Alex Petric is a PhD Candidate in Urban Planning at the University of Waterloo, working under the supervision of Dr. Dawn Parker. His previous work includes master’s degrees in Rural Planning & Development (2019) and Applied Mathematics (2016).
Alex’s research explores how urban environments affect social capital, which refers to the density and quality of social connections and the benefits that flow from them. His studies focus in particular on missing middle housing (higher-density low-rise developments) and their potential community benefits. Alex's work uses agent-based modelling alongside in-field research to study how housing type and housing mix affect social capital formation, with an aim to help planning practice to support social connections and increase well-being for urban residents.