Joan Iverson Nassauer is a Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), specializing in Landscape Architecture. Her research bridges ecological design with cultural sustainability, focusing on human interactions with urban biodiversity and stormwater management at scales ranging from neighborhoods to continents. She has led Landscape and Urban Planning as Co-Editor-in-Chief from 2014-2021, elevating it to the top-ranked urban studies journal. Her work has earned recognition through Fellowships in the American Society of Landscape Architects and Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, alongside Distinguished Scholar status from the International Association of Landscape Ecology. Her research emphasizes Transdisciplinary scenario-building for rural and urban landscapes Integrating community perceptions into ecological design Advancing policy through design innovation in agricultural and suburban environments Quantifying cultural sustainability through aesthetic and functional assessments Developing green infrastructure solutions for legacy cities and the Great Lakes region Key themes in her recent publications include stormwater management aesthetics, nature-based solutions for urban sustainability, and design methodologies for enhancing ecosystem services in human-dominated landscapes. Scientific awards include Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (1992) Fellow of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (2007) Distinguished Practitioner of Landscape Ecology (1998) IALE Distinguished Scholar (2007) 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in Landscape Architecture Grants and collaborations highlight her NSF-funded projects on neighborhood greening, smart stormwater systems, and Detroit's green infrastructure initiatives. She leads the Landscape Ecology, Perception, and Design Lab , fostering partnerships between designers, ecologists, and local communities to advance sustainable landscape futures.












