Dr. Knight’s research interest focuses on the physical and social evolution of cities and their constituent neighborhoods, with a particular interest in policy and planning for distressed neighborhoods. He is also interested in the decline of suburbs, especially traditional, first-ring suburbs. Emerging within his research is an emphasis on the role of community organizations and stakeholders in (re)shaping their neighborhoods. A certified planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), he still engages in local planning projects and programs, most recently with projects in the City of Tonawanda. He is the President of the City of Tonawanda Main Street Program’s Board of Directors and is a member of Habitat for Humanity of Buffalo’s Site Selection Committee. He teaches Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning; Planning Methods; Housing and Real Estate; Planning for Sustainable Communities; Planning Practicum; and Urban Geography.

Geography and Planning