October 27, 2023

Research Seminar November 14 – Karen Chen

Our fall quarter research seminar series continues on November 14 in Gould Hall 440 from 12:30-1:30pm. This will be an in-person seminar.

Presenter: Karen Chen, Urban Design and Planning/Environmental and Occupational Health

Title: Urban form and mental health: a satellite imagery analysis and case study of depression in Denmark and beyond

Abstract

How cities are built can impact both physical and mental health through various pathways, yet evidence-based approaches are often challenging. This presentation introduces a satellite imagery analysis that utilizes machine learning techniques to measure building density and height data. Linking this data with residential and mental health diagnosis records allows us to capture individual longitudinal exposure to urban form and estimate relative risks for developing depressive disorders. The talk will discuss the methodology and the implications of these findings for urban planning, followed by an introduction of other ongoing projects that highlight how satellite imagery analysis can contribute to spatial planning efforts aimed at mitigating risks related to human health and climate-related hazards.

Bio

Tzu-Hsin Karen Chen is a geographer and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Design and Planning and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of Washington. She enjoys the synergy of machine learning and earth observations to understand urban environmental change and its implications for public health, including mental health and climate-related hazards. She adopts interdisciplinary approaches and collaborates with regional partners in the Himalayas, the Mediterranean region, West Africa, and Denmark.