Dr. Michael Blackhurst is the Co-Director of the Urban and Regional Analysis program at the Center for Social and Urban Research at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Blackhurst oversees applied and basic research projects in the energy, water, and climate sectors. His research emphasizes energy and water efficiency, urban stormwater management, regional climate change mitigation and adaptation, and water resource planning. His work has been profiled in the New York Times and National Geographic. As a result of his success in connecting research to public decision makers, Dr. Blackhurst was selected by the National Academies of Science and Engineering Ambassador program to serve as a Science Ambassador in 2015.
Dr. Blackhurst enjoys teaching at all levels and across disciplines. He has taught core engineering courses and graduate policy courses in data analytics and the ethics of innovation.
In addition to his academic career, Dr. Blackhurst has eight years of experience leading a diverse array of engineering consulting services for public sector clients, including state and public works agencies.