Noel M. Rasor

Noel is pursuing a Ph.D. in American studies. She received a B.A. (1994) in American culture from the University of Michigan Residential College and a M.U.P. (2001) in urban planning from the University of Kansas. Her work at KU explores the discourse of economic development as it shapes the urban built environment. In conjunction with her academic work, she is serving as a research consultant with the Applied Urban Research Institute (AURI), a non-profit community planning firm in Kansas City, Missouri.

Her dissertation will examine how urban redevelopment focused on economic rationales leads to a narrow range of outcomes, and rarely benefits urban people most in need. A case study from AURI’s experience will suggest an alternative model that attempts to widen the circle of beneficiaries of such projects. Her other research interests include globalization and immigration, as well as the roles communities of faith can play in asserting considerations of social justice in policy formation. After graduation, she hopes to have a role in influencing urban redevelopment policy and encouraging a broader social approach to development, working in a nonprofit or government agency.

Mentor: Norman R. Yetman, Chancellors Club Teaching Professor of Sociology and American Studies