Dr. Victoria Fast
Positions
Associate Professor
Affiliations
Associate Member
O'Brien Institute for Public Health
Teaching Academy
Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
Contact information
For media enquiries, contact
Background
Educational Background
Doctor of Philosophy Environmental Applied Science and Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2015
Master of Arts Geography, Brock University, 2011
Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Training Athabasca University, 2023
Biography
My research and teaching encompass the fields of geographic information science (GISci), human geography, and urban studies.
I lead the Accessible Mapping and Mobilities research lab with a distinctive vision: to embed accessibility considerations not only in our cities but also in our data and analysis, mapping technologies, educational curriculums, and urban standards. By melding rigorous academic research with hands-on teaching and community engagement, we contribute to the development of cities and societies that are welcoming, accessible, and supportive of the well-being of all.
Drawing upon expertise in mapping, modeling, spatial analysis, geovisualization, participatory GIS, and volunteered geographic information, my research team and I are dedicated to creating vibrant, safe, and inclusive urban and digital environments. We study things like sidewalk conditions, urban and building accessibility, urban density, pedestrian collisions, accessible mobility, and active transit.
Currently, my research focuses on understanding and dismantling the barriers that impede the full participation of individuals with disabilities in both our physical and digital environments. To achieve this, we are developing measurable targets and standards to identify barriers. Collaborating closely with communities and industry, we co-create evidence-based indicators to support cities in their transition towards a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for all residents. To aid designers, planners, and policy-makers, we integrate these metrics into software tools that evaluate pedestrian accessibility, walkability, safety, social determinants of health, and other vital attributes of the built environment.
By bridging the gap between research and practical implementation, our aim is to contribute to the development of urban environments that are truly welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of the well-being of all citizens.
Research
Areas of Research
Accessibility Mapping, Digital Justice in the Smart City, Volunteered Geographic Information, Crowdsourcing, and Participatory Mapping
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| UBST 591 | Capstone in Urban Studies | ongoing |
| GEOG 695 | Seminar in Geographic Research Methods. Versions taught include: Mobility Justice. Accessible Geographies. GIS and Public Health. Community GIS. | ongoing |
| GEOG 681 & 683 | Geographic Information Systems Project: Theoretical Issues (681) & Application (683) | ongoing |
| GEOG 280 | Thinking Spatially in a Digital World | ongoing |
| GEOG 588 | Urban GIS | ongoing |
Projects
Mapping Our Cities for All (MOCA)
A Research Study on City Accessibility from the Perspective of People with Disabilities. https://accessnow.com/moca/
Accessibility Mapping at Vancouver Island University
Awards
- Spirit of Brock Medal, Brock University. 2007
- Gold Medal, Toronto Metropolitan University. 2015
- Faculty Research Recognition Award, Schulich School of Engineering. 2019
- Experiential Learning Project in Sustainability Award, The University of Calgary. 2019
- Teaching Award for Experiential Learning, University of Calgary. 2022
- Teaching Award: Emerging Teacher, University of Calgary Faculty of Arts. 2022
Publications
In the News
- Study shows major Canadian cities lacking in accessibility for people with disabilities. Global News. (2023)
- Accessibility lagging in Calgary for people with disabilities: report. Calgary Herald. (2023)
- Expert feature: Winter accessibility. UCalgary Ask Me Something Series. (2023)
- Excellence among educators recognized in 2022 Celebration of Teaching. UToday. (2022)
- Deep data dive creates a comprehensive map of Canada’s cities for accessibility. UToday. (2022)
- Researcher Victoria Fast looks at how spatial data can improve routing for people with disabilities. SSHRC. (2020)
- Victoria Fast talks about smart city and improving the urban environment. (2019)
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