Mahsa Adib

Reflecting on her MLA experience, Mahsa Adib emphasises the impact of a comprehensive curriculum, invaluable mentorship from faculty, and hands-on field experiences through collaborative community projects. For example, in the "Bird-friendly Iowa" studio, she helped Madrid, IA, become a Bird-Friendly Community. “This project introduced us to different data sources and analysis techniques such as Arc GIS, aerial photo analysis, field observations, and residents’ feedback,” she says.

Under Professor Caroline Westort, she tackled environmental sustainability in the "Designing the Farm of the Future" studio, using advanced 3D modelling to redesign farms for better environmental outcomes. Her role as a research assistant in the Community Visioning programme, led by Professor Julia Badenhope, further honed her skills in community engagement and sustainable planning. Adib presented her work at various venues, advocating for meaningful community engagement in stormwater management.

Today, as a research assistant with the Baltimore Social Environmental Collaborative, she collaborates with scientists and community partners to co-design climate solutions, leveraging her expertise to promote environmental justice and sustainability.