Moira Zellner

Moira Zellner is a Professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities. She serves as Director of the MS in Urban Informatics Program and Director of Participatory Modeling and Data Science. Previously, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she led the Urban Data Visualization Lab. Her work bridges urban planning, environmental science, and complexity theory, focusing on participatory modeling for collaborative policy design and sustainability transitions. She teaches courses on agent-based modeling, environmental decision-making, and participatory modeling for knowledge co-production.

Her research emphasizes stakeholder engagement in complex socio-ecological systems, including green infrastructure planning, water quality management, and climate resilience. She has pioneered tools like conversational assistants for data visualization and innovative approaches to census outreach. Zellner’s academic contributions span interdisciplinary journals and conferences, addressing urban-rural linkages, sustainability science, and transdisciplinary collaboration.

Zellner holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan. She has advised international organizations, government agencies, and NGOs, advocating for equitable urban policies. Her professional service includes roles as a journal reviewer and scientific advisor, reflecting her commitment to bridging academia and practice.

Key research themes include: participatory modeling methodologies, socio-environmental systems modeling, urban informatics, and the application of complexity theory to public policy. Recent work explores spatial planning for nature-based solutions, leveraging technology for inclusive civic engagement, and advancing computational tools for decision-making.