Yao Wang Awarded 2026 Lillian Bridwell-Bowles Innovative C-I Teacher Award
Yao Wang, assistant professor of landscape architecture, was awarded the Lillian Bridwell-Bowles Innovative C-I Teacher Award. LSU’s Faculty Awards honor faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
“Yao’s critical work with Louisiana stakeholders demonstrates the positive impact that landscape architecture through university engaged research can have on communities across the state,” said Brent Fortenberry, interim director of the LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture. “Dr. Wang and her students’ efforts model the capacity building potential of universities in the 21st-century.”
Wang is honored to be awarded this recognition, she said. Read more about her work with design students. “I appreciate the support of the College of Art & Design and the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture,” she said.
Wang holds the Suzanne L. Turner Professorship at LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science with a specialization in Policy, Planning, Communication, and Society from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). Additionally, she has a master’s degree in urban planning and a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. Her research encompasses climate resilience (both mitigation and adaptation), environmental planning and policy, community engagement, and sustainability.
Her research interests lie in advancing inclusive engagement strategies within climate change adaptation planning, advocating for power-sharing in the decision-making process to foster equitable procedures and outcomes. Her research background includes notable publications and presentations at both national and international conferences. Before joining LSU, Yao served as an instructor at SUNY-ESF. After obtaining her master’s degree, she gained professional experience as a landscape architect at various international urban planning and landscape design firms.
Lillian Bridwell-Bowles Innovative C-I Teacher Award honors the late Lillian Bridwell-Bowles, LSU CxC’s founding director.