Richard Casey Sadler

I am an urban geographer with a background in environmental science, GIS, food systems planning, and land use policy in shrinking/legacy cities. Because of my experiences growing up in the Flint region—where industrial growth and subsequent deindustrialization have had a profound influence on the built form—I have long been concerned with the salutogenic and pathogenic properties of urban areas.

My research interests arose out of this concern, and include an integration of urban planning/public health topics related to neighborhood/built environmental effects on health. Some such topics include local food systems, urban agriculture, access to healthy food, urban disorder, blight elimination, residential segregation, and active travel.

Methodologically, I utilize a combination of spatial analysis and community-based research approaches to address challenges in the urban environment. Underpinning my work is a recognition of historical processes of discrimination which have exacerbated spatial and health inequalities.