Alex Cox

Alex Cox (he/him) is a current graduate student pursuing a dual degree in Regional Planning and Public Policy Administration (MRP/MPPA). Before coming to UMass, Alex studied Architecture (B.A. Architecture, 2023) and Regional Planning (B.A. Urban and Regional Planning, 2023) at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. His research interests largely revolve around housing policy and mid-sized cities with a specific focus on his native region of the Midwestern United States. Outside of academics, he currently serves on a Town Committee related to housing affordability (Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust) and works as the Graduate Director at the Student Union Art Gallery on campus.

Alex Joseph Cox

As an urbanist and creative, I envision, promote, and support activated cities created by
and for everyone through policy, planning, and design at all scales.

Comprehensive Solutions for Systemic Issues

Current inequalities in the built environment have their roots in generations of exploitative planning, policy, and design. Solutions to urban human rights issues must be similarly systemic - combining theory from planning, policy, and design fields.

Education

UMass- Amherst
Graduate Degrees In Progress:
Regional Planning (MRP)
Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)

Miami University (2019-2023)
B.A - Architecture
B.A. - Urban & Regional Planning

Academic Work

Effect of Rent Stabilization on the Mid-Sized Semi-Isolated City
UMass-Amherst (2024)

Comprehensive Plan Framework
Village of Camden, Ohio (2023)

The Secret Life of Small Urban Spaces: Informal Settlement and the Annihilation of Space in Chicago’s Urban Parkland
Miami University (2023)

Work Experience

Graduate Director, Student Union Art Gallery (2023-present)
Coordinated and managed all aspects of the student-run art gallery’s operations. Responsibilities included hiring and collaborating with ten undergraduate staff members, applying for and managing financial accounts, and planning and curating art exhibitions.

Design Intern, Weyland Ventures (2022-2023)
Designed creative solutions for programming, marketing, and management of a variety of mixed-use projects with a focus on historic redevelopment and boutique hospitality. Collaborated with and directly assisted the Head of Design and project managers to help ensure success at all stages of development and operation.

Student Assistant, Walter Havighurst Special Collections (2019-2023)
Preserved and circulated rare and/or damaged items from University Collections in direct assistance to the Special Collections Librarian and Preservation Librarian. Streamlined circulation management through the creation of a digital circulation database and increased student worker efficiency.

Staff Writer, The Miami Student (2019-2023)
Investigated and wrote stories about issues and events on campus and in the Greater Oxford community. Coordinated interviews, compiled notes, and followed AP style guide and editor feedback to create publishable news stories.

Life Skills Instructor, Blue River Services (2020-2022)
Advocated and assisted with resident independence in a small assisted-living facility for adult males with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Responsible for resident meals, transportation, medication, hygiene, socialization, and quality of life, with or without a shift partner.

Awards and Recognition

Presidential Fellow
Miami University, 2019-2023

Eagle Scout
Scouts BSA, 2019