April 15, 2025
Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Written by Sylvanus Narh Duamor
I am a Master of City Planning student originally from Tema, a neighboring city to Accra, Ghana's capital. I am currently pursuing a career in academia, driven by my passion for research that directly influences policy actions aimed at developing just, sustainable, and resilient cities and regions. My research interests center on promoting sustainable urban development through climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
As someone pursuing a career in academia, I find research and teaching assistantships to be invaluable for honing my skills and advancing my goals. Since the summer of 2024, I have engaged in two research studies with Professor Allison Lassiter and Robert Levinthal, a PhD candidate in City and Regional Planning.
My work with Professor Lassiter involved developing case studies of decentralized water systems in developing countries. The ultimate goal of this project was to produce a Water Supplement to the UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan Technical Guidelines. By the end of the winter, our team had compiled eight case studies from across the developing world, which could help other countries in these regions transform their water systems for greater adaptation and resilience.
My work with Levinthal involved gathering socio-cultural and geospatial information in preparation for the Dakar Greenbelt Studio in the fall. This was part of the Dakar Greenbelt Project, an international initiative aimed at connecting to the Great Green Wall Initiative in northern Africa. These experiences have been instrumental in developing my research skills, bringing me closer to achieving my academic aspirations.