PhD in Architecture & Design Research
At a Glance
PROGRAM
PhD Students
Research Approach: Exploring the impact of spatial arrangements and smart technology in kitchens on the cognitive load and function of people looking to age in place.
Monique Chabot has been an occupational therapist for over a decade with a clinical career focused on geriatric home-based care. She specializes in home modifications for aging in place and works clinically for several non-profit housing organizations on grant funded work to provide home assessments and home modifications for older adults in the Philadelphia region. Her full-time position is as an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Widener University where she shares her love of older adults, neuroanatomy, cognition, assistive technology design, smart technology, biophilia, and the built environment with her students.
In addition to the built environment, Monique enjoys exploring skills with the Maker's Movement and learning to 3D print to design her own assistive devices. She won the Audience Choice Award from the American Occupational Therapy Association Inventors Showcase with an electronic telescoping reacher designed during her PhD elective Industrial Design studio in 2022. She is also a 2023-2024 TOM University Fellow, a leadership program looking at the intersection of design, technology, and human needs. Part of her professional mission is to merge the best of the built environment, design, and occupational therapy when approaching different challenges in peoples' lives in order to provide the more comprehensive and holistic solutions to help people live long, healthy, independent lives in the home of their choice.
Monique's PhD research is influenced by her clinical career, focusing on kitchen design for older adults looking to age in place. It is geared towards people undergoing natural physiological age-related changes and understanding the environmental influences that contribute to cognitive load in the kitchen. The goal is to propose new kitchen typologies after an exploration of spatial arrangements, smart technology use, and sources of cognitive load on the next generation of people to enter older adulthood.
Research Approach: Bridging Heritage and Future, championing sustainable, inclusive living through traditional knowledge systems, fostering global collaborations, and igniting change with people-centric urban solutions. Committed to S.M.A.R.T. Living - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely.
Ritu Gurudatta Deshmukh is an architect and visual artist specializing in Heritage Conservation. Her work is based in two Indian cities, Varanasi and Kolkata. She graduated from VNIT, Nagpur, and further specialized in Architectural/Heritage Conservation from SPA, New Delhi. With over two decades of experience, she blends sustainable practices and traditional knowledge systems in her work.
Ritu collaborates with French academicians and urbanists to spearhead an initiative called ‘Learning from Indian Cities’, exploring traditional knowledge systems in various Indian cities. This initiative forms the basis for her research dissertation at Jefferson, where she’s studying the relationship between water and living heritage in the urban centers of Varanasi and Kolkata along the Ganges in India.
She runs a foundation, C.R.E.A.D.H.L.E., in Navi Mumbai, India, which initiates research activities to spread awareness about water and traditional knowledge systems. She has curated graphic stories on various issues with her partners, Leewardists. As a Director of the School of Architecture in Navi Mumbai, she fostered global collaborations to provide learning platforms for architecture students.
Ritu’s association with South Korean institutions in conducting an International Field Workshop on Urban Regeneration at Mokpo in 2019 has been recognized by the UNESCO, South Korean committee. She received the Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Sunrise District 3142 Award for Excellence in Vocational Service Award category during RY 2018-19.
Through social outreach initiatives like Kharghar Design Week and a unique Vertical Studio, she engages in creating solutions for urban issues. Her vision is to promote sustainable, inclusive, and livable environments on earth through understanding traditional knowledge systems, with a focus on humane, people-centric, and social justice as the motto for S.M.A.R.T. Living.
Research Approach: Inclusion Advocate, and Ethical Navigator, guiding organizations through complex contexts with a critical eye, embracing the messy beauty of human interactions, creating inclusive futures.
Jess is a Senior Researcher at the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University in Toronto where she has been fortunate to practice inclusion for over 15 years. Jess’ practice includes project-based work as well as consulting and training services for organizations in the public and private sector including Lululemon, Ikea, Accessibility Standards Canada, Public Safety Canada and Google. In addition, Jess is an adjunct professor in the School of Graduate Studies Masters in Inclusive Design program.
With a background in Ethics, Jess delivers a unique perspective on messy and complex contexts that helps organizations and individuals navigate a productive way forward.
Those details offer a limited glimpse into who Jess is. Here’s what else you need to know: Jess is often a misfit, values a critical perspective, appreciates the messy parts of human interactions and has a fondness for things in 3s. She lives in Toronto, Ontario with her wife, son, and an unreasonable number of pets.
Research Approach: blending academic rigor with practical experience, committed to sustainable design, public interest, and reforesting the Zagros Mountains.
Darya Afshar is a PhD student in Architecture and Design Research at Jefferson. She holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Kurdistan in Iran, where she specialized in Building Energy management. Her master’s thesis focused on Energy Benchmarking and Preparing Display Energy Certificate for College Buildings, with a design for an eco-friendly college. Darya is certified in AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, and EViews, and possesses strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. She is known for prioritizing solutions that serve the broader public interest.
Darya has experience working as a Graduate Research Assistant at Jefferson and as a collaborator in architectural and urban studies at Consultant Engineering Companies in Tehran, Iran. She has also taught EViews software to graduate students at the University of Kurdistan. Darya has published several articles related to energy benchmarking and green building design and has presented her work at various seminars and workshops. In her free time, Darya has volunteered with a non-profit organization focused on reforesting the Zagros Mountains.
Research Approach: Bridging design and policy with environmental modeling research, committed to addressing urban heat, gentrification, and redlining through innovative architectural solutions.
Elizabeth May is an architectural designer at a Philadelphia based firm. As a PhD student at Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Architecture & the Built Environment, Elizabeth is researching the accessibility of environmental modeling software and how it can be used in designing, planning, and policymaking.
Elizabeth is a graduate from Jefferson’s Bachelor of Architecture program and the Master of Urban Design program. For her Master’s thesis she wrote about how to establish an index for Urban Heat Island analysis. Her work has been published by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture’s yearly conference journal and was presented at the ACSA 111th conference. This work has also been presented to the AIA of Philadelphia’s Committee on the Environment’s lecture series about Urban Heat Island, Gentrification, and Redlining.
Research Approach: Merging past and present, she pioneers adaptive reuse of heritage structures, balancing preservation with contemporary needs, and shaping the future of cultural landscapes.
Mojgan Sadat Akhavani is a PhD student in the College of Architecture & the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University. Under the guidance of Professor David Breiner, she is working on a Campus Heritage Project, documenting cultural landscapes on the University's East Falls campus.
Mojgan is particularly interested in the adaptive reuse and sensitive renovation of heritage structures. Her research centers on developing best practices for retaining heritage value while creatively adapting historic buildings for contemporary needs. This involves identifying preservation priorities early, respecting original spatial qualities and material authenticity, and integrating necessary upgrades through minimally invasive solutions.
In addition to her doctoral research, she holds a Master of Interior Architecture from Pars University of Art and Architecture and a Bachelor's degree from Soore University in Iran.
Research Approach: Exploring how school-aged, self-identifying females dually diagnosed with autism and psychiatric conditions perceive their self-acceptance in their home, school, and social environments in an effort to improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety, depression, and self-harm
Lauren is Head of Admissions, Communications, and Client Relations at Shrub Oak International School, a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents and young adults. Lauren has more than a decade of experience in education and, as part of Shrub Oak’s leadership team, feels fortunate to collaborate with a group of like-minded professionals committed to a common goal: providing autistic students with an outstanding education in a warm, respectful, family-centric environment.
Lauren began her career as a preschool teacher, but quickly discovered that her true passion was working with students and their families, specifically helping families navigate the challenges associated with special education. Recognizing she could make a greater impact outside of the classroom, Lauren transitioned to a position in her school’s administrative department where she learned the fundamentals of the admissions process, and most importantly, the value of listening to families’ needs.
Lauren received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service. She is passionate about exploring ways to support autistic individuals, particularly those with co-occurring mental health conditions, hence her pursuit of a PhD at Thomas Jefferson University. Lauren’s ultimate goal is to use the findings of her research to improve the lives of the students and families she serves at the micro, mezzo, and macro level.
Research Approach: Bridging Design and Research for Inspired Living Spaces
Shreya Kanther, originally from Indian roots and currently pursuing her PhD in the United States, deeply immersed in exploring circular business models within the built environment. With a robust background spanning academia, research, and design, Shreya is dedicated to confronting contemporary industry challenges head-on. Her research centers on formulating a business framework adaptable for diverse organizations, facilitating the implementation of circular strategies to yield economic, environmental and social advantages.
Driven by a vision of fostering a more sustainable future, Shreya's research endeavors focus on the convergence of circularity and innovation. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she aims to unravel the complexities surrounding sustainable design and construction practices, contributing to a holistic understanding of these crucial issues.
But Shreya's interests extend beyond the confines of her research. She is engaged in creating spaces that exude minimalistic elegance, foster contemplation, and offer immersive experiences. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes mindful indulgence, she believes in the transformative power of design to shape our experiences.
Off the beaten path, you'll often find Shreya on the roads, exploring new destinations, meeting people, and soaking in the beauty of surreal views. She thrives on socializing and making connections, believing in the power of collaboration to drive positive change.
With a firm belief in the power of research, innovation, and collaboration, Shreya Kanther is poised to become a leading voice in the ongoing quest for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Research Approach: Examining the correlation between the psycho-sociological effects of lighting and the use of public space
Robin Miller, a 30+ year veteran of international theatrical, special event, and architectural lighting design, founded Miller Design Group (MDG) in 2007 and has grown the award-winning, full-service lighting design firm to be an emerging, dynamic enterprise promoting good lighting design for all people. Miller Design Group has extensive experience collaborating with owners, developers, architects, municipalities, non-profits, performers, and designers to enhance visual hierarchy and bring focus to each project by using light to complement the vision of our national and international clients. Ms. Miller’s skill, knowledge, and experience as an educator and licensed real estate professional adds an enhanced value to every project.
Prior to launching Miller Design Group, Robin utilized her award-winning lighting design, operational and project management skills for events and organizations including World Café Live, Visual Sound Inc, The Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the Emmy–award nominated, “Billy Joel: In His Own Words.”
In the fields of education and academia, Robin is an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University, the Community Development Instructor for Jumpstart North Philly West, and held the role of Program Assistant at The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts and Sciences for the International Teaching Assistants and Fulbright Scholars programs.
Ms. Miller received a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Information Systems from Eastern University, a Graduate Certificate in Information Technology from New York University and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Society of Light and Lighting, the Institution of Lighting Professionals, and other professional organizations. Robin also served on the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Council of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate and Professional Student Assembly and as a student representative on the New York University Graduate Student Council.
Robin is the recipient of several awards including the American Institute of Architects (Philadelphia) 2017 Community Design Award, the 2016 Community Design Collaborative Outstanding Team Award, and the 2012 Illuminating Engineering Society(IES) Philadelphia Section Certificate of Merit for The President’s House. She has also served as a panel judge for the IES Philadelphia section Philament Awards, as a stakeholder technical specifications reviewer for Lighting Africa, and as an alumni admissions interviewer for the University of Pennsylvania.
Research Approach: Innovating Sustainable Textile Facades for Energy Efficiency in Tropical Bioclimatic Architecture, and advancing Sustainable Alternatives to Glass in Double Skin Facade Systems for a Greener Future
Adewale (Ade) Sotubo was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa. Ade’s interest has primarily been focused on Architectural Design, Construction and Estimating. Ade’s professional career in architectural and design disciplines is quite exceptional having filled a role from Staff Architect to Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager / Senior Manager.
With a background in Construction Cost Engineering (Quantity Surveying), Ade graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in United States – Thomas Jefferson University, with a master's in Interior Architecture, and a master's in Construction Management. Having worked for various firms, notably AECOM and Johnson Controls, Ade is currently a researcher and a PhD candidate in Architectural Design & Research at Thomas Jefferson University.
Ade’s research focuses on textile façade strategies within double-skin façade systems to provide design recommendations and strategic uses of textile façade materials that improve sustainability, specifically in two tropical and subtropical regions of Abuja, Nigeria, and Doha, Qatar. The research seeks to generate new analytical data on textile materials to enhance simulation outcomes, ultimately promoting textiles as a sustainable alternative to glass in double-skin façade systems.
Research Approach: Developing a low-tech, high-performance building envelope to mitigate the challenges of hot climates, exploring the relationship with thermal comfort, and focusing on vernacular architecture strategies
Musaab Elhassan is an Architectural Designer with professional experience for about two decades, now practicing in Colliers Engineering and Design in the Philadelphia office as a designer and coordinating construction documents. Musaab is a PhD Candidate in Architecture at the College of Architecture & Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University.
In his doctoral research he focuses on developing low-cost alternative building technologies for the building envelope that promote sustainability in hot climates through effective heat transfer control, which effect thermal comfort and energy usage. He emphasizes the role of vernacular and passive design strategies in search of technical innovations.
His career path is in the Design and Construction fields, and he uses multiple CAD software to prepare construction documents and specifications. Musaab holds a Master's of Science in Architecture from Thomas Jefferson University, focusing on prioritizing strategies to upgrade energy efficiency in existing buildings and high-performance building envelopes. An additional previous international experience was abroad, in the Middle East—in Saudi Arabia—before coming to the U.S. to work with an architectural firm and getting a BArch from King Saud University.
Research Approach: Focused on accessing measurable design solutions for endemic issues in clinical spaces, spatial usages, and design interventions in the medical built environment that inspire occupant safety and well-being
Jessica-Foster Nwaigbo is a pediatric clinical researcher that currently supports various research studies associated with topics in Cardiology and Radiology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Apart from her clinical research, Jessica pursues research in human factors and QA for use case in hospital architectural planning, development, and clinician workflow improvement. As a PhD candidate in Architecture and Design Research at Thomas Jefferson University, her dissertation opts to defend the prioritization of the use of adaptive lighting design in clinical spaces and places for healing. In line with this ambition, the study will evaluate the preference differentials between long-term occupant spatial satisfaction metrics and medical error averages, amongst clinical staff that are exposed to a long-term daylight-modeled lighting treatment—compared to that of standardized hospital LED fixtures. As an outcome, her dissertation offers to isolate various visual-spatial factors of luminance with the joint objective of isolating a lighting wavelength ideal that could be implemented as a contemporary lighting standard in medical interiors.
This identification will seek to reinforce the notion of the direct role that lighting has on clinical staff workflows, behaviors and concentration—that of which can improve patient safety. Academically, Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology with a minor in neuroscience and a Master's of Science in Real Estate Development and Construction Management with an emphasis in Hospital Development.
Aside from her medical research and academic pursues, Jessica is visual artist, oil painter, and host of a podcast that explores the intersectionality of architecture, medicine, and design—while leveraging this middle ground to discuss resolutions to endemic issues in our modern world.
Research Approach: Focused on processes and devices to prepare young adults with autism for community independent living
Sabra Townsend is the Director of Operations for The Center for Autism and Neurodiversity at Jefferson Health. Her position is multi-faceted in the field of autism services: directing Center operations, clinical and strategic development, training, and grants management. Safety on the Spectrum (SoS): Situational Awareness in Public Spaces has received a second round of funding. SoS works to share experiences and resources regarding autism with community members and first responders.
Prior to Jefferson, she worked in public health, focusing on community service to children with special needs. Most recently, focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she directed an AmeriCorps national service program, managed medical and nursing students who performed basic health assessments, and provided training to both parents and professionals on topics including special education and everyday strategies for improved life outcomes.
Her work experience includes human factors engineering and technical aviation publications at the Federal Aviation Administration as well as community coordinating at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition to consulting in the human services field, Sabra has presented at numerous conferences on issues affecting people with special needs. Topics have included sensory regulation, special education laws and practical approaches to living everyday with autism. Sabra served as group leader on the statewide PA Autism Task Force and works with the city, state and private organizations to improve services for people with special health care needs. Recent publications include Engaging University Partners in HealthMeet® to offer free community-based health assessments for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Honors include the Small Miracles award by the Center for Autism in Philadelphia, PA. Sabra earned her BS in Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Operations Management.
Focused on how young autistic adults currently plan for independent living. Existing literature indicates a gap in research regarding housing and the challenges that adults with autism may face as they attempt to live independently. The majority of young adults with autism live with their parents after graduating from high school. Parental and caregiver expectations also play a role in positive independent living outcomes.
Research Approach: Bridging collaboration between experts and community with an emphasis on innovative technologies, dedicated to green space accessibility, urban revitalization, and equity
Erick Romero is a PhD student in the College of Architecture & Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University. He has also earned his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Urban Design from Thomas Jefferson University. During his Master, he received A Graduate Assistantship for his PhD. He is devoted to learning new technologies such as Large Language Models for parametric modeling, learn urban equity initiatives for well-being, and explore unique and expressive design graphics.
Erick is the Teaching Assistant of Dr. Peng Du and Nithin Cheluva Mavinkere Ranganath Design 9 / MUD 603 course focused on generative design. He guided students to develop frameworks for mega-development in Bangkok by providing constructive feedback, encouraging creativity, and problem-solving methods.
For his thesis research he investigated a workflow for green space accessibility regarding a 5-minute walkability model to disclose communities with inadequate access to green space. And integrate performance-based modelling solutions to revitalize a selected vacant lot into a comfortable space to expand Philadelphia’s green network. With the guidance of Dr. Peng Du, he is dedicated to further developing his thesis framework for his doctoral research by exploring innovative technologies and the role of AI in the process of expert and community collaboration.
Research Approach: Investigating the Efficacy of Learning Environments Rich in Art, Sensory Experiences and Biophilic Classroom Design Elements in reducing dysregulation in ASD-1 Students with Co-occurring mental health Conditions: “A Recipe for Regulation”
Janine found her passion for special education early in her career when she entered the world of Residential Treatment. For the majority of her career, she functioned as Dean of Students managing a school population ranging from ages 5 - 21 within a special act district, in one of the most intensive special education environments in Westchester County, New York. Currently she functions as Director of Education at the Pines at Shrub Oak International School, educating students on the Autism Spectrum with cooccurring mental health conditions.
Janine's thesis entitled "Art on the Spectrum" explores the efficacy of learning environments rich in art, sensory experiences and Biophilic Classroom Design for students with ASD and cooccurring mental health conditions. Seeking a "Recipe for Regulations" she hopes to provide educators with an economical framework or "recipe consisting of art rich, sensory and design elements that can be implemented within learning environments and will help in reducing dysregulation in students. A wife and mom of two, Janine values her large extended family and enjoys spending time with her children as well as her 12 nieces and nephews.
- Research Approach: Focused on the interplay of information, materiality, human cognition and the senses, combining art and science endeavors
Severino Alfonso Dunn is a registered architect, researcher and artist in the United States and Spain. He is an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University College of Architecture & the Built Environment. He co-directs the Synesthetic Research & Design Lab, where he partners with communities and industry experts to build collective knowledge around all-inclusive ways of perceptually experiencing our spaces. The lab develops research-driven interactive and experiential installations and prototypes to transgress the art, technology, health and design boundaries. Together with Loukia Tsafoulia, their creative work as part of the Synesthetic Research & Design Lab has been exhibited in international art and design venues such as the Trajan's Market Museum of the Imperial Fora in Rome, Italy (2022), the 2021 European Cultural Center, Venice Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy, the Municipal Theater of Piraeus in Athens, Greece (2021-2022), and the IE Creativity Center in Segovia (2023). They have been awarded numerous grants for developing and exhibiting their work, and they are currently artists in residence at the S+T+ARTS Resilence European Horizon Program.
Severino closely collaborates with the Jefferson Health Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, the Occupational Therapy Department at Thomas Jefferson University, and the University College Dublin Inclusive Design Research Centre of Ireland in partnership with SMARTLab teams in Dublin and Cahersiveen, Ireland, and Niagara Falls, Canada. He co-organizes the yearly International Symposia “Neurodiversity and the Built Environment” (Jefferson.edu/NeurodiversitySymposium). Through symposia, publications, and applied research, these collaborations stimulate cross-disciplinary and community dialogue, aiming to catalyze comfort, celebration and joy within our current environments.
Severino holds an MSAAD from Columbia University in New York City and two MS in Urban Design and Advanced Architecture from the ETSAM, Spain.