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Ryan Falconer is undertaking his PhD in the Institute
for Sustainability and Technology Policy at Murdoch University, Western
Australia. His doctoral studies are in urban design, transport and
health, focusing on analysis and evaluation of state government planning
guidelines (Liveable Neighbourhoods). His research forms part of the
larger RESIDE (RESIDential Environments) Project based in the School
of Population Health at The University of Western Australia. Ryan's
doctoral scholarship at Murdoch University is jointly funded by the
Australian Research Council and The National Heart Foundation, which
is the industry partner. Ryan is working to broaden his understanding
of the nexus between the built environment, travel behaviour and selected
health outcomes. He is due to submit in April 2008.
Ryan graduated from the University of Canterbury (NZ)
with a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours (2003) and a Master
of Science degree, with Distinction (April 2005).
In 2002, Ryan worked as a travel behavioural analyst
for Environment Canterbury, the regional authority. In that same year,
when undertaking his honours research into street racing culture in
Christchurch, Ryan collaborated with the Christchurch City Council,
with a view to producing policy recommendations for management of
illegal and anti-social behaviour. Following the success of this relationship,
he was able to negotiate funding from the Council to conduct his Masters
research on the same subject. This opportunity allowed Ryan to collaborate
with a diverse range of stakeholders, consequently broadening his
interest in transport policy. His research was titled, "Boy Racer",
an ambiguous label: Working towards a better understanding and a new
managerial strategy.
From May 2004 to April 2005, he then worked as a Planner,
an operational position at the Christchurch City Council before commencing
his PhD studies. Through his six and a half years of policy experience,
Ryan has recognised the importance of sustainable city planning. He
is especially concerned with redevelopment initiatives to help counteract
urban sprawl and car dependence and sees planning for active modes
and public transport as crucial to any urban sustainability strategy.
Furthermore, he is interested in the role technological change can
play in contributing to more sustainable travel behaviour.
Ryan is also active within a number of organisations
such as the New Zealand Geographical Society and the International
Sustainable Development Research Society. He represents Murdoch University
on the Walking Western Australia Committee.
In his spare time, Ryan plays touch rugby at representative
level, loves outdoor pursuits and to cook, and is fanatic about the
All Blacks and Kiwi rugby league. |
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