Jamal Raaki is driven by a clear goal: to help build communities that are more equitable, accessible, and resilient in the face of environmental challenges.
He leaves Dalhousie with a strong foundation in both the physical and social dimensions of planning, having completed a Bachelor of Community Design program with honours in Urban Planning and Design and a minor in Law, Justice, and Society.
His academic path — spanning courses in sociology, political science, and planning — has shaped a deep understanding of how planning decisions affect communities differently, and how those impacts can be addressed.
Through it all, he developed a deeper understanding of how spatial and socioeconomic inequalities are embedded in the built environment.
“My increased understanding of the injustice that continues to be a prevalent part of our society made me eager to pursue disaster planning and emergency management,” he says, nodding to his future ambitions.
- Every graduate has a story. This is one of them. Follow along as we share more each day throughout Spring Convocation.
Connecting planning to real-world impact
During his time at Dal, Jamal gained hands-on experience through studio work that connected directly to real-world urban challenges. He worked alongside his classmates to develop a Bus Rapid Transit proposal for Halifax, presenting their ideas to planners and engineers within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
“It was cool to be part of a project where some of our ideas could be adopted to help shape the direction of the very city that we studied and lived in,” he says.
Contributing to jurisdictional research and concept design, Jamal focused on high-traffic areas across the municipality.
“I learned about the complexities of transportation planning and how most traffic interventions come with trade-offs,” he explains. “I also learned that simple but clear concepts can help convey ideas that are usually much more complicated.”
Building skills through research and community
This summer, Jamal will continue building his experience as a part-time research assistant with the PEACH Research Unit in Dal’s School of Planning. There, he will contribute to projects exploring sound and wellbeing, urban accessibility and mobility, including the NeighbourABLE project, which aims to assess how well neighbourhoods meet the needs of people with disabilities.
I wanted to play a role in making communities more accessible and equitable.
“I wanted to play a role in making communities more accessible and equitable while gaining work experience in urban planning research,” he says.
Beyond academics, Jamal was actively involved in campus life, joining several student groups, including the Dalhousie Society of Undergraduate Planners, SODALES Debate Society, and the Dalhousie Film Society. He says his experience in debate, in particular, helped strengthen his confidence and communication skills.
A path toward global impact
This fall, Jamal will begin a Master’s degree in Disaster Risk and Climate Change Adaptation at Lund University in Sweden, an opportunity that reflects both his academic interests and long-term goals.
His studies at Dal played a key role in shaping this direction.
Supported by several scholarships and awards throughout his degree, Jamal says he is grateful for the recognition and financial support that helped him along the way.
As he looks ahead, he is focused on applying his skills in environments facing increasing climate pressures, working toward solutions that support communities before, during, and after a crisis.
“I’m really excited about the prospects of meeting new people, making friends, and learning new things alongside a diverse group of like-minded individuals,” he says.