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What is StAND?

The Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND) is a collaborative research project between Michigan State University, Detroit Audubon and the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department. The study is led by Dr. Amber Pearson, Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University. We aim to better understand the link between nature and active and healthy neighborhoods in Detroit.

Why does this matter?

This research aims to better understand the health of Detroit residents and how we can improve neighborhood conditions while also improving the natural environment. Through this research, we hope to better understand how to support and create active and healthy neighborhoods for everyone.

In an increasingly urbanized world, many people have become disconnected from nature. Yet, contact with nature is fundamental for human health and quality of life. Across the globe, it is estimated that 55% of the population currently resides in cities. Many cities lack easy access to natural spaces or 'greenspaces', particularly in low-income areas. Contemporary lifestyles and neighborhood conditions have led to increased public health concerns, including lack of physical activity, little time spent outdoors, and the rising prevalence of mental health and chronic disease issues.

Why Detroit?

We hope to learn about what makes neighborhoods active and healthy. By conducting this study in Detroit, we hope to promote Detroit as a beacon of healthy, active neighborhoods for other cities across the USA and beyond.

Our Research Partners

Detroit Audubon and City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department

Our Funding

We are funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute and the Detroit Medical Center. Additionally, we are funded by:

Detroit Audubon

Michigan State University

News

Virtual Reality gives Michigan State Board of Trustees a taste of ecological restoration of Detroit Parks

June 27, 2024

Dean Aron Sousa trying the VR experience

On June 27th, the Board of Trustees along with community members and many others, including the Dean of the College of Human Medicine, were given a virtual front row seat to the ecological restoration of parks in Detroit, as part of Detroit Bird City.

Dr. Amber Pearson, Director of the Space Health and Community (SHAC) Lab, and students from the lab, Katie Brown, Madison Moore, and Kendra Shannon were on site at Michigan State University’s Flint campus to explain the Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND) project, which aims to understand the human health benefits of park restoration. The ability to virtually experience these park restorations (their visual and auditory changes) gives the public a way to explore how such changes may affect how people use these parks and how they may feel when viewing greenery or listening to birdsong.

MORE NEWS

Community Supporters

The following organizations and businesses have supported our research in Detroit neighborhoods.