Judith Rodríguez

About Judith Rodríguez

I am a researcher and designer working at the intersection of sustainable and resilient infrastructure, healthy cities, and nature-based solutions. My work centers on translating complex technical, policy, and environmental evidence into actionable frameworks, tools, and strategies for cities, utilities, and infrastructure agencies. Through my multidisciplinary background in landscape architecture, urban design, infrastructure planning, and environmental health, I aim to advance healthier, climate-ready, and more equitable communities.At the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), I serve as Research Manager within the Zofnass Research Program, where I advance research and tool development for the Envision® sustainability framework. My work spans climate resilience, digital twins for sustainable infrastructure, green and emerging technologies, cost–benefit analysis and business-case development, and evaluation practices. I have assessed the sustainability and climate resilience of more than 60 major infrastructure projects and developed evidence bases, indicators, and planning guidance that support decision-making across a wide range of infrastructure systems.At Harvard University, I am a Research Specialist at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. My research examines how urban form, environmental exposures, and infrastructure systems shape population health, equity, and climate resilience. I contribute to projects on housing and health, urban heat mitigation, nature-based solutions, and environmental justice, integrating quantitative analysis, spatial methods, and policy translation.Teaching and mentorship are central to my professional work. I have taught and advised at Harvard University and Northeastern University, guiding students in courses on sustainable infrastructure, healthy cities, climate-resilient design, landscape architecture, architecture, and global development practice. As the Capstone Research Advisor, I support graduate teams working with real clients, from public agencies to global NGOs, helping them navigate strategic planning, interdisciplinary analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. My teaching integrates systems thinking, spatial analysis, design methods, and sustainability assessment, with a focus on preparing the next generation of practitioners to advance infrastructure equity, climate resilience, and community-centered development.

Experience

1. Research Manager

   Institute For Sustainable Infrastructure

   Oct 2025 — Present

   Building on over a decade of research and program experience with the Zofnass Program, I bring continuity and applied expertise to ISI’s evolving research agenda.• Support the development and refinement of research, tools, and guidance for the Envision® sustainability framework.• Conduct evidence-based analyses on climate resilience, digital twins, green technologies, and sustainability metrics.• Collaborate with industry partners to develop research outputs, indicators, and technical briefs.• Support advisory committees, workshops, and working groups through synthesis, facilitation, and technical documentation.

Education

• Universidad de Puerto Rico

  B.A.

• Illinois Institute of Technology

  Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)

• Harvard University Graduate School of Design

  Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) and Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD)