Trisalyn Nelson

Trisalyn Nelson is the Jack and Laura Dangermond Chair of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She previously served as Director of the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at Arizona State University (2016–2023) and held a professorship at the University of Victoria, Canada, where she directed the Spatial Pattern Analysis and Research Lab. Her research focuses on spatial analysis, active transportation, and urban planning, leveraging big data (e.g., Strava, BikeMaps.org) to improve transportation safety and healthy city design.

Education:

• PhD, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo
• MSc, University of Victoria
• BSc (Distinction, Honours), University of Victoria

Research Interests:

• GIS and Spatial Analysis: Development of spatial-temporal methods for ecological and health applications.
• Active Transportation: Quantifying cycling safety and ridership via volunteered geographic information (BikeMaps.org) and fitness app data.
• Urban Planning: Big data-driven strategies for designing healthier, safer cities.

Advising & Leadership: No formal advisees listed. Previously led major research initiatives in spatial analysis and transportation planning. Current role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration in urban geography.

Labs & Projects: Founded BikeMaps.org and pioneered Strava data applications for transportation planning. Continues work at UCSB to bridge geospatial analytics and urban policy.