Subhashni Raj

Assistant Professor, Urban and Regional Planning

Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Dr. Subhashni Raj’s teaching is rooted in inquiry-based, student-centered learning and a deep commitment to equity and place-based practice. Drawing on her STEM background and lived experience as an international scholar, she designs dynamic, multi-modal courses that integrate systems thinking, experiential learning, and transdisciplinary perspectives to prepare students for real-world planning challenges.

Her pedagogy emphasizes scaffolded skill-building, critical reflection, and collaborative learning. Through hands-on spatial labs, community-engaged projects, and structured debates, Dr. Raj equips students with both technical expertise and the ability to interrogate issues of power, justice, and policy. She is especially recognized for creating inclusive, culturally grounded classrooms that center Indigenous knowledge, decolonize planning curricula, and connect students meaningfully to Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Raj is a dedicated mentor who integrates students into research, supports their professional development, and fosters pathways into careers in planning and public service. Her teaching reflects a holistic commitment to developing thoughtful, culturally competent practitioners who are prepared to lead with both analytical rigor and social responsibility.

“Dr. Raj was probably the best, most understanding, educated, well spoken, and considerate professor I’ve ever had. She communicated so well and taught very clearly. She also was so reasonable with all her deadlines, requests, and lectures. She even gave us breaks which were so appreciated and allowed us to focus better on the material”

“Dr. Raj was extremely responsive to any questions or concerns we may have had throughout the semester. Additionally, Dr. Raj’s course assignments were creative and effectively engaged us in getting hands-on with many methods for conducting community planning and food systems planning research. Through these activities, guest speaker sessions, and off-campus site visits, we were able to establish personal and professional connections with community members and professionals in the field who offered us valuable insights garnered through their own experiences and expertise. I highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to learn about community planning and food systems planning, and furthermore, I highly recommend that any student interested in these subjects take any other course offered by Dr. Raj. Nui ko’u mahalo nona.”