The Bloustein School announced on May 11 the promotion of Juan Ayala and Jim Samuel to Professor of Professional Practice, following approval by the Rutgers-New Brunswick Provost’s office on May 7.
These promotions recognize the contributions of both faculty members to academic instruction and research. The announcement is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts at the school to advance teaching and scholarship in planning, design, and public informatics.
Ayala’s teaching focuses on connecting academic inquiry with practical application. He guides students through applied studio projects that address real-world planning and design challenges. His approach emphasizes iterative design processes, evidence-based exploration, and critical visual analysis to help students understand how design thinking informs practice. Ayala has been a member of the Bloustein faculty since 2013 and previously served as an instructor in the master’s in urban planning program from 2010-2013.
Samuel is recognized for his expertise in information science and artificial intelligence (AI), with experience spanning finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and data analytics. His primary research covers human intelligence interactions with AI systems as well as information philosophy. Applied research areas include big data-driven AI applications, text analytics, natural language processing, public informatics, socioeconomic implications of AI, machine learning applications, social media analytics, AI education and bias. Samuel also serves as Executive Director of the school’s Master of Public Informatics degree program.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy operates as part of Rutgers University—the State University of New Jersey—and has earned national rankings such as third place for its graduate urban planning program and fourth for its undergraduate public health program according to the official website. The school focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive communities while advancing research centers dedicated to community development, transportation policy, health initiatives, workforce development programs and energy policy initiatives according to the official website.
Stuart Shapiro assumed the role of dean for the Edward J. Bloustein School in 2023 according to the official website.
