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: 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: 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.