Aathira Pillai

Aathira Pillai grew up in Mumbai, India. She is committed to addressing urban challenges through an interdisciplinary approach integrating systems thinking, community resilience, and governance transformation. She graduated with a Master in Urban Planning from Harvard University, concentrating on environment, climate, and international development. Aathira’s research focuses on the spatial and social dynamics that shape cities, their infrastructures, and processes. Her passion for urban planning stems from her research and professional experiences, particularly in informality, environmental sustainability, and participatory policymaking.

At Harvard, Aathira has engaged with a variety of urban issues in developing economies, sustainability and resilience building, data, and governance. Her previous work with a research think tank focused on using advanced mapping tools to analyze contemporary urban conditions, and her consultancy for ReCity Network India on solid waste management reflects her drive to make cities more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. She was previously a Summer Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Community Lab, working to advance digital equity in the southern states of the US.

Aathira holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Mumbai University and a Master of Advanced Architecture from NMIMS, Mumbai. Before coming to Harvard, she worked with city governments, nonprofits, and grassroot movements in India. These experiences have shaped her deep interest in the intersection of spatial development, social equity, and infrastructure. In her free time, Aathira enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and exploring cities by foot. She is always on the lookout to explore new food and culture.

Initial Fellowship Focus: The fellow will assist in developing a structure and framework to expand the city’s current performance system to all departments—which can enhance the city’s capacity to identify and leverage its data operationally—and will contribute to the development of a strategic vision for the city’s long-term performance management ambitions.