Teaching
Instructor
The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK.
RCPL4463/5463 Geographic Information Systems for Land Use Planning (Fall 2026)
[Course Description]
This introductory course is concerned with theories, models, and techniques for geographical information systems (GIS) and its associated spatial data management, spatial analysis, and quantitative modeling within a GIS environment for effective socio-economic decision-making for problems in the field of regional and city planning. The course introduces the regional and city planning applications of microcomputer-based mapping and geographic information systems.
You will build a foundational understanding of how to document and depict the spatial relationships between the social, environmental, and physical dimensions of land use. We will look at both the history of cartography and where geographic information systems are heading, so that you leave able to think critically about maps as instruments of investigation and of public communication. You will use ArcGIS Pro to manage, organize, analyze, and present spatial information, and you will finish the semester able to interpret and present spatial patterns in a way that helps communities plan more sustainable and healthy forms of urban, suburban, and rural development.
This course treats maps as a form of public communication and evidence. Alongside the technical skills, you will learn to ask where spatial data comes from, how much uncertainty it carries, and what a map can and cannot honestly claim. Course examples draw on current research in climate resilience, hazard mitigation, and environmental equity (e.g., extreme heat, flooding, and the long-term effects of historical planning decisions such as redlining) with an emphasis on Oklahoma communities.
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
CRP381Q Quantitative Methods (Spring 2026)
[Course Description]
This course introduces the quantitative reasoning and computational techniques that underpin contemporary planning analysis. Rather than approaching statistics as a set of abstract formulas, it emphasizes how planners can use data to think critically, test hypotheses, and inform practical decision-making. The class integrates the logic of statistical reasoning with the hands-on practice of computational analysis using Python, equipping students with both conceptual understanding and applied analytical skills essential for evidence-based planning.
The first part of the semester focuses on understanding and working with key data sources used in planning practice—particularly the U.S. Census and related demographic, economic, and housing datasets. Students learn how to acquire, clean, and interpret data using Python (e.g., pandas, matplotlib) and Census APIs. The second part introduces core statistical analysis techniques (i.e., descriptive statistics, correlation, visualization, hypothesis testing, and sampling distributions) anchored in real planning questions. Students apply these techniques in Python to explore patterns, evaluate relationships, and critically assess quantitative evidence. The final part of the course centers on applied regression modeling and data-driven planning analysis. We will design and test hypotheses related to Austin’s urban and regional context, practicing how to link quantitative analysis to planning decisions. Throughout the course, the ability to communicate data insights clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences is stressed. By the end of the semester, students will understand the logic behind key statistical methods and have the hands-on skills to execute, interpret, and present analytical results relevant to urban and regional planning.
Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
URPN202-501 Building Better Cities (Fall 2018)
[Course Description]
This course aims to introduce students to contemporary issues of urbanization, past influences and current practice of public planning in the United States. One of the many definitions of city planning is “a systematic, creative way to influence the future of neighborhoods, cities, rural and metropolitan areas, an entire nation and even the world” to improve the welfare and quality of life for residents in the community. Planning in this context involves making decisions and taking action related to issues that affect the entire community such as land use, transportation, housing, social services, community and economic development, environmental quality, and so on. Students will learn about the tools, techni ques and challenges of being a planner, issues that affect planning, concepts related to planning processes, as well as the various fields of planning.
This course provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced study in planning or related disciplines. For those choosing other career paths, this class also aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills that they can use in their desired fields of study and as active citizens in their respective communities.
Lecturer
Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
URPN202 Building Better Cities (Fall 2021)
[Course Description]
This course aims to introduce students to contemporary issues of urbanization, past influences and current practice of public city/urban planning in the United States. One of the many definitions of city planning is “a systematic, creative way to influence the future of neighborhoods, cities, rural and metropolitan areas, an entire nation and even the world” to improve the welfare and quality of life for residents in the community. Planning in this context involves making decisions and taking action related to issues that affect the entire community such as land use, transportation, housing, social services, community and economic development, environmental quality, and so on. Students will learn about the tools, techniques and challenges of being a planner, issues that affect planning, concepts related to planning processes, as well as the various fields of planning.
This course provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced study in planning or related disciplines. For those choosing other career paths, this class also aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills that they can use in their desired fields of study and as active citizens in their respective communities.
URPN340 Housing and Community (Fall 2021)
[Course Description]
This course is designed to help students explore the complexity of housing and housing-related issues from a planning perspective. You will develop a basic understanding of the housing market, its relationship to community development, its importance to communities and the U.S. economy and major housing challenges facing the US.
A wide variety of topics will be discussed, including the use and meaning of housing; the development of Federal, State, and local housing policy; the changing dynamics of housing policy; the housing market; housing finance; the challenge of providing affordable housing; and the relationship of housing to community development and neighborhood transformation. Class time will be devoted to lectures, class discussions, group discussions and films.
