By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS | Adapted from Alabama A&M University
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Two Alabama A&M University graduate students have earned national recognition after securing two of only three 2026 American Planning Association (APA) Foundation Environmental Planning Scholarships awarded nationwide.
Syed Riad Morshed and Nathaniel Peprah, both pursuing master’s degrees in urban and regional planning, received $5,000 each for their academic achievements and commitment to sustainable communities.
The students were selected alongside a University of Louisville recipient in the highly competitive environmental planning category.
Morshed, originally from Bangladesh, researches urban thermal comfort, examining how temperatures and neighborhood conditions affect access to opportunities and services.
Peprah focuses on sustainable land use, environmental resilience and urban development. His research includes agricultural land-use changes and how green spaces can reduce urban heat vulnerability, including in Birmingham.
Both students anticipate graduating in spring 2027 and pursuing doctoral degrees.
The scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need and dedication to environmental planning while helping students advance research addressing environmental challenges.
Their achievements underscore Alabama A&M’s growing contributions to sustainability research, community resilience and the development of future environmental planning professionals.