Dr. Qiong Wang: Championing Community-Engaged Research and Resilience in Georgia
We are delighted to introduce Dr. Qiong Wang, Assistant Professor at UGA’s College of Environment + Design! With an impressive academic journey, Dr. Wang brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work. Before becoming a UGA bulldog, she earned her Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Virginia Tech, a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Peking University, and a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture from Beijing Forestry University in China. Dr. Wang’s research focuses on understanding local decision-making, supporting local adaptation planning, and fostering policy innovation in the United States.
This past spring, Dr. Wang was honored with a nomination to the Rural Engagement Workshop for Academic Faculty, a program designed to empower faculty in conducting meaningful, community-engaged research in rural Georgia. Coordinated by UGA’s Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, alongside the College of Public Health, the School of Social Work, and UGA Cooperative Extension, this initiative fosters collaboration between academics and local communities to drive impactful change.
Qiong Wang, assistant professor at the College of Environment and Design and recipient of a 2024 seed grant, talks with 2023 Rural Engagement Workshop participant Llewellyn Cornelius, Donald L. Hollowell Distinguished Professor Social Justice and Civil Rights Studies at the School of Social Work and the director of the Center for Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights. (Photo by Shannah Montgomery, UGA)
Through a series of sessions, participants like Dr. Wang gained invaluable insights into rural Georgia’s demographics, trends, and community relationships, while working alongside Public Service and Outreach (PSO) and Extension professionals. By engaging with local networks, faculty members can deepen their research and positively impact the communities they serve.
We are proud to celebrate Dr. Wang’s remarkable achievement of receiving a Rural Engagement Seed Grant as a result of her participation in the Rural Engagement Workshop. This grant supports her project titled Resilience-Based Adaptation in Rural Georgia: A Comparative Analysis of Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Risk Management in Coastal and Inland Counties. Dr. Wang’s work aligns perfectly with UGA’s strategic mission to strengthen its partnership with local communities in the state.
Dr. Wang’s dedication doesn’t stop there. She is also part of this year’s Service-Learning Fellows cohort, a yearlong program that promotes collaboration between faculty, students, and local communities for the public good. As a Land and Sea Grant institution, UGA is committed to giving back to the people of Georgia, and Dr. Wang’s work exemplifies this mission. Last year, she brought her Residential and Mixed-Use Design Studio class to Brunswick, Georgia where they worked on a stormwater case study in partnership with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. The City of Brunswick, located in Glynn County, Georgia, faces various challenges related to disasters and climate change, including sea-level rise, hurricanes, flood risks, and ecological changes. To enhance resilience and mitigate nonpoint source pollution, the city has initiated the "Rethinking Runoff" plan and other initiatives targeting climate change issues.
Dr. Wang’s students were tasked with conducting a comprehensive analysis to identify the main issues facing the city, establish goals, develop designs that integrate green infrastructure strategies, and consider applied engineering solutions for the project. Through this effort, students not only enhanced their practical skills in landscape design but also contributed to improving coastal resilience in Brunswick.
Qiong Wang, assistant professor at the College of Environment and Design, will be using her seed grant to continue her work with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. Last year she brought her Residential and Mixed Use Design Studio class to Brunswick where they engaged in a stormwater case study analysis with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant stormwater specialist, Jessica Brown. (Photo by Trey Cooper, UGA)
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant stormwater specialist Jessica Brown shared, “Dr. Wang’s partnership has strengthened so many relationships here on the Coast and has shown impact in such a short time.” Dr. Wang’s continued collaboration with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, fueled by her passion for coastal resilience, will help further her impactful work in the region.
It is truly an honor to have Dr. Wang as part of the College of Environment + Design. Her passion, dedication, and innovative research are making a real difference in communities across Georgia. We look forward to all the incredible work she will continue to do, and we’re excited for the future she is helping to shape!