Rowan University Graduate Planning Studio 2026
Salem City Health Element
In Spring 2026, students in Rowan University’s Graduate Planning Studio, offered through the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability, are advancing the public health component of the City of Salem, NJ’s future master plan. In partnership with the Rowan University Community Planning + Visualization Lab and with partial support from the American Planning Association NJ Chapter, the studio centers public health as a core driver of community planning. Students are analyzing spatial and non-spatial data drawn from existing databases, plans, and reports, alongside direct community input gathered through workshops, intercept surveys, and in-depth interviews. Their work translates this research into actionable strategies, practical toolkits, and targeted recommendations to embed public health into Salem’s long-term planning framework.
M A J O R O U T P U T S
Coming soon!
Partners
Sponsors
Faculty Advisor
Mahbubur Meenar, Ph.D.
Geography, Planning, & Sustainability
School of Earth & Environment
Acknowledgment
Sean Brown (Director of Housing and Economic Development, City of Salem), Thomas Dallessio (APA NJ Chapter), Emily Hazy (Grant coordinator, City of Salem), Angela Knowles (APA NJ Chapter), Dr. Jody Veler (Salem City Mayor)
S T U D I O M E M B E R S
Team Members (from left): Nicole Abbott, Brendan Bermingham, Brandon Bollwark, Ada Elwell, Ladarion Hardison, Maheen Khan, Shreya Nalla, and Mercy Patrick
P H O T O S
Photos courtesy: Ethan Theurer, Dr. Meenar
