Lucas Belury

Lucas Belury (he/him/el) is a PhD student in the school of Geography, Development and Environment interested in centering the lived experience of communities on the margins. His research projects include environmental racism along the US-Mexico border, knowledge co-production, and queer archival research in South Texas. He has published articles on urban informality, environmental justice, and race equity. His current work utilizes the Latinx cultural concept of testimonios, or testimonies, to elevate underprivileged voices and move the needle on (in)equity and (in)justice. Before coming to the University of Arizona, Lucas worked for community-based nonprofit organizations, local and federal government agencies, and international development. He received his BA in Urban Studies and Latin American Studies from Trinity University (San Antonio, TX) and his MS in Geography from George Washington University (Washington, DC).

Lucas' research explores co-produced geospatial flood risk data by blending remotely sensed satellite imagery with the lived experience of residents and expertise of community-based organizations.