Sai Balakrishnan

Professor Sai Balakrishnan is an esteemed academic with expertise in global urban inequalities, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the College of Environmental Design, University of California, Berkeley. Her scholarly work delves into the intricate dynamics of urbanization, with a particular focus on planning institutions in the global south and the spatial politics of land-use and property. Professor Balakrishnan's academic journey is marked by a robust foundation in urban studies. She earned her Master's Degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she honed her analytical skills and developed a keen interest in the complexities of urban environments. Furthering her expertise, she pursued a Master's Degree in Urban Design from the University of Michigan, which provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetic and functional aspects of urban spaces. Her academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Urban Planning from Harvard University, where she conducted pioneering research on the spatial politics of land-use. Her doctoral work has significantly contributed to the discourse on how urban planning and property rights intersect with socio-economic inequalities, particularly in the rapidly urbanizing regions of the global south. Professor Balakrishnan's research is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as geography, sociology, and political science to address pressing urban challenges. Her work not only advances theoretical frameworks but also offers practical insights for policymakers and urban planners striving to create equitable and sustainable urban environments. Through her teaching and research, she continues to inspire a new generation of scholars and practitioners committed to addressing the complexities of urbanization in a global context.