Oana Druta

Oana Druta is an Assistant Professor in Urbanism and Urban Architecture at the Department of Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). She holds a PhD from the University of Amsterdam and has held visiting research positions at institutions including the University of Birmingham, Waseda University, and Bucharest University. Her research focuses on housing and inclusive urban living, with particular emphasis on shared housing, urban commons, and intergenerational relations. She has contributed to projects such as CoNECT (Collective Networks for Everyday Community Resilience and Ecological Transition) and serves as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Housing Policy.

**Education:**

• B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, University of Tsukuba (2009)
• M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning, University of Michigan (2011)
• PhD in Geography, University of Amsterdam (2017)

**Research Interests:**

Her work spans housing pathways across life stages, aging in place, and urban resilience. Key areas include:

• Shared housing models and their socio-cultural implications
• Intergenerational support systems in housing transitions
• Urban commons and participatory planning
• Policy analysis for inclusive urban development

**Awards & Recognition:**

• Ministry of Education Scholarship (Japan, 2009)
• Raoul Wallenberg Scholarship (2011)
• Best Student Project Award by the American Institute of Certified Planners (2011)

**Grants & Projects:**

Coordinates the Dutch component of the CoNECT project (2022–2025) and previously led initiatives like the Urban Innovation Think Tank at TU/e. Active in editorial and advisory roles for journals such as Housing Studies and Housing and Society.

**Teaching & Engagement:**

Teaches courses including 'History of Housing and Cities' and 'Design for a Sustainable Future.' Engages in public lectures and media outreach, including a 2022 talk on shared housing trends.