Maria Ustinova works as a Consultant at the World Bank office in Moscow, where she supports various technical assistance and lending projects in the field of education and social protection. She also serves as an Associated Researcher at the Urban Health Games Research Group, which is a part of Architecture Department at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. She contributes to the research projects, which investigate how urban planning and design influence human health and wellbeing, particularly focusing on school learning environments. Maria holds double master’s degree in international cooperation and urban development from Darmstadt University of Technology, Germany and University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. Prior to joining the Bank, she worked as consultant for United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, as well as for various projects of DG Education and Culture of European Commission and Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Union. Her areas of research and professional interest include education facilities design, early childhood development, health promoting design and participatory practices in education facilities design.