Carol Atkinson-Palombo

Dr. Carol Atkinson-Palombo is a Professor in the Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies at the University of Connecticut. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Economics from New York University, with over a decade of experience in finance and economic development. Her work integrates teaching, research, and community engagement to address societal challenges like sustainable urban policy, environmental justice, and transportation equity.

Key research focuses include evaluating public policies for sustainable cities, spatial analysis via GIS, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable projects include the US-Ethiopia Partnership in Sustainable Water Resource Management (USAID-funded) and collaborations with Hartford’s Blue Hills Civic Association on social/environmental justice issues. Her funded analyses include Light Rail Transit impacts on property values, residential foreclosures in Phoenix, and transportation sustainability metrics.

Recent work explores the human impacts of air pollution from transportation, barriers to greenhouse gas reduction policies, and the equity implications of vehicle ownership. She advocates for equitable urban design, particularly through Vision Zero policies and ridesourcing’s role in low-income communities.

Her interdisciplinary approach bridges geospatial analysis with policy impact, emphasizing actionable insights for policymakers. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, her extensive grant-funded research demonstrates peer recognition. She advises no listed students but collaborates widely with academic and civic partners.