Dr. Gus Wendel

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Gus Wendel’s research explores urban planning’s role in the formation of sexual space, intersectional use design in public space, and alternative spatial research methods grounded in urban humanities. His peer-reviewed work has been published in significant journals such as Planning Theory & Practice, Journal of Planning Literature, Journal of Urban Affairs, and Journal of Public Space. His dissertation investigates how municipal incorporation and redevelopment helped establish West Hollywood, California as the first gay city, as well as the broader implications for diverse gender and sexual minorities. Wendel previously served as the Associate Director of the UCLA Urban Humanities Initiative, an interdisciplinary teaching and research program that integrates interpretive and historical approaches with design practices to address pressing urban environmental issues. He is a founding member of the Urban Humanities Network, Digital Salon, and the (Un)Common Public Space Group.

Research Interests

Courses

URP 610, Section 2 Queer Urbanism Winter 2026 ARCH 509, Section 11 URP 551, Section 1 Physical Planning Design Workshop UT 103, Section 1 Urban Observation Fall 2025

Requirements for University of Michigan

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:84
GRE General
Verbal
Required:155
Verbal Percentile
Required:50
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:50
Analytical Writing
Required:3.6
Writing Percentile
Required:50
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics Calculus Physics
Application Checklist
  • Rackham Graduate School Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science