Ryun Jung Lee

Ryun Jung Lee serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning within the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). His research integrates geospatial methodologies with urban planning to address sustainability and resilience challenges in community development, with particular emphasis on socially vulnerable populations.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Sciences, Texas A&M University (2018)
• M.S. in Urban Planning and Engineering (Urban design track), Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (2009)
• B.S. in Urban Planning and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (2007)

Lee's research program centers on four interconnected domains: Built Environment (examining urban form, vacancies, and walkability), Green Infrastructure (analyzing tree canopy, green spaces, and low-impact development through environmental justice lenses), Climate Adaptation (studying extreme weather events and disaster mitigation strategies), and Community Resilience (developing tools for neighborhood-scale risk reduction). His work employs advanced GIS and spatial modeling techniques to translate geographic patterns into actionable policy recommendations.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on the socioeconomic dimensions of environmental interventions, particularly how green infrastructure investments impact property values, health outcomes, and community vulnerability. His methodological approach consistently combines quantitative spatial analysis with environmental justice frameworks, often using Texas communities as living laboratories for urban resilience research.

Lee directs the GeoDesign + Planning Lab at UTSA, which maintains an active partnership with the UTSA Westside Community Partnership to implement community-engaged research projects. The lab develops practical tools like Python scripts for vacant land duration measurement while producing policy-relevant studies on topics ranging from flood buyout impacts to campus environment-health linkages.