Kami Pothukuchi

Dr. Kami Pothukuchi is a Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She specializes in community food systems, urban planning, and environmental policy, with a focus on equity and sustainability. Her work bridges academia, policy, and community action through initiatives like SEED Wayne and the Wayne State Farmers Market.

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Architecture (Honors), University of Bombay
  • Master of Urban Planning & Master of Architecture (High Distinction), University of Michigan
  • PhD in Urban, Technological, and Environmental Planning, University of Michigan
• Research Interests: Urban food systems planning, community participation, equity in planning, bird safety in cities, and nature-friendly urban design. Her work emphasizes actionable strategies for sustainable food networks and inclusive urban development.

Dr. Pothukuchi's publications (over 40 articles since 2000) reflect her interdisciplinary focus, addressing topics like light pollution regulations, vacant land management for agriculture, and food system resilience in post-industrial cities. Her 2023 work on urban light pollution highlights policy implications for planners, while earlier studies on Detroit's food systems underscore grassroots mobilization.

• Awards:
  • 2017 Ford Motor Company Fund Legacy Award
  • 2013 Wayne State Community Leadership Award
  • 2011 Michigan Green Leader Honorable Mention
• Grants: Over $1M secured for projects including SEED Wayne, Detroit FRESH, and campus-community food collaborations. Recent grants focus on student leadership and sustainable food systems equity.

Advising & Grants: Advises on food policy, urban agriculture, and equity initiatives. Her grants prioritize community partnerships, such as the Double Up Food Bucks program and Healthy Eats Project. She mentors through Wayne State's Urban Studies programs.

Labs/Teams: Leads SEED Wayne (Sustainability Education & Engagement at Wayne State), which operates the campus farmers market and educates students on food systems. Collaborates with organizations like the Fair Food Network and Detroit Food Policy Council.