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Presentation 1: Shrungeri Shrowty and Dorina Pojani
Shrungeri Shrowty | Student
Shrungeri Shrowty is a Master of Urban and Regional
Planning student at The University of Queensland with a background in
architecture and a strong interest in sustainable cities, transport planning,
and community engagement. As an international student and emerging planner, she
brings a diverse perspective to discussions on urban growth, mobility, and
sustainable city-making. Her studies focus on planning theory, urban design,
environmental assessment, and sustainable development, with a passion for
creating more connected, resilient, and inclusive communities. She is excited
to contribute to conversations about Brisbane’s future through the Pitch the
Plan competition
Dorina Pojani | Associate Professor
I am an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Since joining the University of Queensland in 2015, my research has focused on the built environment triad: urban design, mobility, and housing - in both the Global North and South. I approach my work from a feminist perspective, considering the role of gender in the city.
My personal and academic journey has been international in nature. I am a native of Albania. Over the years I have held guest teaching and/or research positions in Austria (UWien), Canada (UBC), Chile (PUC), Italy (IUAV), the Netherlands (UvA/TUD), Oman (GUTech), and Vietnam (UTC), and I have provided consultancy services to various United Nations agencies including the UNDP, UNESCAP, and UN Habitat. I speak Italian, Spanish, and French in addition to English and Albanian.
My latest books are Trophy Cities: A Feminist Perspective on New Capitals (Edward Elgar, 2021), Alternative Planning History and Theory (Routledge, 2023), Planning as Political Theatre: Chronicle of Two Megaprojects Foretold (Routledge, 2025), and Early Planning Utopias: A Feminist Critique (Anthem Press, 2025). For five consecutive years (2021-2025), I have been included in the 'Stanford/Elsevier World’s Top 2% Researchers' list, and have ranked among the top-ten 'urban and regional planning' researchers in Australia. Alongside my academic research, I also publish broadly in non-academic outlets and regularly give interviews on national and international media. My articles in The Conversation have reached more than 700,000 readers. Prior to joining academia, I worked in urban design and planning in California. My research has been funded by domestic and international granting bodies, including the Australian Research Council. I have attracted more than $1 million in grant funding
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Presentation 2: William Collier | SeniorProject Officer
William Collier is Senior Planning Officer with the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works. He and his team facilitate planning approvals for new Social housing development across the state.
Where William grew up, it was easy to be healthy, easy to be social, and easy to be in nature. This drove him toward urbanism and the planning profession, where these simple aspects of a great life come together.
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Presentation 3: Niloofar Dehghani Samani and Stuart Brogan
Niloofar Dehghani Samani | PhD Candidate
I am a PhD candidate at Griffith University with a
background in urban planning and design. My research focuses on maximising
outcomes for cycling in an Olympic and Paralympic Games city, with a particular
emphasis on Brisbane 2032 and cycling legacy. I am passionate about sustainable
transport and creating more active and connected cities.
Stuart Brogan | Principal Designer
Stuart’s experience is extensive having been gained while living and working in a variety of environments throughout Australia, Asia, and the Middle East covering a broad range of project types. His primary role as a master planner and design lead.
Most recently he has been the principal designer, in differing and challenging environments while collaborating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and clients. His current projects are in the Western Ghats between Mumbai and Pune.
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Presentation 5: Natasha Schwerin | Environmental Scientist
Natasha Schwerin (they/them) is an emerging
environmental scientist in SMEC’s Planning and Approvals team, with experience
in environmental impact assessment, regulatory planning processes, and
community-focused project development. Their practice focuses on delivering
practical, evidence-based solutions that advance long-term sustainability and
meaningful environmental outcomes. Natasha brings a thoughtful, analytical
approach to complex challenges and is driven by a commitment to strengthening
community resilience and supporting systems that balance ecological integrity
with responsible development.
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