SEDRD Welcomes Visiting Researcher, Dr. Hosna Miladi
Dr. Hosna Miladi has joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph as a Visiting Researcher, where she is working with Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury.
News
Visiting Research Student Lucy Chioma Aniagolu Connects Agricultural Research with Practical Learning at SEDRD
Lucy Chioma Aniagolu, a Nigerian Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing a Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technologies at Arizona State University, recently completed a three-month Visiting Research Student placement in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph. Working under the supervision of Associate Professor Ataharul Chowdhury, Lucy explored how agricultural research, changing workforce needs, and farmers’ experiences can be translated into practical learning opportunities.
Rural Transit Research Highlights Opportunities for Canadian Communities: Breen, Mastej, & Gibson
A new article in The Conversation examines what recent federal funding approaches for rural transit says about Canada's commitment to rural communities. Sarah Breen (SEDRD adjunct faculty member), Ela Mastej (Rural Studies PhD candidate), and Ryan Gibson (SEDRD faculty member) focus on the design of the Rural Transit Solutions fund and the difference the design made to the impacts.
SEDRD Students, Alumni and Faculty Showcase Rural Research at National CRRF and North Atlantic Forum Conference
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) was well represented at the 2026 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) and North Atlantic Forum Conference, where faculty, students, and alumni shared research that is helping shape the future of rural communities in Canada and beyond. Their presentations explored topics ranging from economic development and environmental stewardship to housing, philanthropy, belonging, and public policy.
SEDRD Celebrates Faculty Promotions of Nadia Amoroso, Ryan Gibson, and Afshin Ashari
The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) proudly announces the faculty promotions of Nadia Amoroso, Afshin Ashari, and Ryan Gibson effective July 1, 2026.
Graduate Researchers Launch Community Engaged Plastic Pollution Study in Nunavut
Two graduate students from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development recently completed a nine‑day field visit to Arviat, Nunavut, marking the beginning of a new research initiative examining plastic pollution in Arctic communities. Hannah Walker, MSc student in Rural Planning and Development, and Sofia Ruggiero, a PhD student in Rural Studies, are studying under the supervision of Dr.
D'Souza, Gibson, Caldwell Share Strategies for Rural Workforce Growth at National Planning Conference
Researchers from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development recently shared their work at the Fusion 2026 National Planning Conference in Montréal, Quebec, hosted by the Canadian Institute of Planners and l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec.
Dean Orr Recognized with Canadian Planning Innovation Scholarship
Dean Orr, an MSc (Planning) student, has received the Canadian Institute of Planners Planning Student Trust Fund (CIP-PSTF) Innovation Planning Scholarship. He accepted the national award at the recent Canadian Institute of Planners conference in Montreal, Quebec on July 9, 2026. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding research submission that advances innovation in planning by introducing a new planning concept, solution, refined technique, or a new area of research.