معرفی
Dr. Joana Barros is a Lecturer (Teaching) in Urban Geography at University College London's Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA), where she has held this position since November 2024. Previously, she served as a Reader in Urban Geography at Birkbeck, University of London (2022–2023), and held various academic roles at Birkbeck since 2005, including Programme Director of the MSc in Geographic Information Science (2007–2011). She holds a PhD in Planning Studies from UCL (2004) and a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (1999).
Her research focuses on socio-economic inequalities in urban spaces, particularly urban segregation, housing deprivation, transport equity, and policy interventions. She employs GIS and agent-based modeling to analyze spatial patterns and methodological challenges in measuring urban inequalities. Her work addresses race, ethnicity, income, education, and occupational class dimensions across cities like São Paulo, London, and Cape Town.
Barros is an active editor for Environment and Planning B and European Journal of Geography, reviewing for top journals and funding bodies (UKRI, NWO, NSF). She has pioneered Geographic Data Science education, leading modules like Urban Systems Theory and directing academic programs. Her contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities), and 13 (Climate Action).
Her recent work explores post-pandemic mobility shifts, comparative segregation studies in Latin America and Europe, and innovative accessibility metrics using big data. She has advised MSc and PhD students on topics ranging from urban modeling to policy analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.
Barros co-founded the Geo-Analytics and Modelling Group (GAM) at Birkbeck and has shaped Geographic Data Science curricula across higher education. Her research bridges theory and practice, advocating for equitable urban policies informed by rigorous spatial analysis.
