Graduate Students Each Earn $5,000 for Research Advancing Sustainability and Community Resilience
AAMU Claims Two of Three National Environmental Planning Scholarships
Two Alabama A&M University graduate students have earned two of just three national scholarships awarded by the American Planning Association (APA) Foundation in environmental planning, receiving $5,000 each for their research addressing environmental challenges and building more sustainable communities.
Syed Riad Morshed and Nathaniel Peprah, both pursuing master’s degrees in urban and regional planning, were named recipients of the 2026 APA Foundation Environmental Planning Scholarship. The two Bulldogs were selected alongside a student from the University of Louisville as the only three recipients nationwide in the category.
The nationally competitive scholarship recognizes academic achievement, commitment to the planning profession and financial need. The APA Foundation Scholarship Initiative seeks to reduce financial barriers to planning careers while supporting emerging professionals committed to addressing environmental challenges.
The recognition also highlights Alabama A&M’s contributions to research in sustainability, environmental planning and community resilience.
Morshed, a native of Bangladesh, focuses his research on urban thermal comfort and how temperature, the built environment and neighborhood conditions influence people's access to opportunities and services.
“Coming from Bangladesh, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of thoughtful, data-driven environmental planning,” Morshed said. “This scholarship will allow me to pursue my studies with greater focus and strengthen my commitment to creating healthier, more equitable, climate-resilient, sustainable and livable communities through the planning profession.”
Peprah’s research explores sustainable land use, environmental resilience and data-driven approaches to urban planning. His current work examines agricultural land-use changes in urbanizing regions across the United States. He has also studied how parks and green spaces can reduce heat vulnerability in cities, including research focused on Birmingham, Alabama.
Both students expect to graduate in spring 2027 and plan to pursue doctoral degrees, building on their research and academic experiences at Alabama A&M.
Beyond the national recognition, the $5,000 awards will help ease the financial demands of graduate education, allowing the students to devote more attention to research and professional development.
Morshed expressed gratitude to the APA Foundation for its financial support, his academic adviser, Dr. Florina Dutt, for her guidance and encouragement, and AAMU’s Department of Community and Regional Planning for providing a supportive environment for his research.
For Peprah, the award represents both an investment in his future and an opportunity to expand the impact of his research.
“I am deeply grateful to the APA Foundation and its donors for investing in my education and future in planning,” Peprah said. “This scholarship will help me continue my graduate studies, strengthen my research and professional development, and prepare for a career where I can contribute meaningful solutions to environmental challenges facing communities.”
Nathaniel Peprah (left) and Syed Riad Morshed outside Dawson Building on the Alabama A&M University campus.