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Research

Dr. Buxton’s research explores the intricate relationships between people and the natural environment, focusing on themes such as place attachment, urban design, environmental stewardship, therapeutic landscapes, and approaches to climate change adaptation, mitigation and communication. She is especially interested in multi-functional, nature-based solutions that are ecologically sustainable, promote personal health and well-being, and advance equity in environmental design and planning.

Education

  • Ph.D., Regional Planning, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 2018
  • Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1995
  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI

Most recent conference presentations

Reflections on the Tangible and Pedagogical Impacts of a Student-led Community Design Lab to Restore Ecological and Recreational Function Along a Post-Industrial River Greenway by Jane Buxton. 8th Fabos Conference on Landscape and Greenway Planning, 2025, Amherst, MA.

Resilience and equity in disinvested areas: A pedagogical perspective by Jane Buxton, Sara Hadavi, Leanne Andrews and Byong Suk Kweon. 2025 CELA Conference, Portland, OR.

Innovative Strategies for Community Engagement: A New Web-based Toolkit for Landscape Architects by  Robert Ryan, Hongbing Tang, Sara Hadavi and Jane Buxton. 2024 ASLA Conference, Washington, DC.

Short Course: A Pedagogical Model for Intensive Learning About Green Infrastructure Resilience Strategies for Coastal Sea Level Rise. by Pamela Judge, Jane A. Buxton, Thomas Sheahan and Elisabeth H. Infield. 6th Fabos Greenway Conference, 2019, Amherst, MA.

Exploring community gardeners’ attitudes and experiences by Jane A. Buxton and Robert L. Ryan, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning 58th Annual Conference, 2018, Buffalo, NY.

Designing green space as part of an “ideal neighborhood” in an interactive museum exhibit by Jane A. Buxton, Robert L. Ryan and Nancy M. Wells, Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, 2018 Annual Conference, Blacksburg, VA

Public Art and Climate Change: Learning from High Tide by Carolina Aragón, Jane Buxton and Elisabeth Hamin at the Environmental Design and Research Association Conference, 2017 Annual Conference, Madison, WI