“What if our surroundings could heal us instead of stressing us out?”
This is a question that Oluwaseun Ipede, a graduate student in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability at Georgia Southern University, is trying to answer through his research on the possibilities and potential inherent in urban spaces.
His research examines how urban green spaces (parks, forests, and natural reserves) and blue spaces (lakes, rivers, and other water bodies) contribute to mental well-being. Using geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques, he analyzes the correlation between these natural spaces and mental health trends across major U.S. cities.
He found a complex relationship between the physical environment and mental health, often intersecting with socio-economic factors like median income and education level. However, he says there is enough evidence for urban planners to take note.
“This research highlights the vital role of urban green and blue spaces in fostering mental health,” said Ipede. “Findings from this study reveal that in several cities, as these green and blue spaces increase, there’s a drop in the number of mental health issues, reinforcing the need for urban planning strategies that integrate natural environments.”
Ipede presented his paper, “Urban Oases: the Critical Role of Green and Blue Spaces in Mental Wellbeing,” during the 2025 American Association of Geographers annual meeting in Detroit, Michigan.
The meeting featured over 1,000 sessions, panels, and workshops, bringing together luminaries from the field from around the world.
Ipede, who is earning his master’s in applied geography, was thrilled to showcase his work at what he referred to as the “Super Bowl” of spatial science.
“It’s a global stage where the sharpest minds in geography, geographic information systems, and environmental research collide,” he said. Presenting my research here was a chance to shape the conversation on how geospatial science can revolutionize public health.”
He emphasized that this experience was far more than academic. It was about having an open dialogue on physical spaces and all the expected and unexpected ways they can be used for the greater good.
“Seeing professionals from geographers to health experts nod, question, and engage was surreal,” he said. “It wasn’t just about maps and data; it was about how location shapes well-being.”
This year’s AAG meeting was just the beginning for Ipede, who aspires to use his academic background to promote health and wellness in construction and urban planning.
While his training in geospatial science is his primary tool, the well-being of people is his driving force.
“In the end, good city planning isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about healthier, happier people,” he said.
