Lauren Fischer

Lauren Fischer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Buffalo's School of Architecture and Planning, and Director of Research at the Rudy Bruner Center for Urban Excellence. She focuses on infrastructure systems, social equity in planning, and transportation policy. Her work bridges academic research with community-driven initiatives, particularly in marginalized urban areas.

Dr. Fischer holds a PhD from Columbia University, an MS from DePaul University, and a BA from Indiana University. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, Lincoln Institute for Land Policy, and Environmental Defense Fund.

Her research interests include transit-oriented development, gender equity in urban planning, and the intersection of zoning laws with environmental justice. Recent projects like the Healthy Infrastructure Plan with Lewisville, Texas, earned multiple awards and are now used in educational programs across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Key publications span topics from gerrymandering in urban transport to pandemic service cuts and municipal landscaping ordinances. Awards include the 2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year from Texas Recreation and Parks Society.