Researcher Directory | National Institute for Transportation and Communities

Nicole Iroz-Elardo is an Assistant Research Professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning. Cross-trained in planning and public health, her research focuses on how to plan healthier and more equitable communities. Dr. Iroz-Elardo has a PhD in Urban Studies from Portland State University. Her doctoral research investigated the extent to which Health Impact Assessment provided an additional participation avenue for vulnerable communities in transportation planning processes. She has previously worked for Urban Design 4 Health, Inc., Oregon Health Authority, and Battelle Memorial Institute. At each, she specialized in translating cutting-edge research into practitioner tools to increase the suite of information upon which decisions - public and private - are made. Current research interests include: understanding the trade-offs between dense environments, physical activity, environmental exposures, and affordable housing; monetizing the health impacts of transportation and land use decisions; re-conceptualizing walkability to incorporate social and cultural norms; managing parking to not over-incentivize vehicular travel; investigating the implications of thermal comfort on public physical activity spaces; and introducing e-scooters safely into the urban landscape.