Eero Valtonen is a Lecturer in Real Estate at The University of Manchester, focusing on public land policies and their impact on housing markets. He holds a Doctor of Science in Real Estate Economics from Aalto University School of Engineering (2019). His research explores urban development, public finance mechanisms, and land value capture strategies. He contributes to the Manchester Urban Institute and leads the Manchester Real Estate and Urban Economics (MREUE) research group. Key research interests include housing supply elasticity, developer obligations, and risk management in urban projects. He has published widely on topics such as land policy in Finland, community infrastructure levies in England, and global real estate investment patterns. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to sustainable cities and economic equity. Valtonen has secured grants including the Community Infrastructure Levy research project (2021–2022). He advises on policy impacts, notably contributing to UK parliamentary inquiries on land value capture strategies for affordable housing.
Sonia Freire Trigo serves as Lecturer in Urban Planning at The Bartlett School of Planning, University College London (UCL) since December 2018. With professional training in architecture (Universidade da Coruña, 2004) and advanced degrees in urban planning (MSc, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 2010; PhD, UCL, 2018), she combines academic rigor with practical experience from Spain-based planning consultancies and real estate appraisal work. PhD in Urban Planning (2018), UCL MSc in Urban Planning (2010), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid BArch in Architecture (2004), Universidade da Coruña Her research focuses on the governance of urban regeneration processes, particularly examining interactions between planning regulation, land markets, and land policy. Current projects analyze the regulation of affordable housing, strategic planning tools like London's Opportunity Areas, and temporal dimensions in planning processes that affect regeneration delivery. Recent publications reveal consistent exploration of regulatory capitalism (2017-2023), housing association governance (2023), virtual statecraft mechanisms (2022), and brownfield land policies (2022). Her work combines institutional analysis with critical planning theory to address urban inequalities and development challenges. Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2015-present) Postgraduate Fellowship, Royal Geographical Society (2013-2016) Active in teaching and program leadership, she directs UCL's MSc Urban Regeneration program since 2019 and teaches regeneration delivery modules at postgraduate level. Earlier teaching experience at London South Bank University focused on housing and property development topics.
Sweta Byahut serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science within Auburn University's College of Liberal Arts. She directs significant community planning initiatives and holds leadership positions including serving on the Governing Board of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) as its Southeast Regional Representative. Her educational background includes: PhD (2012) from University of Cincinnati, Ohio Post Graduate Diploma in Land Management (2004) from Erasmus University, The Netherlands Master in Planning (1997) from CEPT University, India Bachelor in Architecture (1995) from MS University, India Dr. Byahut's research focuses on urban land management, development regulation, and sustainability planning, with particular emphasis on Indian cities and American communities. Her work bridges academic research with practical application, influencing national urban policy in India while addressing contemporary planning challenges in Alabama and across the United States. She brings over a decade of professional planning practice to her academic work, with extensive experience in post-earthquake reconstruction, inner-city revitalization, and comprehensive planning. Her publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with recent work examining climate action plans, green infrastructure implementation, and innovative approaches to affordable housing. Her research shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly complex multi-jurisdictional planning challenges, with growing emphasis on climate resilience and sustainable development frameworks applicable to both Global North and Global South contexts. Dr. Byahut has received significant recognition for her contributions to the field: 2023 Kenneth J. Groves Jr. Distinguished Leadership Award for a Practicing Planner 2016 Auburn University Spirit of Sustainability Faculty Award ProVention Applied Research Grant for Young Professionals European Union Small Projects Facility grant Fellowships from United Nations Environment Program and Royal Netherlands Embassy She actively connects academic work with community practice, coordinating over a dozen community-engaged projects benefiting Alabama communities including Phenix City, Prattville, Auburn, Montgomery, and the Johnny Ray Rails-to-Trails project. During her tenure as Director of the Master of Community Planning program (2020-2023), she secured 7-year accreditation with the Planning Accreditation Board, adopted a new Strategic Plan, and achieved STEM designation for the program. Her work with the CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation as a Senior Fellow (2025-26) continues her commitment to improving built environments in Indian cities through evidence-based policy research.
Arian Mahzouni is a Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the cross-faculty initiative Technology and Sustainable Futures. His work focuses on energy transitions in urban environments, policy analysis, and institutional frameworks for sustainability. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the Technical University of Dortmund (2007), an MSc in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Stockholm, and a BSc in Business Administration from the same institution. His recent research includes contributions to the EMPOWER project, examining the environmental and social impacts of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. He is also a visiting research fellow at Graz University of Technology’s IAS-STS (2024–2025), exploring sector coupling through EV batteries. He has taught courses on sustainability transitions, energy efficiency, and urban climate planning at institutions including the University of Oslo and the University of Freiburg. Key research interests span sustainability transitions, institutional analysis, and electrification policies. His publications address urban energy systems, policy mixes, and socio-technical challenges in retrofitting urban infrastructure. Awards include the visiting fellowship at IAS-STS, recognizing his interdisciplinary contributions to sustainable futures research.
Federico Camerin is a Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow at the University of Valladolid, Spain, specializing in urban planning and regeneration. He holds a Doctor of Architecture (2020) from the University of Valladolid and a PhD from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (Germany). His research focuses on military property regeneration, urban history, and sustainable urban policies. Camerin is a member of the University Institute of Urban Planning (IUU) and the Territorial and Urban Planning Research Group (GIR). He has conducted research stays at institutions including the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Institute of Social Sciences (Košice, Slovakia). His teaching collaborations span universities in Italy, Germany, and Spain, emphasizing service-learning methodologies. Notable awards include the Ramón y Cajal Fellowship and contributions to the UPM Consolidated Educational Innovation Groups Award (2023). Research interests include historical urban studies, military site reuse, and the impacts of neoliberal policies on urban landscapes. Camerin’s work bridges academic research with practical applications, such as the ‘Bellas Vistas’ service-learning project and European Union-funded initiatives like the ‘TRACTS’ COST Action. He actively reviews for the European Research Executive Agency and participates in transnational urban research networks. His publications span urban regeneration strategies, military property disposal, and post-pandemic city design. Camerin’s interdisciplinary approach integrates ecological assessments, historical analysis, and community engagement to address contemporary urban challenges.
Western Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSwitzerland
Pierre-Henri Bombenger is a Full Professor at the Haute école d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud (HEIG-VD), leading the Planning and Development thematic competence group (Plani-D). He is also Head of the Master of Science in Territorial Development program at HES-SO. His expertise lies in public policy analysis, cognitive policy analysis, land use planning, and energy transitions governance. Education: PhD in Environmental Sciences and Planning, MSc in Territorial Development (HES-SO), BSc in Geomatics (HEIG-VD). Research focuses on renewable energy policy coordination, spatial planning for sustainable development, and governance of energy transitions. Notable projects include the ICARE project (2020-2024) analyzing inter-policy coordination for renewable energy projects and the Plate-forme éolienne du Canton de Vaud (2014-2016). He has led over 10 research projects funded by Swiss cantons, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, and EU programs. Publications cover post-industrial site redevelopment, wind energy governance, and spatial policy instruments. His work emphasizes policy mediation in energy transitions and territorial conflicts.
Nicholas P. Guehlstorf is a Professor of Political Science and Environmental Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), affiliated with the Environmental Resources and Policy program. His research focuses on the integration of democratic values into environmental policy, with particular attention to: Theoretical problems with citizen involvement in environmental decision-making Economic development considerations Role of scientific information in policy processes Applicability of deliberative democracy theories to environmental problems Dr. Guehlstorf teaches courses in Environmental Politics, American Political Ideas, Environmental Law, and Environmental Sciences Graduate Seminar. His scholarly approach emphasizes that "the equitable process of making natural resource and pollution protection decisions with adequate citizens interests is more important than sustainable policy outcomes." His publication record spans several key environmental policy areas including wetland conservation, brownfield redevelopment, sustainable farming practices, and genetically modified food regulations. He has published in journals such as Environmental Science and Policy, Journal of Environmental Practice, and Public Works Management and Policy. Dr. Guehlstorf has authored two significant books: Ecosystems, Society and Health: Pathways Through Diversity, Convergence and Complexity (McGill University Press) and The Political Theories of Risk Analysis (Springer). He is an active supporter of the Children's Tumor Foundation and maintains a personal life with his wife of over twenty-five years and their four children.
Dr. Hao Wu is a Senior Lecturer in Property at the University of Melbourne's Melbourne School of Design. He holds dual affiliations with Ormond College (Senior Common Room member) and has served on professional committees for organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Australian Property Institute (API). His academic journey includes degrees from the University of Melbourne, University of Auckland, and Nanjing University. Research focuses on commercial property markets, urban economics, valuation theory, and sustainable land development. He applies new institutional economics and case study methods to explore property rights, policy design, and investment strategies. Spatial economics analyses in housing supply and brownfields redevelopment are key themes. Dr. Wu has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of International Housing Markets and Analysis. Professional activities include peer reviewing for academic journals and columnist roles in China Real Estate Business. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in property valuation, urban planning, and policy development. Recent collaborations involve developing quantitative frameworks for assessing brownfield redevelopment impacts and urban growth sustainability.
Allan Næs Gjerding is an Associate Professor at Aalborg University Business School, specializing in innovation economics and regional development. His research examines industrial transformations, sustainable business models, and cluster dynamics, with particular focus on eco-industrial parks and circular economy transitions. Recent projects investigate governance frameworks for sustainable industries, port infrastructure evolution, and green transition pathways. As principal investigator for multiple research initiatives, he explores the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability.
Heidi Gorovitz Robertson serves as the Steven W. Percy Endowed Professor of Law and Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University College of Law, where she has been a faculty member since 1995. She additionally holds a joint appointment with the Environmental Studies faculty at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise in urban environmental governance. Her educational credentials include a BA from Tufts University (1985), JD from University of Wisconsin (1990), LLM from Columbia University (1995), and JSD from Columbia University (2002). Prior to academia, she practiced environmental law at Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Professor Robertson's research centers on urban environmental justice , land access rights , and energy regulation , with particular focus on demographic disparities in environmental risk exposure, brownfields redevelopment, and hydraulic fracturing policy. Her scholarship critically examines municipal authority in environmental matters, comparing Scandinavian and European approaches to public land access while analyzing Ohio's regulatory framework for oil and gas development. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent engagement with local governance challenges in environmental regulation, particularly regarding shale development, pipeline routing, and municipal responses to state preemption. Her work demonstrates evolving focus from theoretical environmental ethics toward practical regulatory solutions for urban communities facing energy extraction conflicts. Her distinguished recognition includes: 2013 Wilson G. Stapleton Award for Faculty Excellence 2013 McNair Scholars Mentor of the Year Fulbright Senior Specialist appointment at Uppsala University (2009) Multiple University Faculty Merit Recognition Awards (2005, 2008, 2010) Professor Robertson has provided substantial institutional leadership as Associate Dean for Academic Enrichment (2009-2014) and through external service on the Clean Air Conservancy Board of Trustees (1999-2007) and Ohio Lake Erie Commission's Blue Ribbon Task Force. Her mentorship of McNair Scholars exemplifies commitment to undergraduate research development in environmental justice. Her affiliation with the Levin College of Urban Affairs facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration on urban sustainability initiatives, connecting legal scholarship with practical urban planning challenges in Cleveland and beyond.
Dr. Philip Crowe is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor at University College Dublin's School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy (APEP), where he also serves as Director of Research. He holds a joint appointment with the School of Civil Engineering and is actively involved in multiple research initiatives focused on urban resilience, climate action, and sustainable development. His academic leadership extends to roles as co-Director of the UCD Centre for Irish Towns and Programme Director of the MSc in Architecture, Urbanism and Climate Action. Dr. Crowe's educational background includes a Dip Arch and MA from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc in Applied Carbon Management from the University of Glasgow (2011), and a PhD from University College Dublin. His doctoral research explored urban resilience through the lens of Scottish polymath Patrick Geddes, connecting historical precedents with contemporary climate challenges. His research interests focus on how the built environment can respond to crises like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. With over 25 years of experience in both professional practice and academic research, Dr. Crowe's work spans urban resilience frameworks, vacancy and underuse analysis, town revitalization strategies, and innovative citizen engagement methods. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical applications of resilience theory, particularly in the Irish context, with projects addressing housing challenges, water infrastructure, and adaptive reuse of buildings. Among his notable achievements is the Ripple project in Ballina, which became the first Irish project to receive a New European Bauhaus Award in the Reconnecting with Nature Champion Category. His TREBUChEt project addresses the adaptive reuse of buildings in Ireland's towns through circular economy principles. Dr. Crowe has also made significant contributions to understanding how coworking spaces can provide social, urban, and environmental co-benefits to Irish towns. College Level Teaching Excellence Award (2024) New European Bauhaus Award: Reconnecting with Nature Champion (2023) THRIVE Leadership in Research (2023) EIT Climate KIC Accelerator Programme (2017) THINKTECH Award (2016) Dr. Crowe actively mentors PhD students including Stephen Wall, Merlo Kelly, Sarah Cremin, and Miriam Lins, with research focusing on urban resilience, town revitalization, and sustainable architecture. His grant portfolio includes significant projects funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, European Regional Development Fund, and Science Foundation Ireland. Through the UCD Centre for Irish Towns and the Urban Institute of Ireland, he leads collaborative efforts to address Ireland's urban challenges while contributing to broader European initiatives like the HeritACT project and New European Bauhaus movement.
Jenny Norrman is a Professor in the Division of Geology and Geotechnics at Chalmers University of Technology, where she leads the Engineering Geology research group and serves as Head of Unit. Her research focuses on sustainable environmental management with emphasis on contaminated land remediation, subsurface planning, and geosystem services. She directs multiple interdisciplinary projects including SPADES (Spatial Planning and Design with Soil) and UNDER (Geosystem services underneath sustainable communities), funded by EU and Swedish research councils. Her core research investigates: Nature-based solutions for upgrading contaminated urban land Risk management frameworks for soil remediation Economic valuation of geosystem services Sustainable subsurface resource utilization Stakeholder-integrated brownfield regeneration Her publication trends reveal strong focus on practical applications of environmental science, with recent work emphasizing PFAS remediation, phytomanagement techniques, and integration of ecosystem services into policy frameworks. She frequently employs cost-benefit analysis and probabilistic modeling to evaluate remediation strategies. Norrman leads significant grants including RECOVER (Climate-smart agriculture on demined land in Ukraine) and ISLANDR (Information-based land remediation strategies), collaborating with European Commission and Swedish Transport Administration. She coordinates multi-institutional teams across geology, economics, and urban planning disciplines.
Heidi Gorovitz Robertson is the Steven W. Percy Endowed Professor of Law and Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University (CSU), holding dual appointments in the law school and the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. She specializes in environmental law, urban policy, and land use regulation. Her research examines environmental justice, hydraulic fracturing, public access to private lands, brownfields redevelopment, and oil/gas regulation in Ohio. Robertson has served as Associate Dean for Academic Enrichment (2009–2014) and contributed to state environmental policy through roles like the Ohio Lake Erie Commission's Blue Ribbon Task Force. Education: BA Tufts University (1985), JD University of Wisconsin (1990), LLM & JSD Columbia University (1995, 2002). Robertson practiced environmental law in California and DC before joining CSU. She is a Fulbright Senior Specialist (2009) and has received multiple teaching and service awards, including the Wilson G. Stapleton Award for Faculty Excellence (2013). Research emphasizes legal frameworks governing energy extraction, municipal rights, and environmental ethics. Notable work includes analyses of Ohio’s shale gas regulations, the Gulf Coast oil spill’s legal aftermath, and cross-national comparisons of public land access rights. Robertson teaches courses on environmental law, property rights, and regulatory policy. Awards: Fulbright Senior Specialist, multiple Faculty Merit Awards, Teaching Excellence recognitions. Professional Roles: Former Board Member of Clean Air Conservancy (1999–2007), Ohio Lake Erie Commission Task Force. Key Research Areas: Hydraulic fracturing, brownfields, environmental justice, municipal home-rule rights, oil/gas regulation.
Joanna Lucio holds the title of Senior Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University (ASU). She is affiliated with the School of Public Affairs and the Center on Technology, Data and Society. Her research focuses on urban governance, housing policy, and the impact of policies on low-income communities. Lucio joined ASU in 2006 and has held leadership roles, including Academic Affairs Associate Dean since 2018. She earned a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her work emphasizes equitable urban development, with notable projects influencing Phoenix housing policies. In 2016, she received the Emerging Community Solutions Scholar award for her contributions to community-focused research. Lucio teaches courses in public policy and administration, including honors-directed studies and qualitative research methods. She actively serves on editorial boards (e.g., Urban Affairs Review ), and has advised numerous student initiatives, such as policy white papers on brownfield redevelopment. Her service includes roles in the National Housing Conference, Urban Affairs Association, and Barrett Honors College advising. Her research bridges academia and practice, addressing food security in public housing, resilience in senior housing, and the sociopolitical dimensions of urban redevelopment. Collaborations with doctoral students and local officials highlight her commitment to applied, community-driven scholarship.
Dr. Christopher Wedding is an Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, an Executive in Residence at the same institution, and formerly held roles as an Associate Professor at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Visiting Professor at the Department of Economics. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His expertise spans sustainability, clean energy, entrepreneurship, and financial management, with a focus on climate tech, ESG investing, and green building policy. He teaches courses such as Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) Investing and Climate Tech Startups and Investors. His research explores the intersection of sustainability and business strategy, including topics like renewable energy adoption, corporate social responsibility, and creative financing mechanisms for green projects. He advises graduate students on energy and environmental entrepreneurship. Dr. Wedding also leads market intelligence firm g-bit.com and strategy consultancy IronOak Innovations.
