit-oriented development, and Indigenous Place Making Council Projects. Her professional experience profoundly shapes her teaching approach, which students consistently praise for its innovation, passion, and commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that prioritize both academic rigor and student well-being.
