Trisalyn Nelson

Trisalyn Nelson is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), holding the Jack and Laura Dangermond Endowed Chair of Geography. Previously, she served as Director of Arizona State University's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning (2016–2020) and Lansdowne Research Professor at the University of Victoria, Canada. Her leadership emphasizes fostering inclusive academic cultures, innovation through industry partnerships, and advancing diversity in STEM.

Her research focuses on active transportation, urban planning, and big data applications, with a particular emphasis on bicycle safety and infrastructure equity. She pioneered BikeMaps.org, a crowdsourced platform mapping cycling collisions and near-misses, and developed methodologies using Strava fitness app data to analyze ridership patterns. Nelson also explores spatial ecology, including grizzly bear behavior and salmon ecosystems, and co-leads the Spar Lab at UCSB.

Recent work includes evaluating bicycle network connectivity, equity in cycling infrastructure access, and the impacts of bike theft on ridership. Her articles highlight themes like data-driven urban design, transportation equity, and geospatial education innovation. Awards include the prestigious Dangermond Chair, recognizing her contributions to geographic sciences.

Nelson's leadership during her ASU tenure included doubling research revenue, expanding student diversity by over 200%, and generating $2M in new revenue through partnerships. She advises five graduate students and collaborates with over a dozen industry partners. Key projects include the INTERACT urban intervention study and WalkRollMap.org for mobility barriers.