Updates from Community Planning + Visualization Lab – Fall 2023

This semester, the Community Planning + Visualization Lab (https://www.planviz.org) at Rowan University has welcomed two enthusiastic graduate students, Hannah Genereux and Mercy Patrick, both pursuing degrees in Urban and Regional Planning. Hannah is collaborating with Dr. Meenar, the lab's director, on a literature review focused on restorative cities and urban park planning. Meanwhile, Mercy is delving into the intersection of respiratory diseases and urban greening projects. Their dedication adds new dimensions to the lab's ongoing research endeavors.

Joining them in the lab are experienced members Ben Woodward and Jon Hansel. Ben, who has previously conducted extensive onsite data collection, is part of a project supported by the South Jersey Institution of Public Health. The team is currently analyzing stormwater samples collected in Camden, NJ, checking for the presence of heavy metals close to residential areas. Jon Hansel is engaged in a collaborative project with Dr. Meenar and Dr. Alam from the University of Melbourne. His focus lies on analyzing a survey of college students in Dunedin, New Zealand, exploring perceptions of the urban built environment and investigating the potential role of gender in shaping these perspectives.

Beyond these projects, the lab is actively involved in an ongoing NASA-funded initiative set to conclude in early 2024. Dr. Meenar is leading extensive fieldwork in Jersey City to collect crucial data for the final stretch of this exciting project.

In addition to their hands-on projects, lab members have been making noteworthy contributions to academic journals. Below is a list of articles published since the last newsletter (* denotes students). 

• Spencer, L., LoBuonoa, D., Meenar, M., Bottiglieri, J.*, & Berman, D. (2023). Expanding community engagement and equitable access through all-abilities community gardens, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Online First https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2023.08.004.  
• Keenan, K., & Meenar, M. (2023). Community stakeholders, communicative geography, and the urban policy process. Urban Geography. Online First https://doi.org/10.1080/02723638.2023.2241325. 
• Alfairs, R.*, Patel, D., Jalayer, M., & Meenar, M. (2023). Barriers associated with the first/last mile trip and solutions to bridge the gap: A scopic literature review. Transportation Research Record.Online First https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981231170184. 
• Tirri, C.*, Nealer, D.*, McCarthy, K.*, & Meenar, M. (2023). Public perceptions of local food environments in shrinking cities: Weighing solutions to community food insecurity in Camden, New Jersey. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100703. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100703.