Dr Allanah Ryan PhD, MA

Allanah took on the role of Director Sustainability in May 2016. Prior to that she had been the Head of School of People, Environment and Planning between November 2011 – April 2016. Her academic credentials are as a sociologist with particular interests around sustainability and the built environment. In addition to managing the School of People, Environment and Planning Allanah led the 'Challenging Sustainability' project which was a programme of research and external collaboration with the Palmerston North City Council, Hawkes Bay Regional Council and Wellington City council. She is interested in finding new ways for the social sciences to work alongside the natural sciences, and design and planning professionals in sustainability-related projects that engage key external stakeholders. Allanah is also keen to pursue new ways for university staff to connect across the Colleges and service units with the aim of creating cross-disciplinary teaching and research that addresses the 'wicked problems' facing the planet and its peoples.