Li Yin

Li Yin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the School of Architecture and Planning, University at Buffalo. Her research integrates spatial modeling, GIS, and simulation methods to study urban systems, with applications in environmental planning, urban design, and sustainable development. She actively collaborates across disciplines to develop strategies for smart urban growth.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Design and Planning from the University of Colorado, an M.S. in Urban Planning from the Asian Institute of Technology, and a B.S. in Architecture from Kunming University of Science and Technology.

• Ph.D., University of Colorado, Design and Planning
• M.S., Asian Institute of Technology, Urban Planning, Land and Housing Development
• B.S., Kunming University of Science and Technology, Architecture

Dr. Yin's research focuses on applying innovative analytical methods to urban planning and design, particularly through the use of GIS, 3D modeling, and simulation tools. She explores how amenities influence urban growth patterns and location choices, aiming to enhance planning efficiency and communication. Her work emphasizes data-driven approaches to understanding urban dynamics and supports sustainable community development.

She teaches courses in computing for environmental analysis, GIS applications, and planning support systems, reflecting her commitment to technological integration in planning education. Dr. Yin is also engaged in public service, particularly in examining the relationship between public health and the built environment in the Buffalo-Niagara region. She leads the Urban Analytics Lab, a research group focused on leveraging data and technology to improve urban planning outcomes.

Dr. Yin has played a key role in several multi-million-dollar funded research projects, collaborating with researchers from engineering, medicine, science, and public health. These interdisciplinary efforts have focused on the interactions between technology, society, and urban planning, contributing to smarter and more resilient urban communities.

The Urban Analytics Lab, which she is affiliated with, brings together researchers passionate about applying advanced data methods to urban challenges. The lab benefits from recent advancements in data availability and computational tools to deepen understanding of how cities function and are planned.