Yu Chen

Yu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Global Engineering (CGEN) at the University of Toronto's St. George Campus. He holds a PhD in Sociology and an MA in Latin American Studies, both from the University of Texas at Austin, USA. His research focuses on community-based eco-technologies, sustainable cities, global development, and grassroots approaches to climate action, employing an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Prior to joining CGEN, he conducted ethnographic research in Mexico, China, and Cuba, focusing on urban and housing-related topics. Currently, he leads CGEN's interdisciplinary research initiative on sustainable peri-urbanization, including a highlighted collaboration with the Mexico City-based social enterprise Isla Urbana on rainwater harvesting and sustainable water and sanitation. This initiative also encompasses knowledge mobilization around community water initiatives and environmental justice between Mexico and Canada. Additionally, Yu facilitates CGEN’s partnership development efforts across Latin America and the Caribbean."