Ralph Gakenheimer specializes in urban transportation planning, infrastructure, and urban development planning in developing countries and the United States. His current research involves changing urban conditions in China resulting from increases in motorization and increased income. He is co-director of Mobility and Air Quality in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, and is a Developing Countries Specialist in the MIT Cooperative Mobility Program. He was chair of the American Planning Association, International Division and was editor of the Journal of the American Planning Association. He headed a project on strategic planning for the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, and conducted research regarding real estate holding companies in Middle Eastern downtown redevelopment.