Diana Susan Nicholas, PH.D., NCIDQ, AIA, LEED GA, NCARB
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9194-0556
https://research.westphal.drexel.edu/ddr4health/ https://designcare4health.com/ https://issuu.com/mouthoflowers
Curriculum Vitae
Education
1994 Bachelor of Architecture
With Design Honors Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
2000 Master of Fine Arts
Studio Arts Program University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA 2023 Master of Science
School of Leadership and Change, Antioch University, Yellow Spring, OH
2025 Doctor of Philosophy
Antioch University: School of Leadership and Change, Yellow Spring, OH.
Dissertation title “Design Thinking for Health Environments: Case study research on health and design innovation centers “
Chair: J. Beth Mabry, Antioch University
Committee members: Elizabeth Sanders, The Ohio State University, Aqeel Tirmizi, Antioch University
Executive Training
2016 Healthcare Planning and Facilities Design Certificate, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, Online
Current Academic Appointments
2021-Present
Associate Professor, Tenured, Department of Architecture, Design, & Urbanism
2016-Present
Founding Director, Master of Science Design Founding director of interdisciplinary master’s program; training students from across design disciplines in a specific evidence-based design research process that I have developed based on best practices across design fields. As program director, I oversee graduate assistants, adjunct instructors, and standing faculty, as well as the budget and establishment of program accreditation. The program is offered in multiple modalities.
2012-Present
Coordinator, Sustainability in the Built Environment (SBE) Undergraduate Minor Coordinate and oversee long-running minor with over 100 alumni over eight years.
2013-Present
Founding Director Drexel Design Research For Health Lab (DRDR4Health) Evidence-based human-centered design research lab in service to health environments and equity. Founder and Director of the research lab. DRDR4Health, faculty collaborator disciplines include STEM, Public Health, Education, Humanities, and Social Science.
Past Appointments
2015-2020 Assistant Professor Tenure track, Department of Architecture, Design, & Urbanism, Interior Architecture + Design Faculty, MS Design Founding Faculty CIDA Accreditation faculty team
2015-2017 Associate Director, Master of Science Interior Architecture + Design; Graduate program leader collaborated with undergraduate program leader.
2010-2015 Assistant Teaching Professor: Department of Architecture, Design, & Urbanism
Teaching areas: graduate interior architecture, thesis, studio, foundational graphics, Conceptual design, materials and construction, Successful CIDA Accreditation leader; NAAB assistance; NASAD faculty team
2003-2007 Assistant Professor: Full-time Non-Tenure track Temple University, Tyler School of Art: Architecture; Architecture Foundations Coordinator; Instructor Comprehensive Vertical Studio; Thesis Advisor; NAAB Accreditation Exhibit Coordinator
1999-2003 Adjunct Architecture Instructor: Temple University, Tyler School of Art: Architecture; Architecture Foundations Instructor; Thesis Advisor
1999-2003 &
2009-2010 Adjunct Architecture and Interior Design Instructor Jefferson: first and second-year architecture studios; Thesis advisor; Furniture Design
Research & Innovation
Innovation & Intellectual Property
Small business URBN Steamlab LLC; established 2018
CAGE: 8TRM4 | UEI: H1ZDCWGS8Z84
Small Women-owned business; Diana Nicholas and Shivanthi Anandan: Product Garden Fresh Home/URBN Steamlab simple in-home hydroponic unit supporting Urban Family healthy eating and vegetable access. This unit requires no electricity and is completely compostable.
Patents Pending
2022 Anandan, S., & Nicholas, D. S. (2022). Hydroponic growing system (World Intellectual Property Organization Patent WO2022072392A1).
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2022072392A1/en?q=(hydroponic) &inventor=anandan&oq=anandan+hydroponic
2020 Anandan, S., & Nicholas, D. S. (2020). An urban in-home system for growing fruits and vegetables (World Intellectual Property Organization Patent WO2020028463A1).
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2020028463A1/en
Invitations, Awards, & Fellowships
2025 Invited Judge and Mentor Biodesign Challenge, Parsons New School and MOMA June 11-13, 2025, New York City 2024/25; 2025/26 Awarded Faculty Liaison, The Environmental Collaboratory: Joined the Collaboratory as Faculty advisor and collaborator – Launched TEC Coop Climate Cohorts program.
2024 Drexel Provost’s Award for Pedagogical Innovation: award for innovation in program development, coursework development, and implementation.
2024 Drexel Graduate College 2024 Social Change Award For Equity: Advisee Tanaya Deshpande Thesis Student and Research Assistant Winner: Prize awarded for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts of graduate and professional BIPOC student community in antiracist community engagement, activism, and involvement within and outside of the University community.
2023 Invited Researcher Swiss Center for Design and Health (SCDH): Invited to do onsite research for my dissertation entitled: Design Thinking for Health Environments: Case study research on design and health complexity; Bienne Switzerland
2022 Drexel Emerging Graduates Conference: Dean’s Award for Best In-Person Research Poster Presentation Advisee Alisha Prabhakar: What’s Your Version of Safe Space?
2021 Honors College Fellow Award: Disaster Series: Buildings, Health, Climate, and Disaster
2021 Drexel University Writers Room Second Story Collective Faculty Fellow
2020 Mentee Award: Drexel Graduate College Research Award Winner Graduate College Award Winner - Most Original & Creative Work Thelmelis Abreu, master’s Program in Design Research Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Awarded for her Design Research Thesis work and her work with Shivanthi Anandan and D.S. Nicholas on Garden Fresh Home
Tenure awarded AY 2021
2019 Drexel Freddie Reisman Faculty Creativity Award: Garden Fresh Homes Bio-substrates funding award for Exhibit Installation
2018 NIH Health in Building Round table (HIBR) Fellows First Cohort Member: HIBR Scholars Funding Award: Travel Award and Presentation at Annual symposium July 2018
2018 Mentee Award: Drexel Graduate College Research Award Winner Most Original & Creative: Advisee Nicole Feller-Johnson, Dual MS Programs in Fashion & Design Research, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
Awarded for her Dual Design Research and Fashion Thesis Masters; D.S. Nicholas, Design Research Thesis Advisor
2018 Mentee Award: Student Conference on Global Challenges Map The Gap Research Project Outstanding Presentation Award Thanh My Nguyen and Samantha Stein: 11th Annual Conference
2018 Mentee Award: Drexel Common Good Award Advisee Thanh My Nguyen: University Finalist for her work with The Scattergood project Map the Gap with Dr. Yvonne Michael and D.S. Nicholas and Design Research Thesis
2016 Drexel Honors College D.S. Nicholas, Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year: Research Award
2015 Mentee Award: Best in Show Student Work Venturewell Open: Dawn McDougall: URBN Diary
2015 Mentee Award: Founders.Org Finalist Circle TERN: Mohammed Zerban
2014 Mentee Award: Undergraduate Custom Design Major Advisor: Co-Advisee Chelsey Knittel: Awarded 2014 NSF Fellowship with Professor Genevieve Dion
2009 AIA PA Citation of Merit: “Shared Prosperity and Beyond”: Architecture studio D.S. Nicholas and Sally Harrison at Temple, in collaboration with The Village of Arts and Humanities, and Penn Praxis/Harris Steinberg.
Design Credentials & Licenses
2002-Present Registered Architect, Pennsylvania RA Number: RA015514
2002-Present AIA Pennsylvania Member
2017- Present National Council on Interior Design Qualification Certificate Number: 318309
2016-Present LEED Green Associate
2009-Present NCARB Certified Certificate Number: 68093
2002-2018 On Design Registered Architecture Firm, Pennsylvania
Societies & Affiliations
2021-2025 American Society of Interior Design Member
2019-Present Urban Health Collaborative (UHC) Faculty Affiliate
2016-2024 Design Research Society Member
2014-2020 Environmental Design Research Association Member
2011-2017 Interior Design Educators Council Institutional Affiliate Member
2007-2018 City Certified Women Owned Business (WBE) City of Philadelphia certification
2014 AIA Health and Design Research Consortium, Member Drexel Team: Principal Investigators: Yvonne Michael and Debra Ruben Partners
Current community partners are The Second Story Collective, Writers Room, Casa Farnese, and Bancroft. I am currently undertaking funded pilots and long-term projects with each of these organizations that include community feedback, and engagement to better understand and continue to serve older adults in the aging space. Past partners both pre- and post-tenure, include One Art Community Center, Penn Medicine, The Autism Institute, Van Buren Maine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Domestic Violence Centers of Chester County, The Alliance of Non-Profit Care
Providers, Presbyterian Homes, Fabric Health, IMPACT Services, FAIMER, DUO, Age well Collaboratory, and People’s Emergency Center. Drexel Schools and Colleges: College of Arts And Sciences, Dornsife School Of Public Health, School of Education, School of Engineering.
Research & Entrepreneurial Funding
• Currently, I am Key Personnel and Co-PI $1,955,000 in federal (NSF) funding under review
• I am Co-PI on a further foundation proposal that is under review of $10,000,000
• May 2021-Present: PI, Co-PI, or Key Personnel on funding awarded totaling $1,360,350
2011-Present: PI, Co-PI, or Key Personnel on funding awarded totaling $2,606,680
Under Review and Planned
2025 Submission Date Sept 1, 2025, $125,000 External Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Sara Ralston Foundation
Two years of funding to extend MCSAP to 5 more residences, 10 Apartments, and 1 @ 6 unit Assisted-living Pod.
2025 $10,000,000 Foundation LOI Funding Submitted 07/30/2025
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: Burroughs Wellcome Fund: Centers for Centers for Climate and Health Excellence: Drexel Chex
Team: Mathy Stanislaus (PI), Nicholas Diana (CO-PI), Usama Bilal (CO-PI), Ana Diez Roux (CO-PI), Mira Olsen (CO-PI)
2025 $1,455,000 Federal Innovation Funding submitted 7/11/2025
Role: Senior Personnel
Funder: National Science Foundation SBIR Fast-Track: Garden Fresh Home a novel in-home plant hydroponics system, NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs. Dir for Tech, Innovation, & Partnerships (TIP) - Translational Impacts (TI), SBIR Fast-Track. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
2025 $500,000 Federal Funding Submitted 05/15/2025
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: National Science Foundation IGE: Track 1: GENIUS: Group
Eurekas Nurtured by Intelligent User-friendly Software Fleming, Fraser (PI), Nicholas Diana (CO-PI), Ku, Weimo (CO-PI), Elisabeth Van Brockstaele (CO-PI)
Awarded 2025:
2025 $50,000 Federal Entrepreneurial Funding: Customer Discovery
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: National Science Foundation NSF I-Corps National Program; PI Diana Nicholas Ph.D., Shivanthi Anandan Ph.D., Jonathan Deutsch Ph.D., graduate student: Michael Oguntuase; Garden Fresh Home: In-home growing unit
Awarded 2023-2024:
2024
$3,500 External Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Farnese Foundation Farnese Foundation awards the Drexel Design Research for Health Lab a contribution to fund the inaugural Farnese Research Assistantship
2024 $3,000 Federal Entrepreneurial Funding: Customer Discovery
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: National Science Foundation
Northeast Regional National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Propelus program at Princeton University; Team URBN Steamlab, Technical Lead
Diana Nicholas, Entrepreneurial Lead Shivanthi Anandan, and Innovation fellow Michael Oguntuase (Drexel Business Master’s Student), attended Northeast regional National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Propelus program April 4-26 2024.
2024
$5,000 Internal Award
Role: Research Team Member
Funder: The Environmental Collaboratory
PI: Rachel Sherman, MS, Co-PI: Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D.; Climate Hub: Curriculum on climate and food. https://drexel.edu/environmentalcollaboratory/research/climate-hub-grant
2023
$1,000,000 Federal Funding
Role: Key Personnel and Research Team Member
Funder: National Science Foundation: Program: Civic Phase 2
PI: Ayana Allen-Handy, Ph.D., Co-PI: Rachel Wenrick Founding Director
Writer’s Room; Pennsylvania: Philadelphia - Placekeeping: a Co-designed Model for Intergenerational Co-housing and Coalition Building in a University-Adjacent Community. NSF Award #2322329.
Sabbatical Awarded 2022-23
2023 Research Sabbatical Award
Two term sabbatical salary award Exploring the nature of hospital innovation for urban change Winter/Spring 2023-2024
Awarded 2022:
2022
$15,000 External Foundation
Role Primary Investigator
Funder: AIA UpJohn Research Foundation Grant, Foundation Funding
Diana Nicholas with Co-Primary Investigators Rachel Wenrick and Ayana Allen Handy; Age-Friendly University and Community Creative Spaces
2022 $200,000 Federal Funding
Role: Key Personnel, Funder: AmeriCorps Federal Agency
PI: Ayana Allen-Handy, Ph.D., Co-PI: Rachel Wenrick Founding Director
Writer’s Room; Drexel University Arts-centered Community Action: How Public Arts Programming Strengthens Civic Infrastructure and Promotes Civic Innovation 3-Year Funding.
2022 $100,000 External Foundation
Role: Co-Investigator
Funder: William Penn Foundation.
Jenna Hirsch PI; Yvonne Michael Co-I, D.S. Nicholas Co-I, Debra Ruben Co-I, Nancy Epstein Co-I “If You Build It They Will Come” This team is studying the implementation of play spaces in terms of several established measures of spatial success and is making recommendations for future funding of spaces, associated journal article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.51250/jheal.v3i2.62. A publicly available report published in 2023: https://drexel.edu/uhc/research/projects/play-spaceevaluation/.
2022
$10,000 College of Nursing and Health Professions Seed Grant
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Age-well Pilot Grant College Of Nursing And Health Professions: D.S. Nicholas Pi; Rachel Wenrick Co-Pi; Aging-in-place Study Of Creative Spaces At Ross Commons
2022
$10,000 State Funding
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: Pennsylvania Council on The Arts Programming Grant.
Rachel Wenrick PI; D.S. Nicholas Co-PI in support of the 2022 Symposium
2022 $7,500 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Westphal Rankin Scholars in Residence
D.S. Nicholas, Joseph Hancock, Yvonne Michael, June He, To bring Liz Sanders, author of “The Convivial Toolbox,” to give a community-based participatory workshop to students across the University on her generative research process called Maketools; 80 students, faculty, and community members and practitioners attended.
Awarded 2021:
2021
$7,300.00 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Honors College: Spring/Summer Part Time Coop Student Awarded: Received Coop Student to assist with Research (In-Kind Funding)
2021 $4,500.00 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Honors College: Spring/Summer Additional compensation as part of the Honors College Symposium on Disaster
2021 $3,000 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Writers Room Faculty Fellowship awarded through $200,000.00 External Fund Grant to Writer’s Room, Barra Foundation for Second Story Collective: Creative Intergenerational Co-housing: Aging-in-place Mantua and Powelton.
Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
Awarded 2020:
2020
$162,000 Federal Funding
Role: Key Personnel
Funder: AmeriCorps Federal Agency
Additional third year of funding Allen-Handy, A., Wenrick, R., Kashock, K., Nicholas, D. (2018). Anti-displacement: The untapped potential of university-community cooperative living.
Awarded 2019:
2019
$3,000.00 Federal Funding
Role: Co-Principal Investigator.
Funder: National Science Foundation Program: NSF Innovation-Corps (NSF-I-Corps) Drexel University. March 1-March 16, 2019. Garden Fresh Home team Shivanthi Anandan, Diana Nicholas, and Matthew Self. PI: Shintaro Kaido. Role: Team member
2019 $100,000 Foundation Entrepreneurial Funding: R&D
Role: Co-Principal Investigator with 50/50 effort split
Funder: Drexel Ventures Diana Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan Garden Fresh Home
2019
$499,174 Federal Funding
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: National Science Foundation Program: Innovation in Graduate Education
National Science Foundation; “IGE: Creative Interdisciplinary Research in Graduate Education (CIRGE)” PI- Fraser Fleming, Department Head
Chemistry; Co-PI D.S. Nicholas, AIA; Co-PI Paul Gondek, Ph.D.; Co-PI Jen Katz-Buonincontro, Ph.D.; Co-PI Dan King, Ph.D. NSF 17-585 Innovations in Graduate Education Program.
2019 $4,473.00 Research Award: Drexel Faculty Creativity Award; Awarded to D.S. Nicholas for Garden Fresh Home
Role: Principal Investigator
Awarded 2018:
2018
$248,983 Federal Funding
Role: Key Personnel
Funder: AmeriCorps Federal Agency
Allen-Handy, A., Wenrick, R., Kashock, K., Nicholas, D. (2018). Antidisplacement: The untapped potential of university-community cooperative living. AmeriCorps
2018 $5,000 Internal Award
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: ExCITe Seed Funding Research students funded Project: Map the Gap Reducing the Burden of Local Housing Insecurity via EvidenceInformed Digital Design: Map the Gap is a digital tool that connects tenants, landlords, community-based organizations, government agencies, and other resources in Philadelphia. Research Awarded Spring 2018
2018 $1,000 Lindy Center Seed Funding
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: Lindy Center Seed Funding Research student-funded Project D.S. Nicholas, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design: Research; Yvonne Michael, Dornsife School of Public Health: Epidemiology; Samantha Stein, University of Pennsylvania; Thanh My Nguyen, Alumna Westphal College of Media Arts and Design: Research Awarded Spring 2018
2018 $1,000 Research Award: Health in Buildings Round Table (HIBR) Scholar
Funding; Funds awarded to travel to the NIH for symposium event and presentation of research Awarded summer 2017
Role: Principal Investigator
Awarded 2017:
2017
$106,000.00 External Foundation
Role: Co-Principal Investigator with 50/50 effort split
Funder: Scattergood Foundation
Nicholas, D. S., Michael, Y.L. Health and Design Research for Innovation Program; Scattergood Foundation; Three year funding. Funded amount
$106,000.00
2017 $4,000 External Foundation
Role: Co-Principal Investigator with 50/50 effort split
Funder: Scattergood Foundation
Nicholas, D. S., Michael, Y.L. Health and Design Research for Innovation Program; Scattergood Foundation.
Awarded 2016:
2016
$7,500 External Foundation
Role: Co-Principal Investigator with 50/50 effort split
Funder: Scattergood Foundation
Nicholas, D. S., Michael, Y.L. Health and Design Research for Innovation Program; Scattergood Foundation.
2016
$1,000.00 Research Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Undergraduate Outstanding Mentor Research Grant; For the mentorship and support of undergraduate research Pennoni Honors college
2016 $5,000.00 Research Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: ExCITe Center Learning Innovations Committee Stipend; In support of research activities related to Learning Innovation
Awarded 2015
2015 $15,000.00 Research Award.
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Start-Up Award, Tenure Track Conversion Internal Award
2015 $4,742.87 Internal Award
Role: Co-Principal Investigator with 50/50 effort split.
Funder: ExCITe Seed Fund Diana Nicholas, Dr. Shivanthi Anandan; Graduate Student MSIAD Rita Truoncgao; Undergraduate Engineering
Student Will Char Biophilic Interior Living
2015 $7,500 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Diana Nicholas, Rachel Schade, and Mark Willy Rankin Scholars in Residence: Mike Rohde conducted an all-day workshop. He is the author of two books on sketch noting, a method for using sketching and drawing to capture and communicate creative ideas and design solutions.
2015 $7,000 External Foundation
Role: Project Advisor
Creative Placemaking ”Place as Oracle” Funder: LISC 34th and Brandywine Project with Rebecca Rose, Dr. Eugenia Ellis, and Mantua community members.
Awarded 2013/2012/2011
2013 $1,200 Internal Research Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Faculty Research Grant; received grant for the establishment of Research studio: Studio for Immersive Design and Engagement with Debra Ruben; Umbrella for participatory urban research projects
2012 $7,500 Internal Award
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: College of Biomedical Engineering jump-start grant; development grant to investigate 3-D Visualization and the Indoor Ecological MicroBiome. Dr. Uri Hershberg (PI), Dr. Gail Rosen, Dr. Theodore Muth, D.S. Nicholas, Nicole Koltick
2012 $7,000 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Rankin Scholars Program Diana Nicholas Nicole Koltick received a grant to bring digital fabrication experts Modelab to campus for a series of events in October 2012
2012 $20,000 Lindy Center Funding
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Community Engagement Grant Office of the President: Received grant for community design-build project at the Mantua Presbyterian Apartments
2011 $16,500 Internal Award
Role: Principal Investigator.
Funder: Good Idea Fund Award Received award to bring a noted speaker to campus for a multi-day event.
Invited Research Consulting: Health Design Thinking
Funded 2025 $1400
Care Journey Mapping: working with families to unpack their Autism Diagnosis Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics – Breaking Bread Sessions Dr. Neeraja Ravindran Children’s Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH
Under Consideration 2025
Care Blueprinting: Place Outcomes Research Award, “Building Emotional Resilience and Empowerment with Families Post-Negative Genomic Screening Results” Nicole White, Ph.D., MBA Assistant Professor of
Development Behavior Pediatrics Children’s Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH
Recent Funds Not Awarded 2024-2025:
2025
$126,966 Eternal Foundation
Role Co-PI and external collaborator
Latrobe Prize
PI Ajla Aksamija Submitted through University of Utah “Design Strategies for Healthy Retrofits Across Different Building Typologies”, submitted May 15, 2025
2025
2024
$50,000 External Foundation
Role: Finalist Science Center Foundations Fellowship
$46,400 Foundation Funding
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Research Retirement Foundation for Aging Salus-Drexel Aging Shared Approaches: Collaborative research in aging-in-place, evidence, and care. PI; Nicholas, D.S. Co-PIs: Wenrick, R.; Niemiec, J.
2024 $70,000 External Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: American Society of Interior Designers Foundation
ASID Transform Research Grant; PI: D. S. Nicholas Ph.D.; Co-PIs: Salus University Missy Vitek, Dean, Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming; Director, MSc in Clinical Optometry degree program: Lauren Sponseller, Dean Occupational Therapy Anna Grasso, Associate Professor & Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Occupational Therapy Program Fabiana Perla, Associate Professor, GISP Blindness and Low Vision Studies; Co-PIs: Drexel University: June He Westphal; Jacklynn Niemiec, Westphal; Yvonne Michael DSPH (Co-PI)
2024 $174,782 Federal Funding
Main Grant Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
With a $58,000.00 Drexel Subaward
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
STTR Phase I: Garden Fresh Home development Grant Diana Nicholas Ph.D., Shivanthi Anandan Ph.D., Jonathan Deutsch Ph.D., student: Michael Oguntuase; Garden Fresh Home: In-home growing unit. Submitted 16th September 2024 by URBN Steamlab with a proposed subaward to Drexel University.
2024 $5,000 Internal Funding
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Drexel and Salus University Shared Approaches: Collaborative research in aging-in-place, evidence, and care. PI Nicholas, D.S. Co-PIs: Vitek, M.; Perla, F.; Grasso, A.; Sponseller, L.; Michael, Y.; He, J.; Niemiec, J.
2024 $475,000 Federal Funding
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funder: National Science Foundation
IGE: Track 1: GENIUS: Group Eurekas Nurtured by Intelligent Userfriendly Software Fleming, Fraser (PI), Nicholas Diana (CO-PI), Ku, Weimo (CO-PI), Elisabeth Van Brockstaele (CO-PI)
Scholarly Products
Books
Book Accepted 2024:
Leslie Atzmon & Diana Nicholas. (Expected Publication 2027). Biodesign in Context Lived Placed Publishing, international press, publisher/Peer-reviewed.
Peer-Reviewed invited Book Chapters and Preface
1. Atzmon, L. and Nicholas, D. (2026) Emergent design research: Biodesign-inaction, In Ed. Gibson, M. and Owens, K. Navigating the landscapes of design research: Finding your way. Routledge
2. International: Nicholas, D. (2025). Preface: Last woman standing. In Reynders, D. Arts education+: The evolving field of inclusive arts education Savannah Bay.
3. Nicholas, D., Anandan, S. (2023). URBN Steamlab and Biophilic Environments: Science, art and design. In L. Atzmon (Ed.) Design and science: Catalyzing collaborations. University of Michigan / Routledge.
4. Nicholas, D. (2023) Novel territories: Gender and the urban residential interior. In G, Marinic (Ed.), The interior urbanism reader. University of Kansas, Taylor and Francis.
Dissertation
Nicholas, D. S. (2025). Design thinking for health environments: Case study research on innovation, design leadership, and healthcare complexity. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1124
Journals
Journal Articles (peer-reviewed)
Total Published: 9; since achieving tenure: 3 with 2 under review listed below
1. 2023 Peer-reviewed international outlet Michael, Y., Nicholas, D., Ruben, D., Epstein, N., Dickinson, S., & Hirsch, J. (2023). Increasing healthy play: A multi-pronged evaluation of context, design, and perceptions for play space improvements Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living, 3(2), 100–106. https://doi.org/10.51250/jheal.v3i2.62
2. 2023 Peer-reviewed international outlet Hurwich, T., Nicholas, D., Fleming, F., Gondek, P.; Katz-Buonincontro, J., King, D. Designing and iterating for interdisciplinary, creative research in graduate teams; International Journal of Designs for Learning
3. 2022 Perignat, E., Fleming, F. F., Nicholas, D., King, D., Katz-Buonincontro, J., & Gondek, P. (2022). Effective practices for high performing interdisciplinary faculty teams. College Teaching. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87567555.2022.2086525
Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
4. 2020 Nicholas, D., Michael, Y., & Anandan, S. (2020). Covid-19 home signposts. Enquiry The ARCC Journal for Architectural Research, 17(2), 41–62. https://doi.org/10.17831/enq:arcc. v16i2.1073International Outlet
5. 2019 Peer-reviewed international outlet Nicholas, D., (2018). Material home: Novel interventions in the urban abode. Adaptive Intervention| International Journal of Interior Architecture + Spatial Design, 118-121. http://www.iijournal.org/volumes/International Outlet
6. 2019 Peer-reviewed international outlet Stein, S., Nicholas, D., Michael, Y., Nguyen, T., and Giordano, K. (2019). Integrating practical and epistemic actors: Co-constructing a knowledge organization system to address housing insecurity in West Philadelphia. Journal of Advances in Classification Research Online, 29(1), 30–34. https://doi.org/10.7152/acro.v29i1.15465 International Outlet
7. 2018 Peer-reviewed international outlet Michael, Y., Nicholas, D. (2018). Designing with dignity: Health and design research for underserved communities. The Plan Journal: Designing for Impact, Spring 2018, 303-317. doi 10.15274/tpj.2016.01.02.06 http://www.theplanjournal.com/article/designing-dignity-health-anddesign-research-under- served-communities International Outlet
8. 2017 Peer-reviewed international outlet Nicholas, D., Townsend, K., & Michael, Y. (2017). Designing with dignity: Social determinants of health and design research. The Design Journal, 20(sup1), S2238–S2246. https://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2017.1352740 International Outlet
9. 2015 Peer-reviewed international outlet Knittel, C., Nicholas, D., Street, R., Schauer, C., Dion, G., (2015). Self-folding textiles through manipulation of knit stitch architecture. Fibers 3, no. 4, 575–87. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6439/3/4/575 International Outlet
Journal Articles Under Review
Allen-Handy, A., Stein, K., Richardson McCullough, C., Datts, K., Meloche, A., Mathew, K., Likely, R., Escalante, K., Wenrick, R., Nicholas, D., Kaschock, K., Drummond, D., Walls, A., Jung, U., Jenkins, G., Welsh, D., Fox, V., Lowe, L., & Thomas-EL, S. (under review). “Before you know it, a culture is moved out”: Unearthing the landscape of affordable housing and gentrification in West Philadelphia from DuBois’ mega-scope. City and Community.
Allen-Handy, A., Meloche, A., Likely, R., Sterin, K., Thomas-EL, S., Richardson McCullough, C., Datts, K., Wenrick, R., Nicholas, D., Kaschock, K., Drummond, D., Jung, U., Jenkins, G., & Welsh, D. (under review). A sandwich effect: Gentrification and black residential displacement in the university-adjacent West Philadelphia promise zone. Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and the City
Research Report Issued
2023 Hirsch, J., Michael, Y., Nicholas, D., and Ruben, D. If you build it, will they come? An evaluation of design, context, and engagement. January 27, 2023. https://drexel.edu/uhc/research/projects/play-space-evaluation/
Conferences
Published Conference Paper Proceedings & Abstracts 2011-Present
Peer-reviewed conference papers or abstracts in proceedings with associated event presentations
Overall total: 29; Post-tenure: 11 (all international)
1. 2026 Forthcoming Peer-reviewed international outlet: Atzmon, L., Nicholas, D. (2026) Biodesign in time: The roles of complexsystem and emergent thinking. Design Across Time: The 20th International Conference on Design Principles and Practice; 25-27 February 2026 Rome.
2. 2025 Forthcoming Peer-reviewed international outlet Nicholas, D., & Anandan, S. (2025). Garden fresh home, insightful design thinking and higher education innovation. International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation 2025, Sevilla Spain.
3. 2025 Peer-reviewed international outlet: Nicholas, D.S. (2025) Equity, dignity, and a culture of care: An evidence based design approach. Video and Poster Published European Healthcare Design 2025 Congress & Exhibition, at the Royal College of Physicians, London.
4. Paper accepted, not published 2025 Peer-reviewed international outlet Nicholas, D.S. (2025) Design thinking for health environments: Case study research on innovation, design leadership, and healthcare complexity. Cumulus June 2025 Nantes: Ethical Design Leadership. Nantes, France.
5. 2024 Peer-reviewed international outlet: Nicholas, D., Deshpande, T., Singh, T. (2024) Aging community and codesign: The urban place keeping design education experience; International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation 2024
6. 2024 Peer-reviewed international outlet: Deshpande, T., Nicholas, D. (2024) Mind Palace: Exploring connections between memory, accessibility & personal storytelling. International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation Fall 2024
7. 2024 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Lockman-Fine, M., Hillis, M., Fulton, T., Sugrue, J., Meyers, E., Riddick, D., Lindberg, K., & Chen, B. (2024). Biodesign and aging: speculative inclusion, exclusion, and the importance of a transdisciplinary approach to the future. Border Control: Incursions and Excursions, 53–55.
8. 2024 Peer-reviewed international outlet Nicholas, D., Singh, T., Deshpande, T., Prabhakar, A., Wenrick, R., & AllenHandy, A. (2024). Intergenerational creative spaces, co-living, community: Design for longevity. DRS Biennial Conference Series. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conferencepapers/drs2024/researchpapers/364
9. 2023 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., and Anandan, S. (2023) Design thinking and new program innovation: Case study research in higher education evolution post pandemic, 195–201. International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation 2023 Seville, Spain, 2023.
10. 2022 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Hurwich, T., Nicholas, D., Fleming, F., Gondek, P., Katz-Buonincontro, J., King, D., & Perignat, E. (2022). Designing For creative research in graduate education. International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation 2022 Proceedings, 195–201. https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2022.0081 In-person presentation, Sevilla by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
11. 2021 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D. Slow engagement & widening the frame – emerging models of social innovation and design culture (2021). Roma 2021: Cumulus Design Cultures. Digital Presentation by D.S. Nicholas International Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
12. 2020 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Michael, Y., Anandan, S. (2020). Integral Living Research: Synergies in research, advocacy, and healthy living. Design Research Society (DRS): Synergies Brisbane https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2020.274 Digital Presentation by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
13. 2020 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Anandan, S. (2020). Garden fresh home: Sustainable food production for urban families. Sustainable Development of Energy Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES): First Asia Pacific conference proceedings, 009201-009209. Accepted for Journal Publication, invitation not taken up.
The top 10 most viewed conference digital presentations moved online due to the COVID-19 Travel Ban presented by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet.
14. 2019 Nicholas, D., Stein, S., Giordano, K., Nguyen, T., and Michael, Y. (2019). Map the gap: Iteratively bridging theory and practice to address housing insecurity in the urban environment. Architecture Research Centers Consortium (ARCC): Praxis 2019, conference proceedings, 276-287. https://www.arcc-journal.org/index.php/repository/issue/view/27 In-person presentation, Toronto by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
15. 2018 Nicholas, D., Stein, S., Nguyen, T., Krespan, E., Tracy, D., and Michael, Y. (2018). Health Design Research Innovation Project. Happiness Architectural Research for a Global Community | Temple University, Jefferson University, and Drexel University, conference proceedings, Vol. 1, 256–264. http://www.arcc-arch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2018Proceedings-Volume-1_ UDL-1.pdf In-person presentation, Philadelphia by D.S. Nicholas
16. 2018 Published Poster and Presentation: Nicholas, D., Anandan, S., Yvonne Michael; Integral Healthy Living Poster Presentation. In ARCC Conference Proceedings (Vol. 1, pp. 256–264). Philadelphia: Architectural Research Centers Consortium
17. 2018 Nicholas, D., Stein, S., Nguyen, T., Krespan, E., Tracy, D. and Michael, Y. (2018). Health design research and housing insecurity: Design, dignity, and community. Social equity by design, Designing through community: Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) 49, conference proceedings, 148-150.
18. 2017 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Anandan, S. (2020). Integrated space: The novel design research experience. Envisioning architecture, space/time/meaning: Proceedings of the 13th European Architectural Envisioning (EAE) conference. https://eaeanet.wixsite.com/eaea/conferences
In-person presentation, Glasgow by Dr. S. Anandan International Event/Outlet
19. 2017 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Townsend, K., Michael, Y. (2017). Design research and social determinants of design and health research. What is the design for the next? What is the ‘next’ focus of design? European Academy of Design (EAD): Rome 2017, S2238. https://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.20 17.1355614 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14606925.2017.1355614
In-person presentation, Rome by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
20. 2017 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Krespan, E., and Anandan, S. (2017). Mind as a thing, redoing the iterative in design education. REDO Cumulus Conference Proceedings, 99–106 https://www.designskolenkolding.dk/en/publications/redocumulus-conference-proceedings In-person presentation, Kolding by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
21. 2017 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Anandan, S. (2017). The novel design research lab experience: Teaching and trans-disciplinary mentorship for 21st-century. 11th International Technology, Education and Development (INTED) conference proceedings, 9467-9473. DOI: 10.21125/inted.2017 Remote Presentation by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
22. 2017 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., McClendon, A., Martin, K., Ruben, D. (2017). Design research and the academy: Research-driven community facing work. Chakrabarti, A., & Chakrabarti, D. (2017). Research into design for communities: Volume 2, Proceedings of ICoRD 2017. 999-1006. DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-3518-0
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-981-10-3521-0
Remote Presentation by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
23. 2016 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas D., Anandan, S. (2016). Reconceiving urban space making through design research: Novel approaches in urban sustainable living. 9th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation) 23172323. DOI 10.21125/iceri.2016
In-person presentation, Sevilla by D.S. Nicholas /Dr. S. Anandan International Event/Outlet
24. 2016 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Truoncgao, R., Char, W., Anandan, S., (2016). Urban biophilic environments: A novel lexicon for transdisciplinary practice. Architectural research addressing societal challenges: Volume 1proceedings of the EAAE ARCC, 10th international conference, 67-73. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315116068
In-person presentation, Lisbon by D.S. Nicholas /Dr. S. Anandan International Event/Outlet
25. 2016 Nicholas, D., Anandan, S., (2016). Shifting lexicons: URBN Steamlab and the practice of urban innovation. Shifting ground, Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) 47 Raleigh, 84-93. https://www.edra.org/page/edra_proceedings In-person presentation
26. 2015 Ellis, E., Nicholas, D., Ruben, D., (2015). Greening Mantua: Drexel University partnerships with our community neighbors, 2nd international research workshop on managing fragile ecosystems: Cienfuegos, Cuba. In-person presentation, Cienfuegos by Dr. E. Ellis International Event/Outlet
27. 2015 Nicholas, D., Connel, J., Plumb, J. (2015). Sensory informed design: Human processes and emerging sensory tools. Future of architectural research: Architecture Research Center Consortium (ARCC), 472-480. http://www.arcc-arch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ ARCC2015_Perkins-Will-Conference-Proceedings.pdf In-person presentation, D.S. Nicholas
28. 2012 Peer-reviewed international outlet Nicholas, D. (2012). Emergent practices in flux: Design-build, digital fabrication, and the mutable interior environment. The Interior: A State of Becoming, IDEA conference, Perth. Self-published printed conference proceedings. An article examining the place of digital fabrication in interiors. Symposium.
In-person presentation, Perth by D.S. Nicholas International Event/Outlet
29. 2011 Peer-reviewed international outlet
Nicholas, D., Guy, G. (2011). Material time: Temporal processes in materials reuse and design-build. Considering research: Architecture Research Center Consortium (ARCC), 127. An article documenting designbuild/materials reuse course findings.
In-person presentation, Detroit by D.S. Nicholas Peer-reviewed Conference Presentations (no publication)
Other peer-reviewed conference presentations only: no associated proceedings Overall total: 38; Post-tenure: 6
1. 2025 Deshpande T., Nicholas, D., Wenrick, R., Handy A., Lockman-Fine, M., He J., Sanders, E., Co-creation and community engagement at Drexel’s DRDR4H Lab. Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) 2025.
2. 2024 M. Oguntuase, D. Nicholas, and S. Anandan (2024) Graden Fresh Home Presented at 2025 National Science Foundation, ICorps Regional Convening, Princeton University.
3. 2023 Active Living Conference: Michael, Y., Nicholas, D., Ruben, D., Epstein, N., Dickinson, S., & Hirsch, J. If you build it, will they come? an evaluation of design, context, and engagement of KABOOM! Play
Everywhere Installations in Philadelphia, PA. Presented at the Active Living Conference | GP RED, National Institute of Health, March 15, 2023. https://www.gpred.org/activelivingconference/.
4. 2023 Allen-Handy, A., Meloche, A., Sterin, K., Likel, R., Mathew, K., Thomas-EL, S., Richardson McCullough, C., Datts, K., Wenrick, R., Nicholas, D., Kaschock, K., Drummond, D., Jung, U., Jenkins, G., & Welsh, D. (2023, April). And before you know it, a culture is moved out: A case study of gentrification and residential displacement in West Philadelphia. 51st Annual Conference of the Urban Affairs Association. Nashville, TN.
5. 2022 Society For Risk Management: Fischer, J., Van der Tuyn, M., Nicholas, D. (2022) Applying design thinking principles to develop interdisciplinary risk management. The Society for Risk Analysis –European Conference 2021, June 13-16 in Espoo, Finland Solutions International Event/Outlet
6. 2021 Columbia University: Sterin, K., Meloche, A., Welsh, D. McCullough, C., Allen-Handy, A., Wenrick, R. & Nicholas, D. (2021). Integrating the arts into community-led critical participatory action research. Workshop presented at the 38th Annual Winter Roundtable Conference at Teachers College, Columbia. Virtual Conference. International Event/Outlet
Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
7. 2019 Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Samantha Stein, Yvonne Michael, Kristin Giordano: Map the Gap: Design Research for Eviction Prevention as a part of the Urban Health Collaborative 2019 Symposium: Re-imagining Health In Cities: Challenges And New Directions.
8. 2019 Conference Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Samantha Stein, Yvonne Michael, Kristin Giordano: Map the Gap: Design Research for Eviction Prevention as a part of the EDRA50 Sustainable Environments: NYU. Session: Place Making 13 on Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Brooklyn.
9. 2019 Conference Session Presentation: Student Presenters Stein, S., Giordano, K., Nicholas, D., & Michael, Y. (2019). Cultivating Process-Based Educational Spaces: A Case Study of Project-based Collaboration in a Lifelong Philadelphia Learning Community. INTED2019 Proceedings, 7066–7066. https://library.iated.org/view/STEIN2019CULInternational Event/Outlet
10. 2019 Pre-conference Intensive Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas Integral Living Research: Tools and Solutions for Sustainable and Healthy Living in Under-served Communities as a part of the Pre-Conference Intensives at the EDRA50 conference. International Event/Outlet
11. 2018 Invited Scholar Funded Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas Integral Healthy Living: Stress and Living; Health in Buildings Round table: National Institute of Health July Washington D.C. Poster Presentation: Funded International Event/Outlet
12. 2018 Conference Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, William Mangold Collaborative Presentation on Design Pedagogy Interior Design Educators Council 2018 Boston: Design Matters: Conference Presentation with Graduate Interiors Community Studio
13. 2018 Presentation Featuring Design Research Thesis: D.S. Nicholas, Erin Okoniewski; EDRA 49: Session Presentation, Social Equity by Design. Oklahoma City Design Research, Environments for Autism
14. 2018 Research Project Presentation: Student Researchers Presenting: Stein, Samantha; Nguyen, Thanh; Nicholas, D.S. Map the Gap, 11th Annual Student Conference on Global Challenges, Drexel. Session Presentation
15. 2018 Research Project Presentation: Student Researchers Presenting: Stein, Samantha; Nguyen, Thanh; Nicholas, D.S.; Michael, Yvonne. Map the Gap 2018 Stanford Research Conference; Stanford University. Poster Presentation
16. 2018 Research Project Presentation: Student Researchers Presenting: Stein, Samantha; Nguyen, Thanh; Nicholas, D.S.; Michael, Yvonne. Map the Gap, ST Global 2018 Washington DC. Session Presentation International Event/Outlet
17. 2018 Research Poster Project Presentation Health Conference: Yvonne Michael, D.S. Nicholas ASPPH Scattergood Project; The 12th Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Spring 2017 Institute, entitled Inter-professional Education: Building a Framework for Collaboration, May 3-5 Washington, DC. Poster presentation International Event/Outlet
18. 2017 Research Project Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Debra Ruben, Yvonne Michael, Amy Carol Scott. Presentation and Charrette: AIA Consortium Convening: Detroit MI: Drexel Center for Health and the Designed Environment.
19. 2017 Research Project Presentation: Student Researcher Presenting: Elise Krespan D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan “A Transdisciplinary Approach to Alleviating Urban Food Deserts” Drexel Emerging Scholars Presentation
20. 2017 Research Project Presentation: Student Researchers Presenting: Elise Krespan, Kiera Townsend, D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan, “URBN Steamlab: Urban Biophilic Transdisciplinary Design” Venturewell Open Conference, Washington DC
21. 2017 Research Project Presentation: Student Researcher Presenting: Kiera Townsend URBN Steamlab D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan “Disintegrating Brick in West Philadelphia: Preservation & Hydroponic Food Growth,” was selected for presentation at NCUR 31 at the University of Memphis. Poster presentation International Event/Outlet
22. 2017 Research Project Presentation: Student Researcher Presenting: Kiera Townsend URBN Steamlab D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan National Collegiate Research Conference; Harvard College Research Association Poster presentation International Event/Outlet
23. 2017 Research Project Presentation: Student Researcher Presenting: Destini King D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan URBN Steamlab 2016 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) “Tackling Urban Food Deserts with Indoor Hydroponic System” Poster presentation
24. 2016 Conference Session Presentation: Student Researcher Presenting: Kiera Townsend D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan URBN Steamlab; AIAS Design Research Symposium Washington Alexandria Architecture Center “Information Overload and Rethinking Complexity”
http://www.aias.org/events/aias-research-symposium/ Poster presentation
25. 2016 Conference Session Presentation: Yvonne Michael, D.S. Nicholas, and Deb Ruben “Engaging with Public Health to Produce Structured Research Outcomes in Design” IDEC Regional Conference Boston, a transdisciplinary research team and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Design and Health Consortium.
26. 2016 Conference Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: “Making Surfaces Experimentation as Material Learning” Session Presentation “Design Matters” IDEC Portland Oregon: Presenting Student materials experimentation related to Interior Design and Design Research pedagogy approaches drawn from research experimentation.
27. 2016 Consortium Group Poster Presentation: Annual Convening AIA Consortium Convening: Washington DC: Drexel Center for Health and the Designed Environment. Debra Ruben, Yvonne Michael, Amy Carol Scott, D.S. Nicholas
28. 2015 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas “Processes for Communities: Human Centered Design and Community Projects Literature Review-EDRA “brainSTORM: Dynamic Interactions of Environment Behavior and Neuroscience”: Los Angeles; May 2015; Diana Nicholas
29. 2015 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan Presentation Venturewell Open “Steam to Steam in Urban Sustainable Living: Urban Biophilic Interior Environments” Washington D.C.; March 2015. Poster Presentation
30. 2015 Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Nicole Koltick Interior Design Educators Council: “Exploring the Extraordinary: Making and the Graduate Conceptual Studio” Fort Worth; March 2015.
31. 2015 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Dr. Shivanthi Anandan Presentation DCAE Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: “Urban Biophilic Interior Environments: DSIP and Stem to Steam”
32. 2015 Research Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Dr. Shivanthi Anandan EDRA Processes for People: The Practice of Strategic Creativity in Innovation: “brainSTORM: Dynamic Interactions of Environment-Behavior and Neuroscience” Los Angeles; May 2015.
33. 2015 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Dr. Shivanthi Anandan DCAE Showcase of Teaching and Learning Drexel University: “Stem to Steam in Urban Sustainable Living” 2014 NCIIA: OPEN March 20-22
34. 2015 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan, Joan Weiner NCIIA: San Jose; Poster Presentation: “Smart Initiatives = Smart Programs: Interdisciplinary Programming and Research”
35. 2015 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Debra Ruben EDRA 45: Poster Presentation “Studio for Immersive Design and Engagement: Participatory Change in The Built Environment” New Orleans, May 29th
36. 2014 Research Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan, Joan Weiner EDRA 45: Poster Presentation: “Interdisciplinary Smart Initiatives Minor: Innovative Thinking and Undergraduate Education” New Orleans, May 29th
37. 2014 Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Dr. Yvonne Michael EDRA 45: Research Presentation: “Consider the Frame: Multidisciplinary Design and Question
38. 2014 Poster Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Dr. Shivanthi Anandan, Dr. Joan Weiner DCAE Showcase of Teaching and Learning Drexel University: “INSI Minor Scaffolding Research”
39. 2013 Session Presentation: D.S. Nicholas, Dr. Yvonne Michael EDRA 43: Research Presentation: “Inter-professional Teaching: Design and Health Research” Public Health New Orleans; May 29
Research Speaking
National Keynote, Juried, & Featured
Speaking
1. 2025 Invited Keynote and Juried Presentation, D.S. Nicholas and Dr. Leslie Atzmon, The Growing Edge: Past as Prologue; Biodesign Symposium: How to grow a biodesigner, June 2025, Parsons/MOMA New York. https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/biodesign-symposium-2025
2. 2025 Center for Active Design Annual Research Advisory Council Annual Meeting member presenter: presented the MCSAP to a national audience of EBD practitioners.
3. 2025 Featured Speaker: Course-in-a-Box: Participatory Design. Invited speaker and video in this learning series sponsored by Willima Penn Foundation and developed by Debra Ruben and Ulrike AltenmullerLewis.
4. 2024 James Bean, Valerie Gay, D.S. Nicholas, & Moderated By Donna De Carolis. Plenary session: Ready. Set. Fail: Unleash the Innovator Within [Panel]. Drexel Emerging Graduates Conference, Cultivating Creativity to Foster Innovation DEGS 2024.
https://drexel.edu/graduatecollege/professionaldevelopment/emerging-graduate-scholars-conference/2024-keynote/
5. 2023 Panelist with South Street Headhouse District Katrina JohnstonZimmerman, Assistant Director; North 10: Joshua Klaris, Executive Director; Temple University Public Policy Fellow/ Community Engagement Professional: Naida Elena Montes, Ph.D.; Second Story Collective: Charles Lomax, Chairman & CEO, Lomax Real Estate Partners; D.S. Nicholas, Associate Professor and Founding Director MS Design Research, Drexel University; Rachel Wenrick, Executive Director for Arts & Civic Innovation, Drexel University Glen-Gery. “Trailblazers in Community Development [Philadelphia].” https://www.glengery.com/node/4121.
6. 2023 Invited workshop Second Story Collective: A blueprint for community co-design and engagement PACDC “2023 PACDC Equitable Development Conference” https://pacdc.org/2023-pacdc-equitabledevelopment-conference-register-today/.
7. 2023 International Event/Outlet 2023 May 19th, Invited speaker Swiss Center for Design and Health: Invited to speak for the launch of the book: Atzmon, L. (Ed.). (2022). Lenses of Invention: URBN Steamlab integrating
science, art, and design. In Design and Science. Bloomsbury Visual Arts. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/design-and-science-9781350061934/
8. 2023 NSF Idea Lab Presentation: Session sponsored by The Council of Graduate School Idea Lab 3: Building an Interdisciplinary Approach to Graduate Training, Thursday, March 9th The presentation was given by D. S. Nicholas, NCIDQ, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA “Designing For Creative Research In Graduate Education IGE Idea Lab 3” The presentation covered the Graduate ITOC minor, the team process and the iterative classes.
9. 2022 Invited Keynote Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Cincinnati AIA Visions May 2022 Diana Nicholas. (2022, May 30). VISION Keynote: Design-Led CoStrategy4HEALTH [Keynote speech]. Vision Symposium AIA, Cincinnati, Ohio. https://aiacincinnati.org/ programs/events/081122-visionkeynote-radical-practice
10. 2022 International Event/Outlet 2022 D.S. Nicholas Invited Distinguished Speaker for Master Class on ‘Design Thinking in Hospitals’, during FICCI HEAL, on October 10, 2022, at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi. During a session organized by Tulika Puri.
11. 2021 Invited Lecture Series Speaker George Fox University ArtTalk Series: Nicholas, D. (2021, February 2). Design, Research, and Social Impact Practices [Invited Speaker]. Art Talk Lecture Series, George Fox University.
Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
12. 2020 Invited Keynote Speaker: D.S. Nicholas “Connecting Healers and Makers” Tactics for lasting collaboration; Faimer Health Matters FAIMER partners with CraftNOW to present the Global Health Matters Forum Each year, the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) hosts a morning of presentations and interactive dialogue on a topic related to health and well- being. This year, on March 25, 2020, a cross-section of Philadelphia’s maker community joined health professionals and educators from across the globe. International Event/Outlet
13. 2020 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Biodesign Substrates: URBN Steamlab: Discussion of gallery installation and lab processes in growing Bio-mix Gallery Opening Design and Science, February 2020: Esther Klein Gallery, University City
14. 2019 Invited Panelist: D.S. Nicholas Processes in Design and Science: Gallery Opening Design and Science, September 2019: University Gallery; Eastern Michigan University
15. 2019 Invited Keynote Speaker: D.S. Nicholas 2019 ST Global Conference, Washington DC; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington DC. “D.S. Nicholas presents her work, Integral Living Research” International Event/Outlet
16. 2019 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Research/Rewind Design Research Association “Design Research Methods and Social Science Research, a primer” April 2019, Frog/ Capgemini Design, Philadelphia, PA
17. 2019 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Dialogue: On Community, Power, and Privilege - Programs Slought. (2019). Retrieved April 18, 2019, from
http://slought.org/resources/dialoguing_on_community_power_and_pri vilege A day of facilitated workshops and collective reflection on socially just relations in Philadelphia, on Friday, April 19, 2019, from 10:30 am-2:30 pm. D.S. Nicholas presented her work, Integral Living Research, which is predicated on ongoing collaborations
18. 2019 Invited Round Table Panel Participant: D.S. Nicholas Eastern Michigan University: Exhibit Opening Design and Science. The “Design and Science” exhibition will examine projects that merge design and science through biodesign. A round-table discussion with exhibition participants Audrey Speyer, D.S. Nicholas, and Jason Ferguson, to be led by University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design professor Deepa Butoliya and EMU biology professor Brian Connolly. International Event/Outlet
19. 2016 Invited Panelist D.S. Nicholas Fall 2016 Fit City PHL 2: What’s Working: Discussion among community organizations and academic institutes on recent/current projects Moderator – Harris M. Steinberg, FAIA Drexel University; Donna Griffin, Community Capacity Builders; Aliana Havrilla, Community Coach; Melissa Kim, Philadelphia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC); D.S. Nicholas, RA, AIA, NCARB, Director MS Design Research
20. 2017 Invited Panel Participant: D.S. Nicholas Interior Design Educator Council: Doing Good! Faith, Ethics, Morality, and Social Responsibility in Interior Design Education: Panel curated by William Reihm
Other Invited Regional Speaking, Panels, Interviews, & Podcasts (Non-Juried)
1. 2022 February and April Guest Speaker: Writers Room Fellow Creative Thinking and Research as part of Allen-Handy, A., Wenrick, R., Kashock, K., Nicholas, D. (2022). Anti-displacement: The untapped potential of university-community cooperative living. Corporation of National and Community Service.
2. 2022 Urban Health Collaborative Brown Bag Guest Speaker: D.S. Nicholas, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED GA, EDRA, MD, UHC Affiliate Faculty topic “Health and Design: A Collaborative Public Health Driven Creative Process”
3. 2021 Invited Podcast Interview: Nicholas, D.S. ARCHITECTING PodcastCareer + Lifestyle Mentoring for Architects looking to move beyond overwhelm and make a difference: DIY Career: How to forge your no matter what career path on Apple Podcasts. (2021). Apple Podcasts. Retrieved February 27, 2021, from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diy-career-how-to-forge-yourno-matter-what-career- path/id1547257763?i=1000505691637
4. 2021 Invited speaker, July and September 2021: Architects as Healers: Buildings as Medicine; Clubhouse International Social Media Gathering. International Event/Outlet
5. 2021 Instagram Live with Intellect Books: One hour Live Interview with James Campbell, Managing Editor at Intellect Books on Instagram Live: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLr59HzF_tr/?igshid=1el25jd4lq1b0 International Event/Outlet
6. 2021 Community Tripod Presentations Given: January/February All one all None and Appreciative Inquiry: Two Friday Tripod Creative Participatory Sessions as part of Allen-Handy, A., Wenrick, R., Kashock, K., Nicholas, D. (2020). Anti-displacement: The untapped potential of university-community cooperative living. Corporation of National and Community Service.
Tenure awarded AY 2020/21
7 2019 Invited Panelist: D.S. Nicholas Stantec Research Panel: The Future of Cities: Design Philadelphia With Kimberlee Douglas, RLA, ASLA, LEED GA; Edgar Stauch, RA; Jason Schreiber, AICP; Rachel Thurston, RA
8 2019 Invited Panelist: D.S. Nicholas Healthy Philly by TERN was started to spread health-oriented ideas and initiatives in Philly. “Understanding Our Surroundings: Unlocking the Potential to Recognize Problems as Opportunities to Build Solutions,” Thursday, May 9th, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm.
9. 2019 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Internal Research Presentation, Westphal College and University-Wide Research Presentation: Selected as part of a group to present Research Agenda to College and University Audience: two occasions – February and March 2019
10. 2019 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Home Symposium Series with the Drexel Writers Room; 60 + attendees “Healthy Homes Forum” arranged Flash talks by Home Experts, funded by TD Bank Foundation: Flash Talks by: Dr. Gina Lovasi, Dr. Yvonne Michael, and Architect Uk Jung,
11 2018 Invited Panel Participant: D.S. Nicholas November 2018 HumanCentered Design panel for SMPS Philadelphia (Society for Marketing Professionals Unable to attend due to other travel)
12 2017 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Office of University & Community Partnerships brown bag lunch, Center for Health in the Designed Environment with Debra Ruben and Yvonne Michael
13 2016 and 2017 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Close School Ideation Seminar: Design Thinking for Innovation Ozlem Ogutveren-Gonul Course
14. 2017 Invited Visiting Guest Juror: D.S. Nicholas University of Tennessee Knoxville 2017 Final Reviews Interior Design – two-day guest juror with a stipend to review all studio
15. 2015 Invited Panelist: D.S. Nicholas “The Future of Architectural Education” AIA Professional Conference- September 2015, Carnegie Mellon University with Rena Cumby
16. 2015 Invited Panelist: D.S. Nicholas Mural Arts Open Source Panel October 8, Ben Volta; MOMO; Youngmoo Kim; D.S. Nicholas The value of arts and design integration with math and science learning: Benjamin Volta, noted muralist and 2015 Pew Fellow; D. S. Nicholas, Drexel professor and founder of The Integral Living Research Lab; and Youngmoo Kim, director of Drexel’s ExCITe Center and recent visiting technologist with Opera Philadelphia.
17. 2015 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Code for Philly Hack-a-thon Strategic Creativity Workshop October 16, 2015
18. 2015 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas AIAS Regional Conference “Urban Food Deserts and Urban Food Production”
19. 2012 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas National Conference Weathering the Storm: Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity Monday, September 24Wednesday, September 26, 2012; Penn State
20. 2012, 2011 Invited Speaker: D.S. Nicholas Enterprise Center Annual Visual Merchandising Event, advising local entrepreneurs about storefront and retail improvements.
Research Projects Press Coverage
2025 West Philadelphia uses art to confront neighborhood problems and threats to democracy (April 6, 2026). (2025, April 2). [Online]. In PBS Newshour Art in Action. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/west-philadelphiauses-art-to-confront-neighborhood-problems-and-threats-to-democracy 2025 Beatrice Forman & Joe Yerardi. (2025, March 8). Mantua is getting younger as the rest of the city ages. It’s also getting less affordable. Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/mantuaphiladelphia-neighborhoods-median-age-affordable-housing-20250308.html 2025 “Innovation Celebrated and a Community Connected at the I-Corps Northeast Hub Annual Meeting | NSF I-Corps Hub Northeast Region.” Accessed August 5, 2025. https://icorpsnortheasthub.org/news/2024/innovation-celebrated-andcommunity-connected-i-corps-northeast-hub-annual-meeting.
2024 Bouchard, C. (2024, May 3). Van Buren is working with Philadelphia College on a historical art project. Bangor Daily News. https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/05/03/aroostook/aroostookculture/van-buren-maine-drexel-university-westphal-college-historical-artproject/
2023 Douglas Whitmire. “If You Build It, Will They Come: An Evaluation of Design, Context, and Engagement.” Urban Health Collaborative (blog), January 27, 2023. https://drexel.edu/uhc/research/projects/play-spaceevaluation/.
2023 Dezeen Staff. “Drexel University Spotlights 15 Architecture and Design Projects.” Dezeen, August 4, 2023. https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/04/drexel-university-architecturedesign-projects-dezeen-schoolshows/.
2022 Drexel University presents 14 architecture and design projects. (2022, July 26). Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2022/07/26/drexel-universityarchitecture-design- schoolshows/ Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
2020 Zamoid, N. (2020). New Year’s resolutions for your home. The Examiner of East Jackson County, GateHouse Media Homes, REAL ESTATE. https://www.examiner.net/zz/ homes/20191230/new-years-resolutionsfor-your-home
2019 Family Farming - Excel: Drexel University’s Research Magazine. (2019.). Retrieved October 22, 2019, from https://exelmagazine.org/article/familyfarming/
2019 An ethics of no edges Programs – Slought. (2019). Retrieved April 18, 2019, from http://slought.org/resources/an_ethics_of_no_edges/
2019 “Design & Science” International Exhibition | AIGA Detroit. (2019). Retrieved September 11, 2019, from https://detroit.aiga.org/eventinternal/design-science-international-exhibition/
2019 “Design and Science” art exhibition will debut at Eastern Michigan University on Sept. 11. (2019). Retrieved September 11, 2019, from https://today.emich.edu/story/story/11099
2018 Amorosi, A. D. (2018). DaVinci Art Alliance presents ‘Rocky (Re)Runs.’ Retrieved April 25, 2018, from http://www.broadstreetreview.com/art/davinci-art-alliance-presentsrocky-reruns
2018 A Creative Approach to Teaching Creativity, Interdisciplinary Teamwork for Graduate Students. Retrieved August 10, 2018, from http://drexel.edu/now/archive/2018/August/A-Creative-Approach-ToTeaching-Creativity/
2018 Emerging Scholar Elise Krespan. (2018). Retrieved September 26, 2018, from https://drexel.edu/coas/news-events/news/2017/May/emergingscholar-talk-student-elise- krespan/
2018 Spring 2018 by Philadelphia RowHome Magazine - issuu. (n.d.-b).
Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://issuu.com/philadelphiarowhomemagazine/docs/prh_spring2018; Rowhomemag. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://www.gohomephilly.com
2018 Sylvester Stallone embraces his “Rocky” roots while filming “Creed 2” in Philly. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2018, from https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sylvester-stallone-embracesrocky- roots-filming-creed-2-philly-002044181.html
2018 Vadala, N. (2018, April 16). “Rocky” as art: Philly gallery explores Italian Stallion in a new show.
Retrieved April 19, 2018, from http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/rocky- creed-2-daVinci-art-alliance-gallery-show-20180416.html
2017 “Center / Architecture + Design.” Accessed October 21, 2017. https://www.philadelphiacfa.org/drexels-design-research-symposiumexplores-process
2017 “Emerging Graduate Scholars Show Research at First-Ever Conference.” DrexelNow. Accessed May 2, 2017. http://drexel.edu/now/archive/2017/May/Emerging-Graduate-ScholarsConference/
2017 “Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation Funds Drexel Design and Public Health Students to Collaborate on Solutions for Local Behavioral Health and Housing Insecurity Issues.” Dornsife School of Public Health. Accessed April 27, 2017.
2017 Leshner, Sharon. “What Is Design Research? An Interview with D.S. Nicholas, RA, AIA, NCARB of Drexel University | Center / Architecture + Design.” http://philadelphiacfa.org/drexel-design-research-symposium.
2016 Storz, Emily. “New Approaches to the Future of Design.” Drexel News Blog, October 3, 2016. https://newsblog.drexel.edu/2016/10/03/newapproaches-to-the-future-of-design/
2016 Nicholas, Diana. Spring 2016 “Designing for Health” The Patron Saint of Architecture. http://thepatronsaintofarchitecture.com/blog/
2016 “Architects, AIA Foundation and Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Name Members of First Design and Health Research Consortium - The American Institute of Architects.” http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB105043
2015 “Architects Foundation Issues 2015 Annual Report on Design and Health Research Consortium- The American Institute of Architects.” http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB107729
Other Outcomes
Research Exhibits
2024/25 Coordinator and Advisor of Research-based Exhibits: Digital Twins: Curated by and featuring the work of the MS Design Research Students class taught by artist Talia Greene. URBN Center Philadelphia September 2024., and Micah Lockman-Fine Student Jury accepted into Exhibit Pearlstein Gallery Summer 2025.
2024 Biodesign Challenge competition and exhibition: Biodesign for aging Nicholas, D., Lockman-Fine, M., Hillis, M., Fulton, T., Sugrue, J., Meyers, E., Riddick, D., Lindberg, K., & Chen, B. (2024, June). Collected Dermafutures: The Museum of Notable Realities Drexel University 2024 [Competition]. Biodesign Challenge 2024, Parsons School of Design.
https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/drexel-university-2024
2020 Design and Science, Esther Klein Science Center Gallery, February, Philadelphia PA associated with the exhibit catalog and book chapter listed below Piece Title: “Garden Fresh Home: Biodesign Substrates” D.S. Nicholas, Shivanthi Anandan. This exhibition featured projects that connect design and science. An international roster of curated artists, scientists, and researchers, including Richard Feynman, Edward Tufte, and the estate of Charles Darwin. Professor Leslie Atzmon of Eastern Michigan University curated the exhibit.
2019 Design and Science, University Gallery, Eastern Michigan University, September, Ypsilanti, MI, associated with the exhibit catalog and book chapter listed below 2018 Da Vinci Arts Alliance: Rocky (RE) Runs, Da Vinci Arts Alliance, Philadelphia PA Invited participant, piece title: “Adrian’s Run.” A technology-based installation on female domestic space
Exhibit Catalog
Atzmon, Leslie. Design and Science Exhibition Catalogue (2019). Eastern Michigan University Gallery. D.S. Nicholas and Shivanthi Anandan Pp. 36-38.
https://issuu.com/leslieatzmon/docs/issuu_d_and_s_catalogue_
Creative Book Projects
2024 Nicholas, D., & Lockman-Fine, M. (2024). Design Research Symposium: Health Catalysts for Change by mouthoflowers - Issuu. https://issuu.com/mouthoflowers/docs/dsresymposiumconference
2023 Nicholas D., & Prabhakar, A. MAKETOOLS DREXEL 2023 by mouthoflowersIssuu. https://issuu.com/mouthoflowers/docs/maketools_event_publication
2022 Writers Room. (2022). Nicholas, D Featured Editorial about the Second Story Collective Work Anthology 8 by Writers Room Issuu. https://issuu.com/pnw27/docs/pdf_for_online_one_ups
2022 Second Story Collective, Writer’s. Writers Room Retrospective: The Story So Far 2014-2021. Philadelphia PA: Second Story Collective//Writers Room, 2022. https://issuu.com/pnw27/docs/second_story_collective_genealogy_of_ho me.
2022 Writer’s Room, Keyssh Datts, and Victoria Huggins Peurifoy. “Design Research Symposium: Conversations.” In WRITERS ROOM | Anthology 8 by Writers Room, 8:1–10. Philadelphia, PA: Writers Room, 2022. https://issuu.com/pnw27/docs/a8_dsre_symposium-conversations
2019 Nicholas, D.; Fox, V. (2019) HOME 2 | A Lifelong, Dreamed of, Home.
Published by Drexel Writers Room HOME Book is a limited-edition boxed set of the creative and critical work generated throughout Writers Room’s 2018-2019 HOME: Affordable Housing + Cooperative Living Symposium, a series of public talks with invited lecturers incorporating discussion, group activities, and writing workshops. The series put experts on gentrification scholars and local civic leaders and its related economic and social impacts into conversations with residents and students.
Invited Articles (non-peer-reviewed)
1. 1. 2023 Nicholas, Diana. “What Is Design Research?” AIA Philadelphia (blog), May 18, 2023. https://aiaphiladelphia.org/news/advancingarchitecture-and-design/452/452-What-is-Design-Research.
2. 2023 Nicholas, Diana. “Design Research on Environmental Assessment, Educational Spaces, and Learning Outcomes.” AIA Philadelphia (blog), May 18, 2023. https://aiaphiladelphia.org/news/advancing-architectureand-design/446/446-Design-Research-on-Environmental-AssessmentEducational-Spaces-and-Learning-Outcomes
Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
3. 2016 Nicholas, Diana. (2016) “Designing for Health” The Patron Saint of Architecture. http://thepatronsaintofarchitecture.com/blog/
1. 2015 Koltick Nicole; Nicholas, Diana; (2016) “Conceptual Space Making at Drexel University” IDEC Exchange: Emerging Talent
2. 2013 Nicholas, Diana; Tickell, Simon; (2013) “More than just a building: The energy information evolution in design education”; Context AIA Journal
3. 2013 Nicholas, Diana; (2013) “An Interior Affair: A State of Becoming” IDEC Exchange: Exhibit Review September 7-October 6 at Form Gallery, Perth Australia
Research Advising & Mentorship
Student Presentations & Public Recognition
2025 Sinduja Balan and Diana Nicholas. “Designing for Dignity: Changing the Paradigm of Assisted Living Facility through Long Term Intergenerational Living.” In EDRA - EDRA56 Designing Communities for Climate Action and Resilience. Halifax: EDRA, 2025.
https://edra.confex.com/edra/EDRA56/meetingapp.cgi/Home/0
2024 T. Deshpande, D. Nicholas, R. Wenrick, A. A. Handy, M. Lockman-Fine, J. He, E. Sanders. Co-Creation and Community Engagement at Drexel’s DRDR4H Lab, IDEC 2024
2024 Emily Malina AMPS Conference Session: Arizona + Virtual Societies, Spaces, Screens; Session Hybrid Spaces III, Title of Presentation: Our New Situationship: Screen-Based Technology and Embodied Presence, December 11-13
2025 Emily Malina Thesis Award for Integrating Research into Design
2024 Tasha Singh Outstanding Research- Departmental Award Interior Design Masters Graduate Award
2024 Tasha Singh, Metropolis 100: Thesis Student and Lab employees who won a place in the 2024 Metropolis 100
2024 Gabe Thayer, Beyond the Burr Baiada Fellowship
2024 Gabe Thayer, Beyond the Burr ICorps Regional Drexel Cohort 2023 Alumna Paper and Presentation: Krespan, E., & Feller-Johnson, N. (2023). Applied Student Archetypes In Disruptive Design Education. International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation2023 Proceedings, 8540–8546. https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2023.2175
2022 Drexel Emerging Graduates Conference: Dean’s Award for Best In-Person Research Poster Presentation Alisha Prabhakar MS Program in Design Research, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design: What’s Your Version of Safe Space?
2022 Baiada Institute Impact Innovation Hub Fellowship W: Eva Snaiden, Michael Olk, Mary Kahle for "Campus Food Insecurity Toolkit" for students experiencing food insecurity on campus Tenure Awarded AY 2020/21
2020 Mentee Award: Drexel Graduate College Research Award Winner Graduate College Award Winner - Most Original & Creative Work Thelmelis Abreu, Master’s Program in Design Research Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Awarded for her Design Research Thesis work and her work with Shivanthi Anandan and D.S. Nicholas on Garden Fresh Home
2020 Elise Krespan, Alumna Dual BIO/DSRE; and Nicole Feller-Johnson, Alumna Dual FASH/DSRE; Presented DSRE Special Topics Remotely at the NSIA 2020: Emerging and Experimental Agendas in Design Education Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
2020 Megan Marie Mastrobattista 2020 Interactive Spaces Conference: Florida State University (Advisor D.S. Nicholas)
2019 Greg Sieber Aquatic Fabulations on the Schuylkill: Speculative Bodies of Translation Society for Social Study of Science, New Orleans The Conference: Annual Meeting of the Society for Social Studies of Science
New Orleans, LA; Session Name: Making and Doing (Advisor Nicole Koltick)
2019 Student Team, including Elise Krespan, was featured in Geoff Larcom. (2019, September 3). The “Design and Science” art exhibition debut at Eastern Michigan University EMU Today.
https://today.emich.edu/story/story/11099
2019 Nicholas St. Angelo Nick presented his thesis (Advisor: Liana Dragoman) at the Fifteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability in Vancouver, Canada. St. Angelo was awarded the International Travel Grant from Drexel’s Office of International Programs and traveled to Vancouver to present his work, “Evolution of Plastic and Its Detriment to the Environment,” during the poster/exhibit session.
2018 Mentee Award: Drexel Graduate College Research Award Winner Most Original & Creative: Advisee Nicole Feller-Johnson, Dual MS Programs in Fashion & Design Research, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Awarded for her Dual Design Research and Fashion Thesis Masters; D.S. Nicholas, Design Research Thesis Advisor
2018 Thanh My Nguyen ARCC Map the Gap; Advised by myself and Dr. Yvonne Michael EDRA 2018 Map the Gap; Advised by myself and Dr. Yvonne Michael
2018 Elise Krespan (Dual BIO/DSRE) Venture Well 2018 Presented URBN Steamlab work Co-advised by Dr. Shivanthi Anandan and D.S. Nicholas
2018 Erin Okoniewski EDRA 2018 DSRE Thesis Presentation (Dual DSRE/INTR) Advised by D.S. Nicholas for DSRE and INTR Christina Grimes
2019-2025 Drexel Emerging Scholars Conference Presenters Accepted and Presented: Feller-Johnson, Nicole Marie, Okoniewski, Erin E, Nguyen, Thanh My, Krespan, Elise M, Sutkowski, Rosalind Ann, Rable, Sarah C, Marconi, Amanda Marie, St Angelo, Nicholas Francis, Rathjen, Marco, Mastrobattista, Megan M, Abreu, Thelmelis, Chen, Junyi, Scally, Simone E, James, Wilynda J, Xu, Yiming, Brzozowski, Andrew Joseph, Loseva, Oxana, Sepha, Segrue, Hashwin Panjani, Emily Malina, Zovi Khrimian, Kate Potyomkina
Student Thesis & Research Advising
2016-Present Design Research Thesis Advisor and IRB Coordinator Thesis publication listed below
Lab adjacent Master of Science Interior Architecture Thesis Advisees
2024-2025 Sinduja Balan
2023-2024 Tanaya Deshpande: Mind Palace: Aging and Cognitively Aware Creative Space
2023-2024 Tasha Singh: Common Space Intergenerational Living
2020-2021 Emily Grigsby
2013-Present Custom Design Major Senior Project Advisor
2010-Present MSIAD Graduate Thesis Advisor
Published Student Master’s Thesis Projects 2019-Present
Abreu, T. (2020). Circular Design for Consumers of a Linear Economy: A UserCentered Design Approach for the Adoption and Utilization of Access Model Services [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing]. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2425561612?pq-origsite=summon
Abioye, Taiwo. “Weaving Identities: Connecting Communities of Africa and the Diaspora in the US.” Drexel University, 2020. https://doi.org/10.17918/00000322.
Blamoville, A. P. (2023). The Power of the Arts in Community Health: A Proposal for an Appreciative Framework for Public Health [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing]. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2856723783?pqorigsite=primo
Brzozowski, Andrew Joseph. “ADHD Loops.” Drexel University, 2021. https://doi.org/10.17918/00000343.
Chen, J. (2020). A Conceptual Case for Understanding Fashion Retail in the Age of Hypermodernity & Storytelling [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2430954785?pq-origsite=summon
Hamilton, Jill. “MoReFa, Modular Regenerative Fashion: Experimentation and Exploration of Sustainable Systems, Supported Through 3D Virtual Simulation.” Drexel University, 2021. https://doi.org/10.17918/00000938.
Jahr, R. E. (2021). Cultures of Place: Ethical Design Solutions for Urban Density [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2572612600?pq-origsite=primo
James, W. (2020). Enhancing Personal Development Through Creative Exploration with Clothing [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2434500227?pq-origsite=summon
Johnson, S. (2022). A Review of Educational Design and Implementation of Mental and Physical Health Concepts in Adults: A Mental & Physical Health Resource Kit [Drexel University]. https://doi.org/10.17918/00001167
Jung Uk. “Exploring Community-Based Codesign in Architectural Education: Experiences within One Neighborhood in Philadelphia.” Drexel University, 2024. https://doi.org/10.17918/00010822.
Kahle, M. (2023). Makerspace Communities and Ecosystem Strategy: Co-Creating Social and Operational Infrastructure [Drexel University]. https://doi.org/10.17918/00001690
Longo, J. B. (2019). Emergent Making: Material Expression, Character, Performance [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2302013402?pq-origsite=summon
Malina, Emily. “Omnipresence: Adapting Interior Typologies for Phygital Embodiment.” Drexel University, 2025. https://doi.org/10.17918/00011079
Marconi, A. (2019). INSPIRE.ME The Creation of a Tool and Service to Inspire Continued Recovery Efforts in Disaster Relief [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing]. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2301477250?pqorigsite=summon
Mastrobattista, M. M. (2020). Convening Sustainable Learning: Examining the Community School Framework as a Mode of Creating Sustainable Learning
Environments [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2426564679?pq-origsite=summon
Moran, S. P. (202312). Consumer Behavior, Impulse Buying, and Design Ethics: A Design Research Approach [Drexel University].
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001950
Nyberg, S. E. (2022). A Journey of Inquiry: Planning and Reflecting upon the Design Research Experience [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2699966825?pq-origsite=primo
Olk, M. J. (2023). Social Media and the Undergraduate Experience: Recommendations and Multi-Method Design Research in Attention and Social Media Use [Drexel University] https://doi.org/10.17918/00001692
Prabhakar, A. (2023). What’s Your Version of Healing? Designing for the TraumaInformed Movement [Drexel University].
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001625
Rable, S. (2019). The Creation of A Tool to Aid in Healthy Material Selection for Interior Designers [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2300629532?pq-origsite=summon
Rathjen, M. (2019). Engaging with Surveillance in Public and Semi-public Spaces [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2273838296?pq-origsite=summon
Roman Burgos, A. M. (2022). Healthier Materials Guidance: A Multi-Hazard Approach To Resilient Design In Refugee Camps [Drexel University].
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001120
Scarff, A. (2022). Understanding the Challenges Wheelchair Users Face in an Ableist World [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2691571475?pq-origsite=primo
Sieber, Greg. “Designing With Care for More-Than-Human Worlds.” Drexel University, 2021. https://doi.org/10.17918/00000937.
St Angelo, N. (2019). Ecosystem of Interactions: Solving for Plastic [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2278079024?pq-origsite=summon
Sugrue, J. (2024). Her Story Cloth Support for Women Who Are Psychiatric Service Users with Narrative Needlecraft [ProQuest Dissertations & Theses].
https://www.proquest.com/docview/3154560287?pq-origsite=primo
Sutkowski, R. A. (2019). From Optical to Tactile-Extruding Photography [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2282581307?pq-origsite=summon Thayer, Gabriel. “Beyond the Burr: Innovative Kitchen Tools Focused on Sustainability & Lasting Quality.” Drexel University, 2024. https://doi.org/10.17918/00010828.
Wright, A. (2023). Developing a Long-Term Strategy for Volunteer Retention in Open-Source Project Teams [Drexel University].
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001695
Xie, V. Y. (2023). Engaging With Emerging Technology: Cryptocurrency Edition [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2863179860?pq-origsite=primo
Xu, Y. (2020). Decoding Styles: Contextual Study on China/US College Fashion [ProQuest Dissertations Publishing].
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2430690184?pq-origsite=summon
2024/25 Ph.D. Committee Membership:
Maya Hillis; Environmental and Peace Engineering
Rghad Balkyoor; Digital Media
Sasan Bahrami; Digital Media
A Complete Listing of Funded Student Researchers: 2012-2024: 32 Total Students
• https://designcare4health.com/more-about-us
Ethical Conduct of Research Certifications
Citi Certificate Social Behavioral Financial Conflict of Interest Certified 2017 renewed annually
Citi Certificate Social Behavioral Research Certified 2017 renewed annually
Citi Certificate Responsible Conduct of Research Certified 2023 renewed annually
Service to the Research Community
2024 Collections Creator & Editor
Created scholarly collection with Lived Places Publishing six forthcoming volumes: The Human-Centered Design Studies Collection seeks work revealing lived experiences globally and locally at all scales driven by human-centered design. This collection will include course readings on health, justice, poverty, and technology in our challenging and complex 21st-century environment.
https://livedplacespublishing.com/page/design-studies
Drexel Design Research Symposium
Symposium Founder, Chair, And Planner 2016-2024
Drexel Design Research Symposium” arrange, coordinate, and deploy full-day symposium featuring regionally and nationally known speakers and events. Symposium years and themes: Featured Speakers, Collaborators, and Industry Representatives include Knoll Furniture, Penn Center for Health Care Innovation, IBM, Center for Functional Fabrics, Healthy Rowhouse Project, Kieran Timberlake, Amherst University, Perkins Will, Dornsife Center, Scattergood Foundation, The Alliance of Community Service Providers among others. This is an urban and global health-related event, with an average of 100 attendees regionally and nationally.
Yearly Symposia Themes
2016 Design Research: The Emerging Discipline
2017 Intersections in Process
2018 Design and Change
2019 Design for Living
2020 Research Showcase
2021Second Story Collective: Fall Virtual Event October 15th
2022 Spring In-person Event April 15th; Design and The Urban Environment
2023 Design Research Symposium: Aging Catalysts for Health: 60 Attendees with student-facilitated design sprint
2024 Farnese Symposium; Healthy Aging, AI and Hope
2016-Present Other Research Events Planning
2020 Conference Planning Health in Buildings Round table 2020 Conference, Washington DC Conference Planning: Town Hall and Interactive Sessions Co-Chair Urban and global health-related activities Large national/internationally attended event
2020 Conference Planning Creativity Conference with CIRGE Group: Conference Co-chair in collaboration with APA Division 10 and Jennifer KatzBuonincontro and Elaine Perignat Urban and global health-related activity Large national/internationally attended event
2019 Invited Moderator Urban Health Collaborative 2019 Symposium: Reimagining Health In Cities: Challenges And New Directions. Session Info: Urban Design and Action Strategies To Improve Health Moderator: D.S. Nicholas, Anita Chandra, DrPH, MPH, Vice President and Director, RAND Social Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation; Joanna Frank, President and CEO, Center for Active Design; Mark Stevenson, Ph.D., Professor of Urban Transport and Public Health, University of Melbourne; Adam Freed, MUP, Principal, Bloomberg Associates; Discussant: Ira Goldstein Ph.D., President, Policy Solutions, Reinvestment Fund
2019 Conference Planning Committee Urban Health Collaborative 2019 Symposium: Reimagining Health In Cities: Challenges And New Directions. Urban and global health-related activity Large national/internationally attended event
2018 Invited Session Chair ARCC Conference Building Science and Technology Session Large national/internationally attended event
2016 Invited Moderator ARCC/EAEE International conference Topic Chair and Session Moderator: Community and Urban Participation Large national/internationally attended event
2016 Invited Moderator International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation: International Conference on Education Research and Technology: Session Topic Chair; Seville, Spain Advisory + Conference Topic Chair + Peer Reviews
2023-2025 Invited Member Center for Active Design (CfaD) Research Advisory invited member The Center for Active Design is the leading non-profit organization using design to foster healthy and engaged communities. CfAD operates the Fitwel healthy building certification system. The advisory listing can be found here: https://www.fitwel.org/centerforactivedesign
2024 Cotswold Foundation Postdoc Awards: Drexel Reviewer
2024 Track Chair Accepted Session: Design Research Society Reimagining Care Through Evidence: Design Research, Patient-Centered Solutions, And A Culture of Care for Healthy Societies
Chair+Proposer Diana S. Nicholas, Drexel University, USA
Co-Chairs: Minou Afzali, Swiss Center of Design and Health
Ajla Aksamija, The University of Utah, USA
Liz Sanders, The Ohio State University, USA
Nora Coleman, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
Angela Mazzi, GBBN Architects
Isil Oygur Ilhan, University of Cincinnati, USA
2024 Paper Reviewer Design Research Society Conference
2023 Abstract Reviewer Cumulus
2023
External Reviewer Tenure: University of Utah
2022 Cogent Sciences Reviewer
2023 Cogent Sciences Reviewer
2022 Bloomsbury Books: Peer Reviewer
2022 Intellect Books: Peer Reviewer
2021 Fairchild Books: Peer Reviewer
2021, 2022 diid Disegno Industriale Industrial Design Journal
2020, 2019, 2018 Invited Reviewer – Perkins + Will Research Journal
2020 Fairchild Books: Peer Reviewer
2019 Invited Reviewer – EDRA Core Research Certification Program
2019 Invited Reviewer – EDRA Conference EDRA Session Chair
2019 Residential Design Competition Juror – Cleveland Residential Environment
2018 ARCC Paper Reviewer
2018 Invited Reviewer – IDEC Arts and Creative Projects Chair
2018 Penn State Interdisciplinary Funding Program Grant Reviewer
2018 Drexel Creativity Awards Proposal Reviewer
2017 Invited Guest Juror – University of Tennessee Knoxville, Guest Final Reviews
2017 Invited Reviewer – ACSA Paper Reviewer: Health and Design Session
2017 Invited Reviewer – IDEC Public Interior: Creative Works Session Reviewer
2017 Invited Reviewer – EDRA CORE New program for Research Credentialing
2015 IDEC Abstract reviewer – Creative Category
2015 ARCC Abstract Reviewer
2015 EDRA Conference Topic Chair – Historic Spaces and Health Session/EDRA Abstract Reviewer
2014 Invited Reviewer – Perkins + Will Research Journal: Paper Reviewer
2014 IDEC Regional Abstract Reviewer – Midwest Region
2013 Venture-well Open – Conference Session Chair
Teaching
Course Teaching and Coordinating Responsibilities
TABLE 2.1 Teaching and Coordinating
Course Rubric + Number
DSRE 620 ARCH, HON, WEST
Sections Design Problem Solving
DSRE 625 ARCH, HON, WEST
Sections
DSRE 630 ARCH, HON, WEST
A seminar course that examines different methods of design problem solving and its role across disciplines. The intention is to give the student a basis to approach interdisciplinary projects in an innovative way. In addition, the practice of design problem solving is examined from multiple viewpoints including human centered and technology centered approaches.
Of Making
Sections Visualization for Design Professionals
A seminar course that examines and builds on the students’ core skills in design research. Students will understand the ways that research can drive innovation and iteration in the design process. Students will understand the ethics of research and how to engage with different types of research including engagement with different cultures and communities and a variety of stakeholders.
DSRE 635 ARCH, IS, HON, WEST Sections
DSRE 645 Thesis Proposal
In this course students will integrate their thoughts, research and progress into a proposal for their Master of Science in Design Research (DSRE) thesis capstone project. The DSRE thesis proposal will include elements of speculation related to their chosen research path. Proposal possible
Course Rubric + Number Course Title and Description
research methods will be examined and implemented.
DSRE 650 Thesis Practicum
In this course, students will spend the term documenting, preparing for, and reflecting on a practicum experience related to their path of study; or an initial research endeavor related to the path of study. Students will also take part in various professional and research activities that will augment their thesis process integrate their experience into the ongoing research
DSRE 750 Thesis I
In this, the first of the three thesis project courses, students will expand their research, and progress, into their Master of Science in Design Research (DSRE) thesis capstone project. The DSRE thesis project will include elements of speculation related to their chosen research path.
DSRE 760 Thesis II
In this, the second course of the thesis sequence, students will continue to develop their Master of Science in Design Research (DSRE) thesis capstone project. The DSRE thesis project will include elements of speculation related to their chosen research path. Student will build on initial research outcomes to develop a draft of their final thesis-this may include a physical artifact, prototype or a database-or a combination of outcomes. All students will produce a final binder that documents the proposal, base research, and outcomes.
DSRE 770 Thesis III
In this course, the culmination of the Master of Science in Design Research (DSRE) Thesis sequence, students will finalize their DSRE thesis capstone project. The DSRE thesis project will include elements of
Rubric + Number
speculation related to their chosen research path. Students will build on initial research outcomes to complete their final thesis-this may include a physical artifact, prototype , database-or a combination of outcomes. All students will produce a final, publication quality paper that documents the proposal, base research, and outcomes. In this final term, students will finalize both the outcome and the document
ARCH 320 With associated ARCH, HON, INTR Sections Sustainable Built Environments II
Students will examine the work of scientists, designers, authors, artists, architects, engineers, planners, etc to gain a deeper conceptual understanding of current and emerging strategies in sustainability and the complex and integrated systems approach to the built environment in the present and near future.
DSRE 677/ EPI 677
Design and Health Research
In this inter-professional course, students will explore concepts and methodologies of design, health research, and design thinking. The course is cross-listed between the disciplines of public health and design research, and students will be drawn from both disciplines to examine the reciprocal relationship between health research and human-centered innovation and creative thinking
Course Rubric + Number Course Title and Description
AS-I 501 Creative Interdisciplinary Team Research
This course will provide fluency with the foundational principles and processes that demonstrably enhance creative practice and problem-solving skills in interdisciplinary research teams. Students will learn to identify and develop new, useful and high-quality ideas and products while practicing these skills and working as a member of an interdisciplinary team. A strong focus on theoretical principles of group dynamics will provide the framework for participants to understand and experience best practices characteristic of highly productive collaborative research endeavors. Students with complementary interests will work in teams to design an interdisciplinary project with STEM and social/educational components and apply learned concepts
* Acted as thesis coordinator for 5 students
NOTE: Average of 3 independent studies given per term
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
NOTE: Does not include independent study advising average 3 independent studies per term
Service
Service To Drexel University Administration
2016-Present Founding Director Master of Science Design
• Director Duties include
• Maintain curriculum rigor
• Propose and maintain a yearly budget and coordinate with other departmental budgets and requests as needed.
• Supervise adjuncts and standing faculty in program delivery
• Scheduling and planning course offerings
• Maintaining curriculum listing in the catalog
• Academic advising of students in their paths
• Identify research and career opportunities
• Marketing and recruitment events
• Build cohort numbers yearly
• Work with faculty to identify opportunities for entering students
• Manage adjunct faculty and develop special topics
• Institutional Review Board Thesis coordinating for thesis cohort
• Work with graduate admissions to identify, review, and process applications
• Transcript and portfolio review of students, as well as personal interviews
• Work with the International Students and Scholars Department
• Accepted Students’ correspondence – developing a plan of study for each student, determining start date, and prerequisite courses
• Coordinating and advising students in student design competitions
• Curriculum: Maintain up-to-date sequence sheets and plan of study sheets
• Semi-Annual Curriculum Revisions
• Advise on Financial Aid, including Graduate Assistantships, Deans Fellowships
• Update and maintain student records
Sustainability in The Built Environment Minor
2012-Present Coordinator & Advisor
• Work with standing faculty to ensure enrollment average enrollment: 30-35 students total
• Supervise adjuncts and standing faculty in program delivery
• Market the minor to ensure a more cross-university population
• Advise students on entrance into the minor
• Evaluate coursework for inclusion as electives in the minor.
• Meet and confer with student advisors to ensure processes are followed and students’ credits are attributed correctly.
• Update and maintain student records.
• Academic advising in collaboration with Student Services
Department Service
2021-2022 Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism ARFAA Lecture Committee
2011-2016 Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism Technology Committee: Assisted with all technology decisions and purchases for the Department Programs, including hardware and software discussions
2010-Present Department Standing Faculty Curriculum Committee
2015-2016 MS Design Working Group and Steering Committee Worked with standing faculty to author and develop the MS Design Program, including core courses and sequence.
2011-2016 Digital Technology Coordinator Interiors Programs
Tenure & Promotion
2025-2026 Jacklynn Niemiec Tenure Committee Chair
2025-2026 William Mangold Tenure Review Committee
2024-2025 Daniel Coslett Mid-tenure Review Committee
2024-2025 Antonio Martinez Molina Tenure Committee Chair
2023-2024 June He Product Design Mid-Tenure Review
2023-2024 Joseph Steinhardt Music Industry Tenure Review Committee
2023-2024 Frances Temple-West Non-Tenure Track Promotion Committee Interior Design
2023-2024 Maureen DeSimone Non-Tenure Track Promotion Committee Fashion Industry and Merchandising
Search Committees
2025/2026 Interior Design Teaching Professor (NTT) Search
2024/25 Executive Director Finance: Westphal College of Media arts and Design Committee Co-chair with Trevor Phaneuf
2023/24 Tenure-track Interior Design Search Committee member
2021/22 Department Head Department of Architecture Design & Urbanism Cochair with Associate Professor Andrew Zitcer
2020/21 Tenure Track Product Design Search Committee member
2019/20 Teaching Professor Search Interior Design Co-Chair with Professor Alphonso Mclendon
2016/17 Department Head Department of Design Search Committee member
2015/16 Tenure Track Product Design Search Committee member
2013/14 Tenure-Track Design and Merchandising Search Committee member
2012/13 Tenure Track Architecture Search Committee member
2012/13 Non-Tenure Track Architecture Search Committee member
College Service
2024-2025 Westphal Academic Committee Hiring Policy and Guidelines
2023-2024 Westphal Academic Committee Research Scholarship and Creative Work
2022-2023 Westphal Academic Summer Committee on Workload
2023-2025 Pearlstein Gallery Westphal College Gallery and Exhibits Committee Faculty Caucus Member Shared Governance Service
2020-2021 Vice-chair of Faculty Caucus
2014-2022 Caucus Committee on Academic Affairs ADU Department Graduate Representative
2021-2022 Chair Strategic Graduate and Lifelong Learning Committee
2020-2021 College Strategic Planning Committee: Design Education
2019-2021 Westphal Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council (DEIC): Recording Secretary
2011-2015 Faculty Research Mini-grant Review Committee
2014 Westphal College of Media Arts & Design Strategy and Entrepreneurship Committee
2010-2011 Westphal Faculty Research Exhibit Committee
University Service
2025 Middle States Certification of Higher Education Standard V Committee
2023-2025 Senate Steering Committee Westphal College Representative, two (2) year term
2023-2025 Full Faculty Senate Member, Westphal College at-large member, two (2) year term
2021-Present CANOPI Mentor: Advised group in the 2022 University faculty promotion portfolio program
2021-2022 Senate Building, Planning, and Development (BP&D) Senate Subcommittee at-large member, two (2) Year Term
2020-2022 Senate Committee on Academic Affairs (SCAA) Graduate Subcommittee at-large member, two (2) Year Term
2020 University Strategic Planning Implementation Committee CELL Committee: Lifelong Learning and Certificates in Service to The Drexel 2030 Agenda
2015-2016 Drexel Foundations and Corporate Relations Committee
2013-Present Pennoni Honors College Star Scholar Mentor
2014-2023 Fulbright Candidate Reviewer
2022 University Strategic Implementation Committee: CORE Integration Facilitator: facilitated meetings for the integration of DUO University strategic partnerships
Accreditations
Accreditation National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
2024 National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Accreditation: MS Design Research Visit and Exhibition
2016-Present National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Accreditation: MS Design Research
2016 Initial NASAD report at the inception of the program
2017-2019 Maintained program records with College Designated NASAD coordinator Sara Steinwachs. Submitted official follow-up in 2018 reported permanent status for program Filed Program adjustments
2014-2015 Interiors National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Accreditation Faculty Team
Accreditation Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
2011-2018 Council on Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) Standing Faculty Committee: Assisted with two successful CIDA accreditations and implemented curricular adjustments related to program self-study
2011-2012 Exhibit Design Lead: Drexel Interior Design Dual Accreditations Masters and bachelor’s Programs CIDA Accreditations: Exhibit Design and Exhibit Coordinator BSID and MSIAD; graphics and operational assistance with Standing Interiors Faculty
2011-2012 CIDA Accreditation Service: digital and report support
Accreditation National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
2011 Material Assistance Drexel National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB)
2006 Temple University NAAB Accreditation Co-chair and student work exhibition lead
Curriculum
MS Program Curricular Developments & Adjustments
2024 Name change MS Design, and Program CIP code STEM Designation
2023 Added five-year BS/MS with Bachelor of Architecture Studies and Bachelor of Retail Fashion Merchandising
2020-2022 DSRE program inclusions across the University DSRE Courses have been added as electives or degree requirements in the following Programs:
• MS Interior Architecture & Design
• Creative Education and Entrepreneurship
• Library and Information Science
• Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience:
• Digital Content Management
• Urban Strategy
• 2019: Change to Named Degree and Added Part-time option
• 2018 BS/MS Option Added: Design Research and Interior Design
Curricular Development
2021 Honors Symposium Fellow: HNRS 301: Interior Space, Environment, & Disaster
AS-501/502 Trans-Disciplinary Cross University Research Courses:
AS-501: Creative Interdisciplinary Team Research: Principles and Practice and AS-502: Enhancing the Creativity of a Research Project.
2021: DESIGN RESEARCH BBLEARN ORGANIZATION Created Permanent Learning Management Digital Asset for the DSRE program, including all courses and core techniques in Human Centered Design, Design-Led Strategy, and Design Research.
Service To the Profession of Design 2000-Present
2018-Present Service Design Network Philadelphia Chapter Co-Founder Member
2014-2018 AIA Health and Active Design Committee: Completed active design case studies with committee members
2015-2017 PHL Fit City 2 and 3 Planning Committee
2015 Advisor: 34th and Brandywine Park: Group working to revitalize Mantua Neighborhood Park
2010-2012 Project Reviewer: Mural Arts Program
2010 Resource Advisor: Philadelphia Zoning Works Commission: advised in the development of the revised Philadelphia Zoning Code
2010 Philadelphia Zoning Code Reviewer: related to signage. Resource advisor Philadelphia Commerce Department: various commercial corridors
2011-2014 Community Design Collaborative Project Designer: HACE RSTORE
2002-2003 Harrisburg Urban Studio Task Force: Harrisburg Mayor’s Initiative. Served as a member of a task force convened to create a design/build urban studio and education center in the City of Harrisburg Chairperson Curriculum Committee
Professional Practice
Owner-Architect On Design LLC
2002- 2014 Licensed Architecture and Interior Design solo practice: I worked with clients large and small to create spaces and projects that facilitate users’ needs creatively and with added value in Urban Philadelphia Historic contexts. With a focus on Community Storefronts, Community Non-profit, Residential spaces, and building reuse
Community, Institutional & Non-Profit Development
2011 Philly Painters Project: Haas and Haan Storefront Standards Design: Mural Arts \North Philadelphia
2010 PARC Passyunk Avenue: On Design LLC was selected via RFP to design five storefronts by the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation in conjunction with Graham Bailer, Architect
2007- Resident Storefront Architect-Fall 2007-2012: worked with Fairmount Community Development
2011 Corporation, designed and partially implemented over 25 separate projects with separate vendors on commercial corridors
2010 Cooperative Nursery School Germantown PA: code review and feasibility study
2009 “The Parlor” Community dance rehearsal and performance space: South Broad Street, Philadelphia PA; Renovation, ADA Variance, space planning and code review
2010 Concord Management: Olde City, Philadelphia, PA, complete commercial renovation of five-story office building; ADA state variance
2000 Backes and Backes LLP, Law Firm: Trenton NJ: 2,000 square foot commercial interior renovation
2002 Construction Interiors and Materials Administration Consultant: Curry Construction General Contractors; restaurant and entertainment design consultant
Residential & Development
2009 Fairmount Flats: 16th and Fairmount Loonstyn Brothers Development: Residential development project assistance, including space planning, schematic design, zoning, planning commission approvals, and code research
2000- 2011 Various infill rehab and interior residential development projects with Brown McKinney Brokers in historic Philadelphia neighborhoods Pearl Street, Sears Street, Cuthbert Street, Kater Street, Montgomery Ave: addition and interior Renovation: Philadelphia row homes including Historic Commission and ZBA hearings House at 2249 Fitzwater Street: project development design and documentation for 2,000 square foot row house
2006-2008 R Limited Residential Interiors Project Consultant: Interior design document production and design, Manhattan renovations
2004 House at Queens Village: Kitchen bathroom and bedroom renovations and addition, with required city variances
Selected Systems Expertise
Research Expert Level
Liner (AI)
Delve
Qualtrics/Survey Monkey
Dedoose
Administrative Expert Level
Microsoft 365: Excel/Ppt/Msword/Teams/Shar epoint/Onedrive
Discord
Creative/Design Expert Level
MIRO/Mural Rhino/Grasshopper
Makerbot Slicer/Flashprint
Slate Autocad
Smaply Canvas
Remarkable
Blackboard Learn Revit In Vivo
Chat Gpt (AI)
Web Finance Sketchup
Banner Figma
Zotero Coeus Canva Gpt 4aii
Airtable
Trello/Monday/ Asana/ Midjourney (Ai)
Slack
Nolij/Technolutions
Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop Illustrator Indesign Adobe
Dossier R eferences
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http://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A586470743/AONE?u=drexel_main&sid =zotero&xid=bf37d919
Bauer, N. J. (1991). Dewey and Schon: An Analysis of Reflective Thinking. https://eric-ed-gov.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/?id=ED344299
Berger, R. (2015). Now I see it, now I don’t: Researcher’s position and reflexivity in qualitative research. Qualitative Research, 15(2), 219–234. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794112468475
Buchanan, R. (1992). Wicked problems in design thinking. Design Issues, 8(2), 5. https://doi.org/10.2307/1511637
Cross, N. (2007). Forty years of design research. Design Studies, 28(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2006.11.004
Cross, N. (2011). Design thinking: Understanding how designers think and work. Berg.
Curedale, R. (2018). Mapping Methods 2: Step-by-step guide Experience Maps Journey Maps Service Blueprints Affinity Diagrams Empathy Maps Business Model Canvas. Design Community College Inc.
Davis, M. (2017). Teaching Design: A Guide to Curriculum and Pedagogy for College Design Faculty and Teachers Who Use Design in Their Classrooms. Allworth.
Dimeo, R. (2016). Sketchnoting: An Analog Skill in the Digital Age. SIGCAS Comput. Soc., 46(3), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1145/3024949.3024951
Drexel University. (2014). Drexel Strategic Plan Refresh. http://drexel.edu/strategicPlan/process/development-process/Refresh/ Drexel University. (2019). Our Shared Values, Drexel Strategic Plan. Drexel University Strategic Plan 2012-2019.
http://drexel.edu/strategicPlan/message/values/
Horst W. J. Rittel, M. M. W. (1973). Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy Sciences, 4(2), 155–169. https://doi.org/10
IDEO. (2019). Design Kit. Field Guide for Design. https://www.designkit.org/resources/1
IDEO. (2020). The Circular Design Guide. https://www.circulardesignguide.com/ Institute, L. (2012). Innovating for People: Handbook of Human-Centered Design Methods. LUMA Institute.
Keeley, L., Walters, H., Pikkel, R., & Quinn, B. (2013). Ten Types of Innovation: The Discipline of Building Breakthroughs (1st edition). Wiley.
Kumar, V. (2012). 101 Design Methods: A Structured Approach for Driving Innovation in Your Organization (1 edition). Wiley.
Lacy, M. (2019, April 25). Just Tell Me What I Need to Know: Reflexivity and Positionality Statements. Medium. https://medium.com/@Marvette/justtell-me-what-i-need-to-know-reflexivity-and-positionality-statementsfb52ec0f4e17
Michael Bakos, Richard Bozic, David Chapin, Judith Gandrus, & Stephen Kahn. (1979). Privacy, Territory, and Participation: Projects for your Environment [Pamphelet]. Archtiecture Research Construction Inc.
Nicholas, D. S. (2021). Slow Engagement & Widening the Frame – Emerging Models of Social Innovation and Design Culture. In D. L. Loredana, I. Lorenzo, M. Viktor, & G. Angela (Eds.), Design Culture(s). Cumulus Conference Proceedings Roma 2021. 8-11 June 2021, Roma, Italy. e Cumulus International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media. https://cumulusroma2020.org/proceedings/ Nicholas, D., T. Deshpande, T. Singh, R. Wenrick, and A. Allen-Handy. (2024) “Aging Community and Co-Design: The Urban Placekeeping Design Education Experience.” International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation2024 Proceedings, IATED, 2024, 10340–48. https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2024.2644.
Noon, M. (2023, April 11). Adaptive Teaching: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide. Third Space Learning. https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/adaptiveteaching/ Puccinelli, A. (2011, June 7). About Evidence-based Design [Text]. The Center for Health Design. https://www.healthdesign.org/certificationoutreach/edac/about-ebd Rohde, M. (2014). The Sketchnote Workbook: Advanced techniques for taking visual notes you can use anywhere (1 edition). Peachpit Press. Rowley, J. (2007). The wisdom hierarchy: Representations of the DIKW hierarchy: Journal of Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551506070706 Sanders, E. B.-N. (2017). Design Research at the Crossroads of Education and Practice. She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, 3(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2017.05.003
SpeculativeEdu, & Iaconesi, S. (2019, June 27). Approaches, methods and tools for Speculative Design. SpeculativeEdu. https://speculativeedu.eu/approaches-methods-and-tools-for-speculativedesign/ UK Design Council. (2020). What is the framework for innovation? Design Council’s evolved Double Diamond | Design Council. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/what-frameworkinnovation-design-councils-evolved-double-diamond Westwood, P. (2013). Inclusive and Adaptive Teaching: Meeting the challenge of diversity in the classroom. Taylor and Francis.
Appendices
Research, Scholarship, & Creative Works Appendices
Appendix A Sample Paper
Appendix B Sample Grant Proposal
Appendix C Book Essay
Appendix D Mentee Work Samples
Appendix E Sample MCSAP Report
Appendix F Sample Research Presentation
Teaching Appendices
Appendix A: Sample Syllabi
Appendix B: Teaching Evaluations
Appendix C: Sample Scholarly Product Related to Pedagogy 2021-Present
Appendix E: Student Work Samples
Service Appendices
Appendix A Excerpt From 2024 NASAD report
Appendix B Self Published Books documenting recent engagements
Appendix C Climate Coop Cohort Report
Appendix D MS Design Thesis Samples