Evanna (Yifei) Gao is a researcher and designer based in Ithaca, New York. Her work explores the relationships between humans and space. She is interested in how design and planning can support social justice, climate resilience, and meaningful interaction.

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Evanna holds a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of Sheffield and is currently pursuing a Master of Regional Planning at Cornell University. Her research spans virtual reality, social justice, environmental design, and aging-friendly urban planning. She has worked in labs and institutions across the UK and US, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to study space and society.