HANNAH HELENE FRIEDRICH

PhD Student

Research Title: Urban Spaces as Drivers of Synergy: Mapping Transitional Landscapes as Potential Pathways for Healthy Urban Systems
Research Group: Tropical Environmental Change (TEC)
Thesis Advisor: Dr Rachel Oh

With an interdisciplinary background in geography, area studies, and anthropology, I'm intrigued by the question of how to foster environments that enable mutual relief and care for urban-rural and human-nature systems. Building on a strong interest in participatory research, I have done research on issues like urban agriculture and local conservation and restoration efforts. Paired with GIS, this mixed-methods approach can help put overlooked spaces and actors on the map.

My project explores the potential of transitional rurban landscapes (TRLs) as pathways for sustainable urban futures by bringing together Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) and volunteered geographic information (VGI). Given that most cities operate beyond their sustainable metabolic thresholds, I investigate the nexus of counter-urbanisation, human and environmental health, and cartographic agency. Concretely, I'm interested in the socio-ecological values urbanites assign to TRLs, how participatory mapping can complement land-use data, and inform urban planning in Singapore and beyond.

I hold an M.Sc. in Critical Geography from University College Dublin. Prior to joining NUS, I worked with various international research organisations and universities on topics like climate adaptation and resilience, wicked urban problems, planetary health, and food systems.