Dr. Ruth Steiner’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to improving communities through urban planning. From her early days on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to studying history at Lawrence University in Appleton, to becoming a leading voice in transportation and land use research, Dr. Steiner’s journey is anything but conventional. Her path reflects relentless pursuit—spanning computer programming, community advocacy for a clean environment, policy analysis, and ultimately a distinguished career in teaching and urban planning. Today, she blends academia with real-world impact, proving that planning isn’t just about spaces—it’s about people.

Her contributions to urban planning are as diverse as they are influential. Ruth Steiner, Ph.D., is a professor and director of the Center for Health and the Built Environment in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Florida (UF). She was also the first woman to earn tenure in the department. Her current research explores the intersection of transportation, land use, and public health, with projects ranging from school siting impacts to the travel habits of millennials. She is particularly passionate about equity and sustainability, ensuring that planning decisions benefit all members of the community. Through the Center, she champions initiatives that make cities healthier, smarter, and more resilient.

Beyond her research, Dr. Steiner has left a lasting mark in the classroom. She teaches courses such as Transportation Policy and Planning, European Sustainable Urbanism, Research Design, and Health and the Built Environment, shaping the next generation of planners. One student described her as a “planner with a vision” who balances rigorous research, student aspirations, and a humanitarian outlook. Her approach is hands-on, emphasizing real-world applications—whether coordinating transportation systems or integrating risk into long-range planning. Her influence also extends well beyond UF; she has served on committees for the Transportation Research Board and the World Congress on Transportation Research Society, contributing to both local and global conversations on urban planning.

Dr. Steiner co-authored Energy and Human Activity: Global Trends and Prospects (Cambridge University Press, 1992) and has written more than 150 book chapters, journal articles, reviews, and research reports. She has also held leadership roles on numerous transportation and land development committees, including the Scientific Committee of the World Congress on Transportation Research Society (WCTRS).

Mentorship is another cornerstone of her career. She has guided countless international students, helping them navigate scholarships, career opportunities, and life transitions. She led mentoring initiatives in the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP), always keeping her door open to students seeking advice. Her support has propelled many into successful careers, and she leads with empathy—listening first, then encouraging students to pursue their own visions.

Dr. Steiner’s career reminds us that planning is more than maps and policies—it’s about creating communities where people thrive. Her journey from history student to planning pioneer underscores the value of interdisciplinary thinking. For her, every research project, every course taught, and every student mentored is a step toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Her story isn’t just hers; it’s a blueprint for anyone who believes in the power of planning to change lives.

Education: University of California, University of Wisconsin

APA Divisions: , New Urbanism Division, Public Schools and Communities Division; , Transportation Planning Division; Health Equity and Planning Interest Group; Women and Planning Division, Natural Resources and Environment Division

States Worked: Wisconsin, California, Florida, Vermont, Washington; International Work: Singapore; Leeds, United Kingdom 

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