RESEARCH AND TEACHING
| wes_grooms_cv_2-20-18.pdf |
I'm a Ph.D. candidate in Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Louisville. I'm interested in the development and implementation of equitable economies, people-centric policies, and sustainable practices that promote human thriving rather than just surviving. Besides my interests in political urban planning and political public administration (comprehensively, public service; see separate page), I am interested in the roles that compassion, human physiological needs, civic rights, social expectations, moral obligations, and critical thinking play in forming public opinion and policy development aimed at creating a more just and equitable society.
Other interests include developing and implementing alternative community and economic development policies and plans. Examples of these include use of public funds to create co-operatively owned businesses for housing provision and wealth generation among historically disadvantaged populations rather than subsidizing corporate real estate development and job relocations. Also of interest is how cities might become more self-sufficient (and whether they should) in terms of governance structures in light of their often restricted powers vis a vis state powers.
On a lighter note, I'm also interested in how the design, scale, and condition of the built environment impacts human mental and physical wellbeing. Of special interest is the use of whimsical design in public art, community-building art projects, and infrastructure. I also conduct research on dogs in urban environments; this research is currently focused on issues of crime prevention and community safety.
Other interests include developing and implementing alternative community and economic development policies and plans. Examples of these include use of public funds to create co-operatively owned businesses for housing provision and wealth generation among historically disadvantaged populations rather than subsidizing corporate real estate development and job relocations. Also of interest is how cities might become more self-sufficient (and whether they should) in terms of governance structures in light of their often restricted powers vis a vis state powers.
On a lighter note, I'm also interested in how the design, scale, and condition of the built environment impacts human mental and physical wellbeing. Of special interest is the use of whimsical design in public art, community-building art projects, and infrastructure. I also conduct research on dogs in urban environments; this research is currently focused on issues of crime prevention and community safety.