Experienced urban planner and educator specializing in climate change adaptation, environmental justice, and community-based planning. Skilled in GIS, data science, data visualization, and policy development.
Education
PhD Candidate, Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geography), City University of New York (2021 - Present)
Dissertation: "Applications for 3D modelling in researching the health impacts of particle emissions from public infrastructure"
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Virginia Tech University (2006 - 2008)
Bachelor of Science, Urban Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University (2000 - 2005)
Professional Experience
Adjunct Faculty, City University of New York, New York City (2016 - 2023)
Taught courses in GIS, Urban Studies, and Community Studies
Visiting Assistant Professor, Pratt Institute, New York City (2017 - 2020)
Developed and taught courses on urban planning and environmental studies
Director of Policy and Strategy, Race Forward, New York City (2017 - 2018)
Led policy initiatives focused on racial equity and environmental justice
Policy Advocacy Coordinator, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, NYC (2014 - 2017)
Coordinated policy advocacy efforts for environmental justice issues
Adjunct Faculty, The New School, New York City (2012 - 2017)
Taught courses on urban planning, community engagement, and research methods
Urban Planner, Project for Public Spaces, New York City (2009 - 2013)
Developed and implemented community-based urban planning projects
Selected Publications and Research
Khawarzad, A. (forthcoming). "A People's Planning Playbook" In Urban climate movements and the struggles over adaptation, loss and damage. Amsterdam University Press.
Khawarzad, A. (2021). "Art + Design in Community Based Planning: Interventions for a Broken System." In Justice in Climate Action Planning. Springer Publications.
Khawarzad, A. (2020). "New York City Climate Change Displacement Map." Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.
Skills
Geographic Information Systems: ArcGIS, QGIS, Leaflet, Mapbox, CesiumJS
Web Development: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python
Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop)
Project Management and Community Engagement
Professional Affiliations and Recognitions
Participant, Climate Action Lab, Graduate Center at the City University of New York (2019-2020)
Member, USCAN delegation to International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), United Nations (2018)
Member, NYC Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) Community Adaptation Working Group (2016-2017)