Project Mentor: Prof. Jong Shin, Community and Population Health
Project Description:
Are you passionate about urban planning, community engagement, and social equity? Join us in a transformative research project aimed at reshaping Southside Bethlehem by mapping its walkability and accessibility, with a focus on inclusive design. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills in data collection, GIS mapping, and field research, while actively contributing to solutions that make the community more accessible to all residents.
This project will assess the accessibility of the built environment for Southside Bethlehem residents. As a student researcher, you will conduct field surveys, collect data on key accessibility features like curb cuts, sidewalks, and public transportation, and use GIS technology to analyze and present findings visually. Through this community-driven approach, the research aims to identify critical areas for improvement, highlight disparities, and create detailed maps that illustrate accessibility and walkability across neighborhoods.
This hands-on experience will immerse you in real-world challenges, enabling you to propose meaningful policy recommendations that can shape the future of Southside Bethlehem. Your work will help ensure the community becomes a model of inclusive urban design, prioritizing the needs of all residents, including those with disabilities.
If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of a project that integrates research, community service, and social impact, we invite you to join us in Mapping for Change. Let’s build a city where every resident, regardless of ability, can thrive.