Miss Mahsa Mostaghim
(she/her)
PhD student Cardiff University
Teams and roles for Mahsa Mostaghim
Research student
Overview
I am a PhD researcher in Geography and Planning at Cardiff University, with a background in urban planning, GIS, and environmental analysis. My research focuses on self-build housing in the UK, particularly the institutional and policy barriers that affect its development and its potential contribution to sustainable housing.
I am interested in how planning systems, governance structures, and housing policies shape opportunities for individuals and communities to participate in housing development. My work also explores the relationship between housing affordability, sustainability, and alternative housing delivery models.
Alongside my PhD research, I have experience working on urban planning and environmental projects involving spatial analysis, remote sensing, and land-use studies. I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary approaches that connect planning, sustainability, and social policy to address contemporary housing challenges.
Research
Research Interests
My research interests are centred on housing studies, urban planning, sustainability, and institutional approaches to housing development. I am particularly interested in self-build housing, housing policy, planning systems, sustainable development, and the role of governance and institutions in shaping housing delivery in the UK.
I also have a strong background in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and environmental modelling. My previous research has focused on land use and land cover (LULC) change, land surface temperature (LST), urban environmental change, aerosol concentrations, and sustainable urban development.
Key research keywords include:
- Self-build housing
- Housing policy
- Sustainable housing
- Urban planning
- Institutionalism
- Historical institutionalism
- Planning systems
- GIS and spatial analysis
- Remote sensing
- Land use and land cover change (LULC)
- Land surface temperature (LST)
- Sustainable urban development
- Environmental modelling
Current Research
Self-Build Housing and Institutional Barriers in the UK
My current PhD research at Cardiff University explores the barriers affecting self-build housing development in the UK. The project investigates how planning systems, institutional structures, governance arrangements, and housing policies influence the growth of the self-build sector and its potential contribution to sustainable housing delivery.
The research also examines how institutional approaches, particularly historical institutionalism, can help explain long-term patterns within housing systems and policy implementation.
Previous and Ongoing Research Projects
Urban Environmental Change and Remote Sensing Analysis
My previous research projects have focused on analysing the relationship between land use change, urbanisation, land surface temperature, and environmental quality using satellite imagery and GIS-based approaches.
These studies have involved:
- Landsat and MODIS satellite data analysis
- Google Earth Engine (GEE)
- Spatial and temporal modelling
- Machine learning approaches for environmental analysis
- Urban sustainability and climate-related studies
Several projects have focused on Istanbul and investigated the impacts of urban growth and environmental change on urban systems.
Collaborations and Academic Interests
I am interested in interdisciplinary collaboration across urban planning, housing studies, sustainability, GIS, and environmental research. My broader academic interests include:
- Sustainable and affordable housing
- Alternative housing delivery systems
- Urban governance and planning policy
- Climate-sensitive urban development
- Spatial data analysis and environmental monitoring
Thesis
Increasing Self-Build in the UK by Overcoming Barriers and Promoting Sustainable Building Practices
This research aims to explore the key obstacles faced by self-builders and provide strategies to overcome these challenges. By fostering a more supportive environment for self-build, this research aims to contribute to alleviating the housing crisis while promoting sustainable construction practices in the UK.
Biography
I am a PhD researcher in Geography and Planning at Cardiff University. My research focuses on self-build housing in the UK, with particular interest in institutional approaches, housing policy, sustainability, and planning systems.
I do have an academic and professional background in urban planning, GIS, and environmental analysis. My previous research and project experience have focused on land use and land cover change, land surface temperature, remote sensing, and sustainable urban development, with several projects centred on Istanbul and other urban contexts.
Before beginning my PhD, I worked as a university lecturer and was involved in a range of urban planning and regeneration projects. My professional experience includes participation in urban design, spatial planning, urban regeneration, and environmental analysis projects in Iran and Turkey.
Alongside my academic work, I have experience using GIS, remote sensing technologies, and spatial analysis tools for interdisciplinary urban and environmental research. My broader research interests include sustainable housing, planning policy, urban governance, environmental change, and alternative housing delivery systems.
Honours and awards
- PhD Researcher in Geography and Planning, Cardiff University, United Kingdom (2026–Present)
- Unconditional Offer for PhD Study in Geography and Planning, Cardiff University, United Kingdom (2026)
- Research Experience in Urban Planning, GIS, and Environmental Analysis Projects focusing on Land Use/Land Cover Change, Remote Sensing, and Sustainable Urban Development (2023–2026)
- Participation in Urban Planning and Regeneration Projects in Iran and Turkey, including spatial planning and sustainable development studies (Previous Years)
- University Lecturer and Mathematics Educator with experience in academic teaching and curriculum support (Previous Years)
