Curriculum Vitae

Christopher J Coutts

August 24, 2026

General Information

University address:	Urban & Regional Planning
College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
113 Collegiate Loop
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2280
Phone: (850) 644-5015; Fax: (850) 645-4841

E-mail address:	ccoutts@fsu.edu

Web site:	http://www.coss.fsu.edu/ccoutts

Professional Preparation

2006	Ph.D., University of Michigan. Major: Urban, Technological and Environmental Planning. Supervisor: Scott Campbell. 

Coutts, C. (2006). Greenway accessibility and physical activity behavior in two Michigan cities. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Michigan). Retrieved from ProQuest, 3237936. 

2003	M.P.H., New Mexico State University. Major: Community Health Education. Supervisor: Delfi Mondragón. 

Coutts, C. (2003). Exploratory study of park quality indicators and total mortality in six major US cities. (Master's thesis, New Mexico State University). Retrieved from Las Cruces Branson Library, RA 9999.C68 2003. 

1997	B.C.H., New Mexico State University. Major: Community Health. Honors. 

Professional Experience

2024–present	Faculty Affiliate, African American Studies, Florida State University. 

2020–present	Honors Teaching Faculty, Honors Program, Florida State University. 

2019–present	Professor, Urban & Regional Planning, Florida State University. 

2017–present	Research Affiliate, Center for Demography and Population Health, Florida State University. 

2013–2019	Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning, Florida State University. 

2006–2017	Research Associate, Center for Demography and Population Health, Florida State University. 

2007–2013	Assistant Professor, Urban & Regional Planning, Florida State University. 

Honors, Awards, and Prizes

Graduate Faculty Mentor Award nomination, Florida State University (2020). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2020). 
US Fulbright Scholar, Malawi, US Department of State (2019). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2018). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2017). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2016). 
Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination, New Mexico State University (2012). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2012). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2011). 
Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination, New Mexico State University (2010). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2010). 
Graduate Teaching Award Nomination, Florida State University (2009). 
Distinguished Peer Reviewer, National Environmental Health Association (2008). 
First Year Assistant Professor grant best poster award, Florida State University (2008). 

Current Membership in Professional Organizations

American Association for the Advancement of Science 
American Planning Association, Healthy Communities Interest Group 
Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning 
International Geographical Union, Commission on Health and the Environment 

Teaching

Courses Taught

Health Behavior and Education (URP 5525)
Honors Signature Course (URP3527)
Collective Decision Making (URP4022)
Public Health Epidemiology (URP5521)
Doctoral Research Colloquium (URP6938)
Honors (URP3527)
Methods of Environmental Analysis (URP5425)
Capstone DIR (URP5910)
Private Industry Environmental Management Systems-DIS (URP5905)
DIS-Ecological Urbanism (URP5905)
Honors Experience Program (ISS2937)
Public Health Honors Work (ISS4907)
Preliminary Examination Preparation (URP8960)
Environmental Planning (Mzuzu University) (BLMP3601)
Public Health Epidemiology (URP5521)
Deviant Pedestrianism-DIS (URP5905)
Green Infrastructure and Health-DIS (URP5905)
Special Topics in Urban and Regional Planning (URP5939)
Introduction to Planning and Urban Development (URP3000)
Gentrification and Health-DIS (URP5905)
Population and Emergency Management-DIS (URP5905)
World Cities: Quality of Life (URS1006)
Special Topics in Urban and Regional Planning (URP4936)
Climate and Public Health Interventions-DIS (URP5905)
Geospatial Technology in Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria-DIS (URP5905)
Local Food Systems Planning-DIS (URP5905)
The Use of Fuel-efficient Cookstoves: Can they make a difference in Nicaragua?-DIS (URP5905)
Urban & Regional Information Systems (URP5272)
Nature Conservation in Coastal Communities-DIS (URP5905)
Marine Spatial Planning-DIS (URP5905)
Greenways and Childrens' Physical Activity-DIS (URP5905)
Directed Individual Study (DEM5906)
Directed Individual Study (URP5905)
Special Topics in Environmental Planning and Resource Management (URP5429)
Special Topics in Social Science (ISS5930)

New Course Development

Public Health Epidemiology (online) (2021)
Green Global Health (2019)
Health Behavior and Education (online) (2016)
Health Behavior and Education (2008)
Public Health Epidemiology (2007)

Doctoral Committee Chair

Vansickle, M., graduate. (2025).
Miller, S. A., graduate. (2020). Planning for and Rebuilding Green Infrastructure: Issues of Justice and Resilience in Urban Green Space. 
Williams, P. C., graduate. (2020). "They Over-Promised and Under-Delivered": A Mixed Methods Study on the Effects of Residential Displacement Pressure on African-American Residents in Southwest Atlanta.  [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar]
Taylor, C. J., graduate. (2014). A Community Greenway Routed Near Schools:  How it was Planned and the Extent of its Use by Schoolchildren. 
Chen, Y., doctoral candidate. 

Doctoral Committee Cochair

Channer, R., graduate. (2024). [Fulbright Student]
Monroe, A. S., graduate. (2015).

Doctoral Committee Member

Wen, Y., graduate. (2025).
Zang, M., graduate. (2025).
Gladwin, K., graduate. (2022).
Roy, S., graduate. (2022). Planning for Improvement of Walk-access Facility in Urban Bus Stop Catchment Area.  [Student at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bhubaneswar, India]
Jones, S. M., graduate. (2021).
Akinyemi, S. A., graduate. (2020).
Suguri, V. H. R., graduate. (2019).
Bareford, K. J., graduate. (2016).
Forkink Weijers, A., graduate. (2015).
Usher, K. M., graduate. (2015).
Park, S. C., graduate. (2012).
Pierce, B., graduate. (2008).
Fernandez, E., doctoral candidate. 
Ozguven, M. Y., doctoral candidate.  [Sat on committee until candidacy, then stepped down]
Wang, C., doctoral candidate. 
Lahav, S., doctoral student. 
Sattati, R., doctoral student. 
Shekari, E., doctoral student. 

Doctoral Committee University Representative

Sparkman, R., graduate. (2024). [Sociology]
Asare-Akuffo, F., graduate. (2021). [Geography. I advised this student up to the actual dissertation defense, but was then replaced because I was out of town]
Douglas, R. A., graduate. (2021). [Sociology]
Huse, Laura-Kate Gonyea, graduate. (2021). [Communications]
Wassel, K., graduate. (2021). [Public Administration]
Ray, E., graduate. (2020). [Communications]
Strode, G., graduate. (2020). [Geography]
Gao, X., graduate. (2019).
Kilpatrick, Q. K., graduate. (2019). [Sociology]
Kim, M., graduate. (2019).
Webb, N. S., graduate. (2018).
Saleem, A., graduate. (2017).
Brailsford, J. M., graduate. (2016).
Song, M., graduate. (2016).
DiDonato, M. A., graduate. (2016). [Sports Management]
Swann, W. L., graduate. (2016). [Public Administration]
Ziewitz, K. L., graduate. (2016).
DelCiampo, M. J., graduate. (2016). [Musicology]
Jasrotia, P., graduate. (2016).
Ashki, H., graduate. (2015). [Oceanography]
Curley, C., graduate. (2014). [Public Administration]
Higman, M. L., doctoral candidate.  [Public Administration]
Kim, H. C., doctoral candidate.  [Public Administration]
Freeman, A., doctoral candidate.  [Public Administration]
Lemoine, H., doctoral candidate.  [Geography]
Sun, Y., doctoral student.  [Public Administration]
Rivera, A., doctoral student.  [Communication]

Master's Committee Chair

Fitz Patrick, D. P., graduate. (2013).
Kelsick, J. M., graduate. (2012).
Huber, W. D., graduate. (2012).
Balcer, B. M., graduate. (2010).
Clevenger, N. A., graduate. (2010).
Miller, R. C., graduate. (2010).
Sweeney, R. M., graduate. (2010).
Taury, J. A., graduate. (2010).
Walker, Z. T., graduate. (2010).
Lynch, K. K., graduate. (2009).
Bucca, K., graduate. (2008).
Koster, N., graduate. (2008).
Neilson, V., graduate. (2008).
Bogart, C., student. 
Koester, S., student. 

Master's Committee Member

Culver, P., graduate. (2022).
MacBeth, H., graduate. (2020). Land acquisition priority parcel model guidebook for the Florida National Scenic Trail. 
Asta, H., graduate. (2019).
Song, M., graduate. (2016).
Ashki, H., graduate. (2012).
Hanlon, K., graduate. (2008).
McKeage, D., graduate. (2008).

Bachelor's Committee Member

Evangelista, M., graduate. (2023).
Everding, E., graduate. (2023). [Computer Science, Honors in the Major Thesis]
Hurt, A., graduate. (2021). [I advised this student extensively up to the actual thesis defense, but was then replaced because I was out of town]
Knowles, C., graduate. (2020). Planning Strategies for Improving Resilience of Cities in Developing Countries to Urban Heat Island Effects. 
Sigel, S., graduate. (2018). Honors Thesis in Psychology. 
Nabong, E., graduate. (2015).
Blaskiewicz, C., graduate. (2014).
Krueger, A., graduate. (2011).
McClure, C., graduate. (2009).
Froehle, G., student.  [Honors in the Major Thesis]

Supervision of Student Research Not Related to Thesis or Dissertation

Stocker, A. (2018). 

Additional Teaching Not Reported Elsewhere

Coutts, C. J. (2026). Guest Speaker, Global Health (GEO). 

Coutts, C. (2023). Guest lecture, Peace Corps service. Omicron Delta Kappa honors society. 

Coutts, C. J. (2023). Guest Speaker, GEO4930. 

Coutts, C. J. (2022). Guest Speaker, GEO4930. 

Coutts, C. J. (2022). Guest Speaker, Global Health (GEO). 

Coutts, C. J. (2021). Guest Speaker, GEO4930. 

Coutts, C. (2016). Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars Program Mentor Training. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

Coutts, C. (2016–2020). Home Institution Mentor of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar. 

Coutts, C. (2013). Guest speaker, URP 5272. 

Coutts, C. (2013). Guest speaker, URP 5526. 

Coutts, C. (2012). Intro to Consumer Health Informatics course discussant panel. 

Coutts, C. (2011). Giving up your dreams for the greater good in Malawi. International Affairs colloquium. 

Coutts, C. (2010). Brownbag seminar. Center for Demography and Population Health. 

Coutts, C. (2009). Giving up your dreams for the greater good in Malawi. International Affairs colloquium. 

Coutts, C. (2008). HIV/AIDS education in Malawi. International Affairs colloquium. 

Coutts, C. (2007). Doctoral colloquium. Urban and Regional Planning. 

Coutts, C. (2007). Giving up your dreams for the greater good in Malawi. Project Planning in Developing Countries course. 

Research and Original Creative Work

Publications

Invited Journal Articles

Zavattaro, S., & Coutts, C. J. (2022). Public Values Lessons from Death and Dying. Public Money & Management, 43(1), 6-7.

Feiock, R., & Coutts, C. (2013). Governing the sustainable city. Cityscape, 15(1), 1-8.

Coutts, C., Horner, M., & Chapin, T. (2010). Using GIS to model the effects of green space accessibility on mortality in Florida. Geocarto International, 25(6), 471-484.

Refereed Journal Articles

Zavattaro, S., Coutts, C., & Basmajian, C. (submitted). Community building in the cemetery: Using digital tools to create civil engagement. X. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Williams, P. C., Jackson, A., Greenlee, A. J., Jackson, C. L., & Coutts, C. J. (submitted). Displacement risk index: A GIS-based assessment of residential displacement in Atlanta. Manuscript submitted for publication.

VanSickle, M., Coutts, C. J., & Ueijo, C. (submitted). Park or Play Location? Influences on Children's Observed Nature Engagement, Creative Play, and Social Interaction. Health and Place. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Zavattaro, S., Basmajian, C., Coutts, C., Schuneman, C., Olson, P., & Webb, D. (2026). Death Becomes a Government Capacity Issue: Big Questions for Local Government Death Management. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration.

VanSickle, M., McSorley, M., & Coutts, C. (2025). Exploring equity in city planning for children's nature play. Sustainability.

Shen, R., Coutts, C., & Williams, P. (2024). Identifying the health benefits of city bike infrastructure improvement policy. Journal of Urban Affairs.

Williams, P. C., Alhasan, D., Krafty, R., Coutts, C. J., Miles-Richardson, S., & Jackson, C. L. (2022). A mixed methods approach to understand the impact of greenspace redevelopment on the objectively- and subjectively-measured sleep health of black adults in southwest Atlanta. Health and Place.

VanSickle, M., & Coutts, C. (2022). Considerations for children's nature connection & park environmental justice in western societies. Land, 11(9), 1435.

Williams, P., Krafty, R., Alexander, T., Davis, Z., Gregory, Akil-Vuai, Proby, R., Troxel, W., & Coutts, C. J. (2021). Greenspace redevelopment, pressure of displacement, and sleep quality among Black adults in Southwest Atlanta. Journal Of Exposure Science And Environmental Epidemiology.

Coutts, C., Wenger, R., & Duncan, M. (2019). Exploratory analysis of deviant pedestrianism: Deviant paths as cues for designing pedestrian infrastructure. Urban Planning and Development.

Coutts, C. J., Holmes, T., & Jackson, A. (2019). Forestry policy, conservation activities, and ecosystem services in the remote Misuku Hills of Malawi. Forests.

Miller, S., & Coutts, C. (2018). A multiple case study of local & creative financing of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 6(2), 257-264.

Taylor, C., & Coutts, C. (2018). Greenways as safe routes to school in a Latino community in East Los Angeles. Cities & Health.

Coutts, C., Basmajian, C., Sehee, J., Kelty, S., & Williams, P. (2018). Natural burial as a land conservation tool in the US. Landscape and Urban Planning, 178, 130-143.

Jennings, V., Floyd, M., Shanahan, D., Coutts, C., & Sinykin, A. (2017). Emerging issues in urban ecology: Implications for research, social justice, and human health and well-being. Population and Environment, 39(1), 69-86.

Chapin, T., & Coutts, C. (2017). Go-Gos, Slow-Gos, and No-Gos: The location of elderly populations in Florida in 2000 and 2010. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 34(1), 49-70.

Kim, A., Coutts, C., Newman, J., Brandon-Lai, S., & Kim, M. (2016). Social geographies at play: Mapping the spatial politics of community-based youth sport participation. Journal of Amateur Sport, 2(1), 39-72.

Bae, S., Kwon, S., Coutts, C., Park, S., & Feiock, R. (2015). Development impact fees: A vehicle or restraint for land development? Journal of Local Self-Government, 13(4), 1047-1065.

Coutts, C., & Hahn, M. (2015). Green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and human health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(8), 9768-9798.

Park, S., Coutts, C., & Lee, S. (2014). The inclusion of health in county comprehensive planning. The Korean Journal of Policy Studies, 29(1), 1-20.

Coutts, C., Forkink, A., & Weiner, J. (2014). The portrayal of natural environment in the evolution of the ecological public health paradigm. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(1), 1005-1019.

Coutts, C., Chapin, T., & Horner, M. (2013). The county-level effects of green space access on physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 10(2), 232-240.

Coutts, C., & Berke, T. (2013). The extent and context of human health considerations in London's spatial development and climate action strategy. Urban Planning and Development, 139(4), 322-330.

Coutts, C. (2012). Creating connected open space in Florida: The influence on human use for recreation. Managing Leisure, 17(1), 67-74.

Miles, R., Coutts, C., & Mohamadi, A. (2012). Neighborhood urban form, social environment, and depression. Journal of Urban Health, 89(1), 1-18.

Coutts, C., & Miles, R. (2011). Greenways as green magnets: The relationship between the race of greenway users and race in proximal neighborhoods. Journal of Leisure Research, 43(3), 317-333.

Coutts, C., Basmajian, C., & Chapin, T. (2011). Projecting landscapes of death. Landscape and Urban Planning, 102(4), 254-261.

Coutts, C., & Taylor, C. (2011). Putting the capital "E" environment into ecological models of health. Journal of Environmental Health, 74(4), 26-29.

Coutts, C. (2010). Green infrastructure and public health in the Florida Communities Trust land acquisition program. Planning Practice and Research, 25(4), 439-459.

Basmajian, C., & Coutts, C. (2010). Planning for the disposal of the dead. Journal of the American Planning Association, 76(3), 305-317.

Coutts, C. (2010). Public health ecology. Journal of Environmental Health, 72(6), 53-55.

Coutts, C. (2009). Locational influence of land use type on the distribution of uses along urban river greenways. Urban Planning and Development, 135(1), 31-38.

Coutts, C. (2008). Greenway accessibility and physical activity behavior. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 35(3), 552-563.

Alaimo, K., Bassett, E., Wilkerson, R., Petersmarck, K., Mosack, J., Mendez, D., Coutts, C., Grost, L., & Stegmier, L. (2008). The promoting active communities award: Development of Michigan's self-assessment tool. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 5(1), 4-18.

Edited Books

Chapin, T., & Coutts, C. (Eds.). (2011). Growth management and public land acquisition: Balancing conservation and development. Surrey, UK: Ashgate. 

Invited Book Chapters

Coutts, C., & Williams, P. (2022). Healthy Behavioral Choices and the Built Environment. In Nisha Botchwey, Howard Frumkin, & Andrew Dannenberg (Eds.), Making Healthy Places. Island Press. 

Coutts, C., & Hahn, M. (2017). Green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and human health. In Blum, J (Ed.), Green infrastructure: Social-ecological perspectives. Waretown, NJ: Apple Academic Press. 

Refereed Book Chapters

Coutts, C., & Horner, M. (2015). Nature and death: An individual level analysis of the relationship between biophilic environments and premature mortality in Florida. In Pavlos Kanaroglou, Eric Delmelle, & Antonio Páez (Eds.), Spatial Analysis in Health Geography (pp. 295-312). Surrey, UK. 

Invited Encyclopedia Entries

Coutts, C. (2006). Albuquerque, NM. In Encyclopedia of American Urban History. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 

Refereed Reviews

Coutts, C. (2004). Building suburbia: Green fields and urban growth, 1820-2000. Journal of Planning Literature, 18(4), 458-459.

Nonrefereed Journal Articles

Coutts, C. J. (2025). Daring to Say STOP:  Thanks, Ann. Journal of Planning Education and Research.

Milliken, S., Kotzen, B., Walimbe, S., Coutts, C., & Beatley, T. (2023). Biophilic cities and health. Cities & Health, 7(2), 175-188.

Botchwey, N., Stiftel, B., Coutts, C., Ross, C., & Chatman, O. (2023). Community design and revitalization to promote health: The track record after 20 years. Journal of the American Planning Association, 89(2), 157-159.

Grant, M., & Coutts, C. (2023). Research for city practice. Cities & Health, 7.

Basmajian, C., & Coutts, C. (2019). Death and burial: In the past lies the future. Magazine on Urbanism (MONU).

Grant, M., Brown, C., Caiaffa, W. T., Capon, A., Corburn, J., Coutts, C., Crespo, C. J., Ellis, G., Ferguson, G., Fudge, C., Hancock, T., Lawrence, R. J., Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., Oni, T., Thompson, S., Wagenaar, C., & Ward Thompson, C. (2017). Cities and health: An evolving global conversation. Cities & Health, online, 1-9. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2017.1316025

Grant, M., Brown, C., Caiaffa, W. T., Capon, A., Corburn, J., Coutts, C., Crespo, C. J., Ellis, G., Ferguson, G., Fudge, C., Hancock, T., Lawrence, R. J., Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., Oni, T., Thompson, S., Wagenaar, C., & Ward Thompson, C. (2017). Research for city practice. Cities & Health, online, 10-21. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2017.1396750

Nonrefereed Books

Coutts, C. (2016). Green infrastructure and public health. Abingdon, UK: Routledge. 

Nonrefereed Book Chapters

Chapin, T., & Coutts, C. (2011). Conclusion: Evaluating the prospects for integrating land conservation and growth management. In T. Chapin, & Christopher J. Coutts (Eds.), Achieving growth management through public open space acquisition. Surrey, UK: Ashgate. 

Coutts, C. (2011). Green infrastructure and public health in the Florida Communities Trust open space acquisition program. In Chapin, T., & Coutts, C. (Eds.), Growth management and public land acquisition: Balancing conservation and development (pp. 117-142). Surrey, UK: Ashgate. 

Chapin, T., & Coutts, C. (2011). Introduction: Balancing conservation and development. In T. Chapin, & Christopher J. Coutts (Eds.), Achieving growth management through public open space acquisition. Surrey, UK: Ashgate. 

Nonrefereed Reports

Basmajian, C., & Coutts, C. (2024). Zoning Practice, Zoning for the Dead. American Planning Association. 

Coutts, C., Basmajian, C., Salkin, P., & Merriam, D. (2013). Planning for the deceased (Planning Advisory Service report #572). American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service report #572. 

Nonrefereed Newsletter Articles

Coutts, C. (2008). Green infrastructure connectivity and human health in Florida. DeVoe Moore Center Policy Brief, 28, 1-4.

Presentations

Refereed Papers at Conferences

Coutts, C. (presented 2008, July). Green infrastructure and public health: An evaluation of the Florida Communities Trust open space acquisition program. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Society for Conservation Biology, Chattanooga, TN. (National)

Refereed Papers at Symposia

Coutts, C. (presented 2012). Human health in The London Plan: How health is framed in a world city's spatial development and climate action strategies. In The Local Benefits of Sustainability. Symposium conducted at the meeting of DeVoe Moore Center, Florida State University. (National)

Coutts, C. (presented 2008). Green infrastructure and public health: An evaluation of the Florida Communities Trust open space acquisition program. In Timothy Chapin (Chair), Achieving Growth Management through Open Space Acquisition. Symposium conducted at the meeting of DeVoe Moore Center, Tallahassee, FL. (National)

Nonrefereed Papers at Conferences

Williams, P., Krafty, R., Alhasan, D., Coutts, C. J., Miles-Richardson, S., & Jackson, C. (submitted). A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding the Impact of Greenspace Redevelopment on the Sleep Health of Black adults in Southwest Atlanta. Paper submitted for presentation.

Coutts, C. (presented 2017, September). Natural burial as a land conservation tool. Paper presented at the meeting of Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, Daytona Beach, FL. (State)

Coutts, C., & Basmajian, C. (presented 2016, October). Natural burial as a land conservation tool. Paper presented at the meeting of Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, Portland, OR. (National)

Coutts, C. (presented 2013, July). Nature and death: An individual level analysis of the relationship between biophilic environments and premature mortality in Florida. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of European Schools of Planning/Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, Dublin, Ireland. (International)

Coutts, C. (presented 2012, July). Human health in The London Plan: How health is framed in a world city's spatial development and climate action strategy. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of European Schools of Planning, Ankara, Turkey. (International)

Coutts, C., Basmajian, C., & Chapin, T. (presented 2011, October). Projecting landscapes of death. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning, Salt Lake City, UT. (National)

Coutts, C., & Basmajian, C. (presented 2010, October). Projecting landscapes of death. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning, Minneapolis, MN. (National)

Coutts, C. (presented 2009, October). Creating a connected landscape structure in Florida: A focus on human health benefits. Paper presented at Annual meeting, National Environmental Public Health Association, Atlanta, GA. (National)

Miles, R., Coutts, C., & Mohamadi, A. (presented 2009, October). Neighborhood effects on anxiety and depression in Miami. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning, Crystal City, VA. (National)

Coutts, C. (presented 2008, July). Green infrastructure and public health: An exploratory analysis of the Florida Communities Trust open space acquisition program. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning/Association of the European Schools of Planning annual conference, Chicago, IL. (International)

Coutts, C. (presented 2007, November). A role for open space acquisition in growth management: A consideration of green infrastructure and public health in Florida. Paper presented at Annual meeting, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning, Milwaukee, WI. (National)

Invited Keynote and Plenary Presentations at Conferences

Coutts, C. (presented 2008, May). US graduate education. Keynote presentation at General assembly, Poornima Engineering College, Jaipur, India. (International)

Invited Keynote and Plenary Presentations at Symposia

Coutts, C. (presented 2016, August). The ecology of health. Keynote presentation in Dr. Timothy Buckley (Chair), National Exposure Research Laboratory Retreat. Symposium conducted at the meeting of US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH. (National)

Invited Presentations at Conferences

Coutts, C. (presented 2015). The ecology of health. Presentation at Exploring wellness: What it is and why it matters for society?, Florida State University Fellow Society. (Local)

Coutts, C. (presented 2014). An ecological model of health. Presentation at Research Coordination Network in Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability, Human Behavior (Theme II) & Social/Policy Impacts (Theme III) working groups, National Science Foundation, Charlotte, NC. (National)

Coutts, C. (presented 2009). Planning and public health pedagogy roundtable. Presentation at Annual meeting, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Planning. (National)

Invited Presentations at Symposia

Coutts, C. (presented 2018, November). The ecology of health. In Grand Rounds. Presentation at the meeting of Florida Department of Health. (State)

Coutts, C. (presented 2018, November). The ecology of health. In Richard DiGiulio (Chair), Program in Environmental Health. Presentation at the meeting of Duke University. (Local)

Refereed Presentations at Conferences

Coutts, C. (presented 2015). Human health, ecosystem services, and green infrastructure. Poster presentation at EcoCity World Summit, EcoCities, Abu Dhabi, UAE. (International)

Coutts, C. (presented 2010). A GIS based methodology to study the relationship between landscape structure and mortality and physical activity in Florida. Presentation at EcoHealth Biannual meeting, Association for Ecology and Health, London, UK. (International)

Nonrefereed Presentations at Conferences

Coutts, C. (presented 2018, March). The ecology of health. Presentation at The Natural Capital Project Annual Symposium, The Natural Capital Project, Stanford University. (International)

Nonrefereed Presentations at Symposia

Coutts, C. (presented 2007, March). Greenway accessibility and physical activity behavior. In Center for Demography and Pop Health Brownbag. Presentation at the meeting of FSU. (Local)

Invited Lectures and Readings of Original Work

Coutts, C. (2019). Fulbright Research. Delivered at DURP Lunch & Learn. (Local)

Coutts, C. (2019). Global Health class. Delivered at Geography Dept. (Local)

Coutts, C. (2019). Motorbikes, mud, and ecosystems research in Malawi. Delivered at DURP PhD colloquium. (Local)

Coutts, C. (2017, February). Green infrastructure and public health book reading/signing. Delivered at APA Capital Section. (Local)

Coutts, C. (2016, November). The ecology of health. Delivered at FSU Department of Public Administration. (State)

Coutts, C. (2014, May). Nature and death: The relationship between green space and premature mortality in Florida. Delivered at Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain. (International)

Coutts, C. (2011, September). Urban and environmental planning for public health. Delivered at Florida A & M University. (Local)

Coutts, C. (2011, March). Greenways and multimodal transport: A health perspective. Delivered at University of Florida. (State)

Coutts, C. (2011, March). Urban and environmental planning for public health. Delivered at Duke University. (Regional)

Coutts, C. (2010). Climate change and public health. Delivered at Florida Dept of Health, Tallahassee, FL. (Regional)

Coutts, C. (2008, October). Greenway accessibility and physical activity behavior. Delivered at University of Florida. (State)

Coutts, C. (2008, June). Health in coastal communities. Delivered at FSU Coastal and Marine Lab. (Local)

Contracts and Grants

Contracts and Grants Funded

Coutts, C. J. (Aug 2023–Jan 2026). US Forest Service Internship. Funded by US Forest Service. Total award $97,859. 

Coutts, C. (Jan 2019–May 2019). Supporting the Critical Role of Nature Conservation in the Healthy Sustainable Development of Malawi. Funded by US Fulbright Core Scholar program. Total award $50,000. 

Coutts, C. (Apr 2018–Apr 2019). Definitions of Walkability. Funded by Florida Department of Health. Total award $20,000. 

Williams, P., & Coutts, C. (Aug 2016–Aug 2020). Health Policy Research Scholars program. Funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Total award $120,000. 

Newman, J., Coutts, C., & Kim, A. (Feb 2014–Feb 2015). Mapping Children's Pathways to Extramural Sport and Physical Activity. Funded by Council on Research and Creativity, Florida State University. Total award $25,000. 

Newman, J., & Coutts, C. (May 2013–Aug 2013). Mapping Children's Pathways to Extramural Sport and Physical Activity. Funded by FSU College of Education. Total award $4,000. 

Feiock, R., & Coutts, C. (Aug 2011–Mar 2012). The Local Benefits of Sustainability Symposium. Funded by DeVoe Moore Center. Total award $40,000. 

Chapin, T.(PI), & Coutts, C. (Jan 2011–Oct 2012). Local Mitigation Strategy Plan Revision and Update Initiative. Funded by Florida Division of Emergency Management. Total award $168,428. 

Coutts, C. (May 2010–Aug 2010). Grant Development Award. Funded by FSU Center for Demography and Population Health. Total award $10,000. 

Chapin, T., Audirac, I., Brown, J., Coutts, C., Lowe, J., Thompson, G., & Horner, M. (May 2009–May 2010). Promoting Energy Sustainability through Land Use, Transportation, and Green Infrastructure Policies. Funded by Institute for Energy Systems, Economics, and Sustainability. Total award $177,460. 

Koeppel, P. (PI), Chapin, T., & Coutts, C. (Apr 2009–Dec 2010). Local Mitigation Strategy Planning Internship Program. Funded by Florida Division of Emergency Management. Total award $479,471. 

Coutts, C. (May 2008–Aug 2008). Green Infrastructure Connectivity and Human Health in Florida. Funded by FSU DeVoe Moore Center. Total award $12,372. 

Coutts, C. (PI), & Koeppel, P. (Aug 2007–Aug 2010). DCA Div. of Emergency Management Internship Program. Funded by Florida Division of Emergency Management. Total award $196,046. 

Coutts, C. (May 2007–Aug 2007). A role for open space acquisition in growth management: A consideration of green infrastructure and public health in Florida. Funded by Council on Research and Creativity, Florida State University. Total award $16,000. 

Resource Grant

Coutts, C. (2013). A grant of $12,720. Use of GPS in GIS Instruction. Sponsored by FSU Information Technology Governance Council. 

Contracts and Grants Denied

Williams, P., & Coutts, C. (2018). Sleep problems among Blacks under pressure of displacement. Submitted to National Institutes of Health, F31. Unspecified award amount. 

Shen, R., Coutts, C., & Feiock, R. (Dec 2017). Letter of Intent: Are sustainable cities healthier cities? Submitted to Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Unspecified award amount. 

Misra, V., Borisova, T., Coutts, C., Asefa, T., & Zhang, Q. (Nov 2016). Whither are the thresholds in a Florida Urban Water System: Replaying history in a future world. Submitted to National Science Foundation. Unspecified award amount. 

Coutts, C., & Perkins + Will Consultants. (Oct 2016). Signals for change. Shore to Core competition. Submitted to The City of West Palm Beach. Unspecified award amount. 

Newman, J., Coutts, C., Kim, A., & Burdette, A. (Jul 2016). A community-based participatory research approach to utilizing social media for increased team sport participation among socially-disadvantaged youth in Tallahassee, Florida. Submitted to National Institutes of Health. Total award $25,000. 

Feiock, R., Coutts, C., & Butler, W. (2016). Letter of Intent: Enhancing coastal community resilience and well-being in the Gulf of Mexico region. Submitted to National Academies of Science/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Unspecified award amount. 

Taylor, J., Coutts, C., & Burdette, A. (2016). Letter of Intent: Racial contrasts in social location, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Submitted to Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Unspecified award amount. 

Coutts, C. (Feb 2015). Letter of Intent: Landscape, land use, and ecosystem services in Karonga, Malawi. Submitted to Ford Foundation. Unspecified award amount. 

Coutts, C., Miles, R., & Starace, S. (Nov 2011). An innovative environmental support for physical activity among elementary school students in Escambia County, Florida. Submitted to National Institutes of Health. Unspecified award amount. 

Reviews of My Research and Original Creative Work by Other Authors

Reviews Appearing in Journals

Botchwey, N. (2017). Green Infrastructure and Public Health. Journal of the American Planning Association.

Research Completed or in Progress

Basmajian, C., & Coutts, C. (2024). Planning for cemetery futures. 

Gawlik, K., & Coutts, C. (2024). Recommendations to reduce vector-borne disease transmission in urban green spaces. 

Service

Florida State University

FSU University Service

Co-chair, Africa Interest Group (2019–present).

Member, Faculty Senate Grievance Committee (2025–2028).

Advisory Board Member, Bioecological Center for Rural Children's Health EPA-G2023-STAR-C1 grant (2023–2027).

Member, Academic Exchange Oversight Committee (2021–2025).

Member, International Advisory Committee (2019–2025).

Faculty Advisor, Rise Against Hunger student organization (2021–2024).

Member, Council on Research and Creativity (2021–2023).

Member, Fulbright Faculty Committee (2020–2023).

Member, Academic Honor Policy Hearing (2022).

Member, Honors Program Application Review Committee (2020–2022).

Reviewer, Fulbright Student Interviews (2021).

Panelist, Faculty Fulbright Panel (2020).

Reviewer, Student Fulbright Application (2019).

Member, Resource Stewardship Working Group, Sustainability Advisory Board (2017–2019).

Member, Graduate Policy Committee (2016–2018).

Member, Dining Advisory Council (2015–2018).

Reviewer, Wilson-Auzenne Graduate Assistantship (2017).

Member, Faculty Senate Grievance Committee (2016–2017).

Trustee, International Programs, Inc. Board of Directors (2011–2016).

Chair, Student Conduct Panel Hearing (2013–2015).

Member, Provost's International Strategic Planning and Activities Review committee (2013–2014).

Reviewer, Council on Research and Creative Activity (2013).

Member, Faculty Senate Library Committee Open Access Task Force (2013).

Invited speaker, Freshman Interest Group (2013).

Guest, President's High Table (2013).

Invited speaker, Promotion and Tenure workshop (2013).

Member, Academic Honor Policy Hearing (2012–2013).

Member, Program in Interdisciplinary Computing Steering Committee (2011–2013).

FSU College Service

Member, Post Tenure Review Committee (2025–present).

COSSPP Liaison, FSU International Programs and Exchange Agreements (2023–present).

Member, Promotion and Tenure Committee (2019–present).

Member, Bachelor of Science in Public Health Committee (2017–present).

Member, Public Health Program Specialized Faculty Promotion Committee (2025).

Panel member, Promotion to Full Professor Panel (2022).

Member, Specialized Faculty Promotion Committee (2021–2022).

Member, Bachelor of Public Health Faculty Search Committee (2020).

Member, Policy and Academic Affairs Committee (2016–2018).

Member, Promotion and Tenure Committee (2017).

Chair, Policy and Academic Affairs (2012–2014).

Member, MPH Accreditation Committee (2013–2014).

Member, Policy and Academic Affairs (2010–2012).

FSU Department Service

Chair, Studio Advisory Committee (2026–present).

Coordinator, International Programs (2011–present).

Member, Tenure and Promotion Committee (2007–present).

Faculty Representative, Grade Appeal Board (2026).

Interim Director, PhD Program (2025).

Chair, Faculty Search Committee (2024–2025).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2024).

Chair, Studio Advisory Committee (2024).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2023).

Chair, Studio Advisory Committee (2021).

Faculty evaluator, Teaching Observation (2020).

Chair, Academic Personnel Committee (2019–2020).

Chair, Studio Advisory Committee (2018).

Chair, MSP Policy Committee (2016–2018).

Director, Masters Program (2015–2018).

Member, Budget Committee (2011–2018).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2017).

Director, Undergraduate Program (2012–2014).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2013).

Chair, Curriculum Committee (2012–2013).

Interim Director, Master's Internationalist Program with Peace Corps (2012–2013).

Coordinator, Dept Webpage (2007–2012).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2011).

Member, Faculty Search Committee (2010–2011).

Member, Academic Personnel Committee (2009–2010).

Member, Curriculum Committee (2009–2010).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2009).

Member, Admissions Committee (2008–2009).

Member, Doctoral Policy Committee (2008–2009).

Member, Financial Aid Committee (2008–2009).

Member, Budget Committee (2007–2008).

Member, Masters Admissions Committee (2007–2008).

Member, Studio Advisory Committee (2007).

FSU Institute or Center Service

Faculty Affiliate, Center for Demography and Population Health (2017–present).

Member, Center for Demography and Population Health Executive Committee (2011–2016).

Judge, Institute for Energy Systems, Economics, and Sustainability student poster competition (2010).

Chair, Library Committee (2008–2009).

Member, Library Committee (2007–2008).

FSU Program Service

Faculty Affiliate, African American Studies (2024–present).

Member, Honors Program Faculty Committee (2020–present).

Member, Masters of Public Health Executive Committee (2009–present).

Faculty Representative, MPH Program Graduate Programs Committee Review (2021).

The Profession

Editor for Refereed Journals

Associate Editor, Journal of Planning Education and Research (2024).

Guest Editing for Refereed Journals

Milliken, S., Kotzen, B., Walimbe, S., Coutts, C., Grant, M., & Beatley, T. (Eds.). (2021). Biophilic Cities [Special Issue]. Cities & Health.

Botchwey, N., Stiftel, B., Coutts, C., Ross, C., & Trowbridge, M. (Eds.). (2021). Community Design and Revitalization to Promote Health [Special Issue]. Journal of the American Planning Association.

Feiock, R., & Coutts, C. (Eds.). (2013). Climate change and city hall [Special Issue]. Cityscape, 15(1).

Series Editor for Books

Biodiversity and health in the face of climate change (2018).

Editorial Board Membership(s)

European Journal of Sustainable Development Research (2025–present).

European Journal of Environment and Public Health (2016–2025).

Cities & Health (2016–2023).

Guest Reviewer for Refereed Journals

Journal of the American Planning Association (2025).

Susatinability (2025).

Journal of the American Planning Association (2023).

Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy (2023).

Cities & Health (2016–23).

Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education (2021).

The Lancet, Planetary Health (2021).

Case Studies on Transport Policy (2020).

Cities (2020).

Forests (2020).

Land Use Policy (2020).

Landscape and Urban Planning (2011–19).

Journal of Planning Literature (2017–18).

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management (2012–18).

Journal of Environmental Health (2007–18).

Landscape Journal (2017).

PLOS ONE (2017).

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2013–17).

American Journal of Public Health (2008–17).

Environmental Health Perspectives (2016).

Geocarto International (2014–16).

Population and Environment (2009–16).

British Medical Journal Open (2015).

Challenges in Sustainability (2015).

Science of the Total Environment (2015).

Transportation Research Record (2013–14).

Preventive Medicine (2013).

Journal of Urban Planning and Development (2009–13).

Journal of Planning History (2012).

Land Use Science (2012).

Environmental Justice (2011).

Journal of Planning Education and Research (2011).

Environment and Planning B (2010).

Planning Practice and Research (2010).

Environmental Impact Assessment Review (2009).

Human Ecology (2009).

Journal of Maps (2008).

Reviewer for Textbooks

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Science (2022).

Biodiversity, Physical Health and Climate Change: A Synthesis of Recent Evidence (2019).

Chair of a Symposium

Botchwey, N., Stiftel, B., Coutts, C., Ross, C., & Trowbridge, M. (Chair). (2021). Community Design and Revitalization to Promote Health. Symposium conducted at the meeting of Journal of the American Planning Association, virtual. 

Reviewer or Panelist for Grant Applications

Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (2026).

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) (2024).

Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (2023).

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2023).

US Department of State, Fulbright (2023).

Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (2022).

US Department of State, Fulbright (2022).

Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (2021).

Sea Grant Delaware (2021).

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (2020).

National Research and Development Agency of Chile (2020).

Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (2020).

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (2020).

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2018).

Research Council of Norway (2017).

US Environmental Protection Agency (2017).

US Environmental Protection Agency (2016).

Natural Environment Research Council of the UK (2016).

Service to Professional Associations

Refereed Journal Liaision, International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) (2021–2023).

Co-Chair, Food Systems, Community Health, and Safety track, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (2017–2018).

Discussant, Session 8.8: Transforming food access at the local level, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (2016).

Annual conference abstract reviewer, Transportation Research Board (2010–2015).

Annual conference abstract reviewer, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (2007).

Interviews

Taubman, B. (2023, October). 'Tallahassee's premier nature park' to open with wetlands, boardwalk and playground. Tallahassee Democrat [newspaper]. Retrieved from https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/communities/2023/10/17/debbie-lightsey-nature-park-brings-trails-boardwalk-to-tallahassee-blueprint/71172797007/

Gimeno, S. (2022). Human Ecology. ENC2135 student. 

Corrie, J. (2022). Losing Florida. Flagler College Student Project. Retrieved from https://losingflorida.com/

Deanna Rollinger, A. D. (2021). Meet a Social Scientist. COSSPP Blog: Wicked Problems, Wicked Solutions. Retrieved from https://wicked-solutions.blog/2021/06/10/meet-a-social-scientist-dr-christopher-coutts-from-the-department-of-urban-and-regional-planning/

Nguyen, T. (2019, September). Human Composting Could Help Crowded Cities Bury Their Dead Sustainably. Freethink. Retrieved from https://www.freethink.com/articles/human-composting-green-burials

Cella, M. (2018). Rethinking Death in America. US News & World Report. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2018-10-31/rethinking-death-in-america

Yeo, S. (2018). Natural Burials are Rising, and that's Good for the Planet. Pacific Standard. Retrieved from https://psmag.com/environment/bury-me-under-the-weeping-willow

Barron, J. (2017). A Hemmed-In Cemetery Finds a Bit More Space. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/22/nyregion/a-hemmed-in-cemetery-finds-a-bit-more-space.html?rref=collection%2Fbyline%2Fjames-barron&action=click&contentCollection=undefined&region=stream&module=strea

Schenke, J. (2017). Urban Cemeteries Running Out Of Space As Baby Boomers Enter Twilight Years. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bisnow/2017/11/03/urban-cemeteries-running-out-of-space-as-baby-boomers-enter-twilight-years/#2bb1ab8c579c

Owens, C. (2016). Reconnecting Urban Planning and Public Health. Next City. Retrieved from https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/urban-planning-public-health-collaborating

Krause-Jackson, F. (2014). Scarce Cemetery Space Creates Prices to Die For: Cities. Bloomberg News. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-04/scarce-cemetery-space-creates-prices-to-die-for-cities

Anonymous. (2013). Baby Boom Will Lead to Shortage of Cemetery Space. The New York Times. 

Biegelsen, A. (2012). America's Looming Burial Crisis. The Atlantic: Citylab. 

Wiatrowski, K. (2011). Tampa Bay Area's Newest Suburbs Set Growth Limit. The Tampa Tribune. 

Service to Other Universities

Reviewer, Promotion to Full Professor, University of Central Florida (2026). 

Reviewer, Promotion to Full Professor, University of Oklahoma (2024). 

Reviewer, Promotion and Tenure, University of Utah (2024). 

External Evaluator, Academic Program Review, Urban Studies and Planning, Wayne State University (2022). 

Reviewer, Promotion to Full Professor, Georgia Tech University (2021). 

Reviewer, Promotion and Tenure, University of Delaware (2019). 

Reviewer, Promotion, University of Florida (2018). 

Reviewer, Promotion and Tenure, University of South Florida (2018). 

The Community

Moderator, National Endowment for the Arts, Big Read author talk.  Andrew Krivak, The Bear, Leon County Library (2024).

Presenter, The Ecology of Health, Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) (2023).

Consultant, Assisting with planning new route through GA and FL, Backcountry Discovery Routes (2020–2021).

Volunteer, Tall Timbers Research Station (2018).

Consultant, Plan 4 Healthy Florida, The integration of land use planning and public health in the state of Florida, American Planning Association/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017).

Volunteer, Better Block Frenchtown, City of Tallahassee (2016).

Reviewer, Project for Public Spaces/Kaiser Permenante (2016).

Consultant, Great Plains Trail Alliance (2014–2015).

Reviewer, Big Bend Area Health Education Center (2008).

Consultant, Development of environmental health indicators, Florida Department of Health (2007).

Consultation

CUSP India. Faculty advisor (2017–present).

Additional Service Not Reported Elsewhere

Coutts, C. (2022). Pre-departure orientation guest facilitator. US Fulbright Program. 

Coutts, C. J. (2020). Pre-departure orientation guest facilitator. US Fulbright Program. 

Coutts, C. (2016). Reviewer, Jacques May thesis prize. American Association of Geographers, Health and Medical Geography Specialty Group. 

Coutts, C. (2016). Reviewer, book proposal, A reader in planning and green infrastructure for climate change. Routledge Press. 

Coutts, C. (2016). Reviewer, The case for healthy places report. Project for Public Spaces/Kaiser Permanente. 

Coutts, C. (2016). Panelist, eHealth Intervention Presentations. College of Communication & Information. 

Coutts, C. (2015). Panelist, eHealth Intervention Presentations. College of Communication & Information. 

Coutts, C. (2013). Panelist, eHealth Intervention Presentations. College of Communication & Information. 

Coutts, C. (2012). Panelist, eHealth Intervention Presentations. College of Communication & Information. 

Coutts, C. (2011). Facilitator, Engage Your World event. Center for Global Engagement. 

Coutts, C. (2011). Faculty Representative, Academic misconduct hearing. Florida State University. 

Coutts, C. (2011). Participant, President's Retreat. Florida State University. 

Coutts, C. (2010). Facilitator, President's Retreat. Florida State University. 

Coutts, C. (2009). Commencement department representative. Florida State University. 

Coutts, C. (2008). Faculty Representative, Academic misconduct hearing. Florida State University. 

Coutts, C. (2007). Commencement department representative. FSU. 

Coutts, C. (2007). Department website administrator. 

Coutts, C. (2007). Faculty advisor. HOPE international student organization.