Mariana B. Alfonso Fragomeni

Mariana B. Alfonso Fragomeni is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on climate adaptation and decision-making, particularly addressing heat vulnerability in urban environments. She specializes in urban climatology, human bioclimatology, and applied urban design to enhance city resilience and reduce risks for at-risk populations.

Her interdisciplinary work bridges urban climate science with planning and design, emphasizing human perception of heat and the impacts of adaptive strategies on quality of life. A notable project includes collaborating with the Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) on the Resilient Connecticut Project, identifying heat-vulnerable areas and land-use influences. She advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to urban sustainability, prioritizing equity and public health in urban development.

Mariana holds expertise in analyzing urban heat island effects, land-use planning, and the intersection of human well-being with environmental design. Her research aims to inform policy and urban strategies that mitigate climate risks while fostering livable cities.