Dayana Salazar

Dr. Dayana Salazar is a Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at San José State University, where she has worked since 1991. Her academic career spans multiple roles including Chair (2004-2006, 2008-2011) and Interim Chair (2002-2004). She focuses on participatory community planning, urban design, and computer-aided graphics.

• Education: Master of Community Planning (Urban Design) from University of Cincinnati (1990), Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia, 1986)

Her research centers on measuring the impact of multi-sector community development efforts, particularly through CommUniverCity San José - a service-learning partnership she directs. She explores the interaction between physical environments and human behavior, drawing inspiration from Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities. Key projects include the Seven Trees Neighborhood Plan (1999), Market Almaden Neighborhood Improvement Plan (2003), and Horace Mann Community Design Framework (1998). Publications include peer-reviewed works in the Journal of Urban Design and technical manuals for San José's Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with over 25 years of community development projects in Silicon Valley.