Dr. Katherine Idziorek

Katherine Idziorek, AICP, PhD, is a community-engaged researcher who examines the role of social networks and social infrastructure in community-scale resilience and disaster preparedness. Bridging the disciplines of hazard mitigation, urban geography, and urban planning, Katherine’s research explores the role of place-based resources in supporting community resilience and wellbeing.  Dr. Idziorek leads the Charlotte Heat Mappers research team, which aims to better understand the varying effects of extreme heat across Charlotte communities and to work with local partners to mitigate heat impacts on community health and wellbeing. She also serves as coordinator for UNC Charlotte’s interdisciplinary Urban Studies Minor and co-advises the 49er Urban Planners (49er UP) student club.

Before turning to a full-time academic career, Katherine practiced for eight years as a professional urban designer in the greater Seattle region, where her work focused on multimodal transportation planning and long-range community visioning. She has also served as an affiliate faculty member of the University of Washington’s Department of Urban Design and Planning as well as a City of Seattle Planning Commissioner, working to bridge research and practice.

Education

• Interdisciplinary PhD in Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington (2021)
• Master of Urban Planning, University of Washington (2008)
• Master of Architecture, University of Washington (2007)

Teaching and research interests

• Community resilience
• Urban heat mapping and mitigation
• Disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation
• Social networks and social infrastructure
• Urban design and planning
• Visual communication and cartographic design
• Multimodal transportation planning