Dr. Sophie Oldfield

Biography

Sophie Oldfield is a Professor and Chair in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University. She is an internationally recognized researcher focused on urban studies, particularly in the Global South. Her work integrates theoretical and empirical research to address critical issues in cities through collaborative approaches. With a strong commitment to community engagement, Oldfield emphasizes the importance of participatory and collaborative planning in understanding urban governance and informality in African cities. Her academic background includes degrees in Geography from Syracuse University and the University of Minnesota. Oldfield has previously held professorships at the University of Cape Town and the University of Basel, further contributing to her perspective on urbanization challenges in South Africa. Her dedication to research excellence is reflected in her extensive publication record, which includes works on urban theory and critical urbanism. She has received several prestigious awards, including a fellowship from the Society of South African Geographers and recognition as a Distinguished African Scholar at Cornell University. Oldfield's collaborative projects often involve interdisciplinary teams and engage master’s students, fostering innovative approaches to addressing the complexities of urban environments.

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