Dr. Max Piana

Instructor

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Biography

Max Robert Louis Piana is a lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design specializing in Landscape Architecture, Plant Science, and Forest Ecology. His research focuses on urban ecosystems and applied research to advance community-based strategies in natural resource planning and management. He leads a research program at the USDA Forest Service’s Northern Research Station, aiming to enhance urban climate adaptability and community engagement through science. Specific interests include urban climate responses, forest-assisted migration, and urban restoration techniques. Max has co-led the Urban Silviculture Network, an international collaboration of urban forest specialists, and has contributed to efforts in documenting tree species across North America. With a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale, he brings a wealth of knowledge from academic and practical perspectives. He has received numerous grants and awards, including the Forest Service Chief's Award for his work in community-based restoration. Max is actively involved in several professional associations, including the Society for Ecological Restoration and the Ecological Society of America.

Research Interests

Courses

Urban Soil Studies: Field Lab to Design Ecological Restoration Landscape Architecture IV Ecologies, Techniques, Technologies III

Requirements for Harvard University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a technical or quantitative field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).