Kelley Denise Lemon

Kelley Denise Lemon serves as Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and holds an Affiliate position with the Center for Social & Behavioral Science. A registered professional landscape architect, LEED accredited professional, and EDAC certified practitioner, she integrates architecture and landscape architecture with specialized focus on food systems, productive landscapes, and healthcare/mental health environments.

Her academic foundation includes a Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design (2007; thesis: "Harmonious Conflict: Architecture of the Boundary") and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with honors from UIUC (2002).

Dr. Lemon's research centers on historical and contemporary productive landscapes within Black communities across Illinois, employing archival research, community interviews, fieldwork, and participatory design to uncover narratives of Black migration, settlement, and land management. Her work bridges rural contexts (Kankakee, Alexander, Pulaski counties) and urban centers (East St. Louis), emphasizing environmental justice, cultural landscapes, and public health outcomes through storytelling and community engagement.

Her recent publication analyzes sustainable design in healthcare education facilities, reflecting her focus on landscape performance in health infrastructure.

Key recognition includes:

• Graham Foundation Grant (2022) for "Connections Across the Black Agricultural Landscape" examining Black farming histories in Illinois

Her grant-funded research actively collaborates with Black farming communities to develop context-specific design solutions that challenge dominant agricultural narratives. Current projects employ cartographical methods to map ecological and social histories of Black agricultural landscapes.

Fieldwork spans multiple Illinois counties, documenting land management practices and developing community-driven strategies for sustainable food systems and environmental justice.