Aidan Ackerman

Aidan Ackerman is Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He directs research at the Ackerman Research Lab focusing on computational landscape visualization, virtual reality applications for forest ecology, and cultural landscape preservation. He teaches courses in digital methods, parametric design, and landscape construction.

Research explores computational simulation of landscape processes through parametric modeling and immersive VR technology. Current projects include forest carbon visualization and climate change adaptation strategies, funded by NCPTT/NPS and ESF grants.

Recent publications (2019-2025) focus on computational approaches to environmental challenges: 65% address climate change visualization, 25% cultural heritage documentation, and 10% software development for landscape simulation. Articles frequently integrate game engines, GIS data, and environmental modeling.

• Preservation Technology & Training Grant (NCPTT/NPS, 2021-2023)
• ESF Discovery Challenge Seed Grant (2019-2022)
• Case Study Investigation Research Fellow (LAF, 2019, 2013)
• Landscape Performance Education Grant (LAF, 2014)

Advises 5 graduate students: Marty Benzinger (MLA), Chris Koudelka (PhD), Tanner Laramee (MLA), Geri Mae Tolentino (PhD), and Yuhao Zhang (PhD). Research collaborations include National Park Service projects at Statue of Liberty NM and Flight 93 Memorial.