Chingwen Cheng, who assumed the role of director at the Stuckeman School on July 1, 2023, has an impressive background in landscape architecture, urban design, and environmental design. Prior to her current position, she served as the program head and associate professor at the Design School at Arizona State University. Cheng is a passionate advocate for climate justice, emphasizing co-designing nature-based solutions with communities.
Her research has been well-funded, with grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and Wells Fargo Foundation. As a Landscape Architecture Foundation Case Study Investigator, she documented landscape performance in sustainability outcomes. Cheng also founded and directed the Hydro-GI Lab, which evaluates the design process and outcomes of nature-based solutions for climate justice. Her work includes assessing social-ecological landscape performance, investigating sustainable urban water systems, and developing the “Climate Justicescape” assessment framework for green infrastructure investment.
Cheng’s interdisciplinary collaborations have contributed to our understanding of green infrastructure and stormwater control measures. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and participated in global research networks. Notably, she chairs the Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Resilience in the Anthropocene Design for Justice thematic working group and is involved in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL) initiatives.
As a Registered Professional Landscape Architect and LEED-Accredited Professional, Cheng integrates co-design processes in watershed planning, stormwater management, and community design. Her accolades include the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Illinois Chapter Honor Award, and her students have received recognition as well. Cheng actively contributes to climate action-focused groups within ASLA, demonstrating her commitment to environmental justice.
With a doctorate in regional planning, a master’s degree in landscape architecture, and a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and landscape architecture, Cheng brings a wealth of expertise to her leadership role at the Stuckeman School.
