Healthy Thriving Vibrant Communities

My name is Alexander "AJ" Wray.

I am a community planner and geographer that works towards building healthy, thriving, and vibrant communities. I am currently a Research Scientist with the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, and Research Associate with the Human Environments Analysis Lab at The University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.

I seek out complex policy and research challenges - triangulating their details and dissecting the underlying processes so as to enact change. Techniques from the fields of impact assessment and geographic information sciences cuts across my scholarship and professional practice. The challenges I tend to focus on are in the area of healthy communities - with an emphasis on housing, parks, food, and youth wellbeing. In a rapidly urbanizing Canada and broader world, understanding how communities are built, maintained, and function is more important than ever to addressing current affordability, public health, and climate challenges.

I recently completed a Doctorate in Geography and Environment from The University of Western Ontario. I hold a Masters in Geography from Western, and an Undergraduate in Planning and Diploma in Environmental Assessment from the University of Waterloo. I am currently working towards my Registered Professional Planner designation in Canada. I give back to my community as President of the Town and Gown Association of Ontario and on the Board of the International Town and Gown Association

I am currently on the job market looking for tenure-track academic positions and exciting industry or non-profit research roles. My urban planning research is best illustrated by my recent article in Urban Studies, and my health geography research by my recent article in Cities & Health.

Beyond research and practice, I am a recreational cyclist, relaxed fisherman, and avid downhill skier in the winter time. I am a Jurassic Park fan, PC and board gamer, and appreciate the finer points of wine and whisky. Feel free to drop me a note. I am always looking for new adventures, new friends, and new challenges.

Badge for being a Candidate Member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
Badge for being a Candidate Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners