Dennis Arthur
Where did you go for undergrad and what did you major in?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a specialization in climate change and food security from the University for Development Studies (Ghana) and am currently pursuing a Master of Urban Planning with a concentration in Land Use and Environmental Planning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Why did you choose to attend DURP at U of I?
I chose the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) at the University of Illinois because of its strong reputation in applied research and community-engaged planning. The program’s emphasis on environmental sustainability, spatial equity, and climate resilience aligns perfectly with my academic interests and professional goals. I was also drawn to the opportunity to work with distinguished faculty and use advanced GIS and spatial analysis tools to address real-world urban challenges.
What are your career ambitions?
My goal is to become a climate change advisor and urban planning researcher focused on developing equitable climate adaptation policies and resilient infrastructure systems in vulnerable urban communities. I aspire to contribute to both academia and policymaking by integrating spatial data and planning frameworks to advance sustainable urban development, particularly in the Global South.