Dean Cheng: CBE PhD program news from the Deans

Dear CBE community,

CBE greatly benefits from wonderful doctoral level students in our two PhD programs. These students bring wonderful backgrounds and interests that help propel the CBE research engine and enrich CBE’s pedagogical expertise. The directors of those programs are important members of the CBE academic team led by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Vikram Prakash and Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Carrie Sturts Dossick.

This year, both programs ran processes to ensure that their leadership remains aligned with needs and goals. For the BE PhD, this process came after an historic milestone when its founding director and former Dean “Dr. Bob” Mugerauer, stepped down from the director role. Thanks again to Dr. Bob for his exemplary leadership and work over the last 17 years.

I am pleased to announce professor Alex Anderson, PhD, has accepted the role of Director of the Ph.D. in the Built Environment (BE PhD). As you may know, Alex has been involved with the BE PhD as an advisor to many students and serving on the advisory committee for years.  He enjoys strong support from Dr. Bob, colleagues on the BE PhD advisory committee, and the students. Congratulations Alex, and thank you for taking on this important role for one of the most unique Ph.D programs in the Built Environments in the country.

I am also very glad to tell you of the renewal of professor Qing Shen, PhD as the Chair of the Ph.D. in Urban Design & Planning. As one of the oldest PhD programs in Urban Planning in the United States, this program offers interdisciplinary approaches to Urban Design & Planning, and I want to thank Qing for his continued service and leadership of this Ph.D program.

We look forward to seeing how this excellent team continues to advance these programs!