Tahsin Tabassum, a second year student at OU’s master’s program in Regional and City Planning, has been honored with the Ed McClure Award for Best Master’s Student Paper by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP). Her paper, titled “Exploring Transportation Justice and Equity through the Transportation Justice Threshold Index Framework in Municipalities of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma,” was recognized for its innovative approach to addressing transportation equity. Her paper was developed as part of a project for her “Transportation Geography and Planning” course.
Tabassum’s research focuses on analyzing transportation justice using the Transportation Justice Threshold Index Framework within municipalities in Oklahoma County. Her work aims to identify disparities in the transportation system and provide practical recommendations to promote equitable urban mobility. By addressing these issues, her study contributes to creating more inclusive and accessible transportation options for all community members.
The award includes a $1,000 prize and the opportunity for Tabassum to present her findings at the upcoming ACSP Annual Conference in Seattle. This recognition highlights the significance of her research in the field of urban planning and its potential impact on addressing transportation inequalities.
Originally from Bangladesh, Tabassum earned her bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) before pursuing her master’s degree at OU. Her personal experiences navigating public transportation as an international student in the United States inspired her to delve into issues of transportation justice and equity.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
