Adriana Zuniga-Teran
Adriana Zuniga-Teran is an Assistant Professor at the School of Geography, Development, and Environment with a joint appointment at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy.
Dr. Zuniga’s research lies at the intersection of urban planning, sustainability, and environmental governance, focusing on water infrastructure systems and the transition to incorporate green infrastructure (or nature-based solutions). She uses qualitative methods such as surveys, interviews, participatory workshops, focus groups, and participant observations. Her research is transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary, as she strives to translate theory into practice and inform policymaking. Her work is highly collaborative with colleagues from multiple disciplines, from different countries, and with practitioners from governmental and non-governmental organizations. With a binational network, cultural/linguistic fluency, and architectural, planning, and geography training, Adriana is uniquely positioned to interrogate sustainability and resilience issues in the border region in a transboundary approach (one that considers the socio-ecological landscape).
Outreach is at the heart of Adriana’s work because it allows for a more rapid and meaningful translation of research into practice. Her outreach efforts aim to improve the lives of local communities. Adriana has published extensively and given presentations at both national and international events. Her work has been featured in 20+ media outlets.
Dr. Zuniga’s mentoring philosophy is to provide an environment where students can meet their full potential by growing intellectually, emotionally, and socially. She strives to help students develop universal and transferable skills, including asking deep questions, recognizing opportunities, acknowledging shortcomings, and communicating effectively. Adriana has taught 20+ courses related to sustainability, urban design and planning, placemaking, the history of the built environment, urban growth and development, and water systems resilience.
Adriana holds a BA in architecture from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM). She worked as an architectural designer for several years. She holds two advanced degrees from the University of Arizona: an MS in architecture degree with a concentration in design and energy conservation and a PhD in arid lands resource sciences with a minor in global change.