Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

This spatial analysis study will examine associations between neighborhood walkability, school locations, and air pollution exposure in Prince George, BC. Inspired by a previous study in Calgary, the project aims to map school locations across the city and overlay these maps with air pollution data and a walkability index. The goal is to quantify relationships between pollution exposure, active transportation options, demographics, and school sites using spatial analysis techniques and statistical methods. Data sources will include locations of schools, air quality monitoring, and metrics for neighborhood walkability, bikability and transitability. To supplement available air quality data, personal air sampling equipment will be used to take direct PM2.5 measurements at schools, providing a more in-depth understanding of children's actual exposure. Study findings can inform policies and planning decisions regarding school siting, transportation infrastructure, and pollution mitigation efforts to improve public health. Overall, this timely project will generate new insights into the impacts of the built environment and pollution exposure on children's health in an understudied northern Canadian context. The unique focus on Prince George offers an opportunity to shape local policies and urban planning practices to protect children's health and wellbeing.