Based at the Memorial University's Department of Geography, the Urban Ecology & Analytics lab, led by Dr. Mahyar Masoudi, pursues research questions with the broad aim to enhance the environmental functioning of urban landscapes, and in turn the health and well-being of people living in them towards creating communities that are sustainable, resilient, healthy, and equitable.
Conceptual framework
Pattern and process relationships
We ground our research in a key tenet of landscape ecology that suggests there is a reciprocal relationship between spatial pattern of elements in a given landscape, and ecological processes and functions within that landscape. Inspired by landscape ecology, we study the inter-relationships between spatial pattern of urban landscape elements (e.g., trees, land uses, buildings, water bodies), ecological functions (e.g., temperature, air quality, stormwater runoff), and health outcomes (e.g., asthma, heat stroke).
Complex systems theory
We apply a systems thinking to urban landscapes, seeing them as highly complex social-ecological-technological systems, where biophysical and socio-economic drivers and processes co-evolve and interact with each other to generate varying spatial patterns, and in turn induce differential environmental and health conditions.
Methodology
Geographic information sciences constitute the core methodologies of our research for collection and analysis of data. We collect our data mainly through remote sensing technologies and techniques (e.g., satellite imageries, Lidar), and may also use field measurements, numerical modelling, and experimental approaches depending on the research questions that we ask. We also explore emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT)) towards providing an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of urban landscapes.
Prospective students
The broadness of Urban Ecology & Analytics lab’s aim represents the diversity of opportunities for research. Our research is inter- and trans-disciplinary in nature, integrating concepts, theories, and methodologies from natural and social sciences. While our research makes significant contributions to fundamental science, we also formulate research that are methodological in nature, from developing scalable, quantitative methods enabling investigation of pattern-process relationships across spatial scales, to developing and applying novel remote sensing techniques for a more accurate characterization of urban landscapes. If you find yourself passionate about creating sustainable, liveable, resilient, and healthy communities through research, please see the “Research Opportunities” page for more information on how to join our lab.
Value Statement
At the Urban Ecology & Analytics Lab, we value diverse lived experiences shaped by geography, culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, and gender. We recognize that these differences offer unique perspectives that strengthen our research and contribute to rigorous critical analysis. We are committed to fostering a lab culture rooted in intellectual pursuit, mutual respect, and collaboration, where everyone feels supported and empowered to share their ideas and challenge each other constructively yet respectfully. We strive to balance individual strengths with collective goals while prioritizing the mental health and well-being of all lab members, as we believe a supportive and cohesive team is essential for making meaningful contributions to society through our research
Our sponsors
