Dr. Catherine Brinkley is an Associate Professor in Human Ecology, Community and Regional Development in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. With a PhD in city and regional planning, a veterinary medical degree, and a masters in virology, her research focuses on health and design. She is a former Fulbright Scholar, Watson Fellow, and National Science Foundation Career Award Winner. 

She has published on topics such as healthy food systems, local government planning and decision-making, and sustainable development. Dr. Brinkley currently serves as Director for the Center for Regional Change, a university research center that partners with local governments and non-profits for engaged scholarship that centers social equity. Her work is used internationally by the United National Food Agriculture Organization as well as local communities to guide plans and policies.  

Dr. Brinkley’s lab group currently works on two main research projects: citizen engagement in local planning and mapping community food systems. Please visit Dr. Brinkley’s faculty webpage for more information about research and publications.  Her research is also supported by grants through NSF, the USDA,; PEW Charitable Trusts, and National Institute of Health Environmental Health Sciences.