Rylan Graham

Rylan Graham is an Assistant Professor in the School of Planning and Sustainability at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Faculty of Environment. He is actively involved in teaching, research, and graduate supervision, with a strong focus on urban planning and sustainability. His work emphasizes growth management, intensification, downtown revitalization, and the dynamics of mid-sized Canadian cities.

• PhD in Planning, University of Calgary
• MA in Planning, University of Waterloo
• BA in Geography, University of Regina

Rylan's research interests are centered on building more sustainable, livable, and vibrant cities. He explores how urban sprawl can be countered through intensification, how downtowns can be revitalized, and how mid-sized cities differ from larger metropolitan areas. His work integrates professional planning practice with academic inquiry, informed by his experience as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and Full Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP).

His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on urban development challenges in Canadian contexts, particularly in cities like Regina, Calgary, and Prince George. Themes include barriers to intensification, public attitudes toward downtown living, smart growth policies, and the role of adaptive reuse in urban regeneration. His research combines policy analysis, empirical studies, and stakeholder engagement to inform planning practice.

Rylan is actively engaged in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, offering courses in sustainable communities, land use planning, planning theory, and real estate development. He supervises graduate students in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) program and contributes to experiential learning initiatives.

He has served as an external examiner and committee member for PhD dissertations at UNBC and other institutions, demonstrating his growing role in academic mentorship and evaluation.