The University of Oklahoma
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture
Oculus Weekly Newsletter
Jan. 14 - 18, 2019

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Oculus is an e-newsletter that is distributed by the OU Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA) during the fall and spring semesters. It features news about student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments, as well as events that may be of interest to our community. Note that there is a weekly version of the newsletter for a local audience, and a monthly version for a broader audience. Please share your news and events by noon each Friday to be considered for the following week's issue of Oculus.
News
Gibbs College of Architecture Honors Spring 2019 "Outstanding Faculty Member"

On Weds., Jan. 9, GCA Dean Hans E. Butzer named Interior Design professor Dr. Suchi Bhattacharjee the Gibbs College of Architecture's Spring 2019 "Outstanding Faculty Member."  Dr. Bhattacharjee was recognized for her contributions to the college through her teaching, research, service and collegiality. Dr. Bhattacharjee's recent research has looked at environmental sustainability, living environments for Myanmar refugees, and construction pedagogy, among other built environment topics. Congratulations, Dr. Bhattacharjee!

To learn more about Dr. Bhattacharjee's work, click here.
Interior Design Faculty Receive Grant to Study Workplace Improvements for Early Childhood Educators

Interior Design professors Dr. Natalie Ellis and Mia Kile are on a research team that is focusing on early childhood educators' interactive experiences with the built environment. The study, led by Dr. Kyong-Ah Kwon, is entitled the "Happy Teacher Project: Supporting Early Childhood Teachers' Physical and Psychological Well-being."

The team recently received a Faculty Investment Program grant of $15,000 to develop new strategies to improve workplace support for early childhood education teachers and address concerns around their physical and psychological well-being, which can affect teacher turnover and classroom practices.

To learn more, click here.
Urban Design Students Seek Community Input on Roberts Park

Students from the Urban Design Studio recently hosted a community design workshop for Tulsa's B.S. Roberts Park. The students invited community members to meet the project team, learn about the park, and offer ideas for park improvements. The workshop was part of collaborative placemaking efforts between the Urban Design Studio and the Greenwood Cultural Center.

To learn more about the Urban Design Studio, click here.
Construction Science Professor Completes Nationwide Homebuilding Study for NAHB

Construction Science assistant professor Dr. Anthony Perrenoud recently completed a nationwide study for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In this study, Dr. Perrenoud identified opportunities in which NAHB can increase engagement with young home builders. More than ever before, today's young home builders are looking to impact change within their communities. NAHB provides outstanding education and networking events that can help young homebuilders make a lasting impact on their community.

To learn more about NAHB, click here.
Above: The photo from Dr. Harris's article that was featured on the cover of JPER.
Regional + City Planning Professor Publishes Research in Journal of Planning Education and Research

Regional + City Planning professor Dr. John Harris recently had his article, "Vulnerable Youth's Perspectives and Priorities for Informal Settlements: Photovoice Evidence from Lusaka, Zambia," selected as the feature article for the cover of the most recent edition of Journal of Planning Education and Research. Harris's article talks about his research in Zambia using photovoice to gather information from vulnerable youth to help plan more inclusive cities.

To access the article, click here.
GCA Staff Member Earns Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

GCA administrator Stephanie Soash recently earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification! This certification acknowledges one's ability to improve the businesses they work for via strong leadership and data-driven decision-making that yields measurable results. We're so proud of Stephanie for this achievement!

To learn more about Lean Six Sigma at OU, click here.
W Design accepts their award from the AIA Eastern Oklahoma Chapter.
Urban Design Alumnus Awarded "Firm of the Year"

Urban Design Studio alumnus Weldon Bowman's firm, W Design, was named Firm of the Year at the  AIA Eastern Oklahoma Chapter Awards in Tulsa, Dec. 13. Bowman accepted the award from AIA officials along with members of the firm. The Tulsa-based firm focuses on commercial and residential design, 3D modeling, interior design, zoning review, and land development assistance capabilities.

To learn more about W Design, click here.
Photo: Matt Barnard/Tulsa World
Tulsa's New "Destination Districts" Program to Be Headed by Urban Design Alumnus

Ed Sharrer, a GCA  Urban Design  alumnus, was recently named the manager of Tulsa's Destination Districts program. After six years as the director of the  Kendall Whittier Main Street program , Sharrer's success led to a phone call from Tulsa's mayor, G.T. Bynum, asking S harrer to take on this new role.

In addition to stimulating economic growth in neighborhoods, the program, implemented by the  Tulsa Planning Office, will "provide districts with the technical assistance, guidance, and occasional financial support to help them implement the vision they have for themselves."
"The goal is to draw people into a diverse range of parts of the city and really help unite our city in a better way moving forward as a community," Bynum said.

To learn more, read read the full article in the Tulsa World.
Events + Opportunities
Spring 2019 Faculty Program for Research Enhancement Proposals 

Spring 2019 Program for Research Enhancement (PRE) proposals are due on Monday, Feb. 11, by 12:00 p.m. To view the PRE guidelines and to submit a proposal, click here . For more information, contact Prof. Tom Woodfin, Chair of Committee A ([email protected]).
Get Featured on GCA's Social Media Channels!

Send your work to the GCA Communications Team! This is your chance to show the world your work! Fill out the Oculus submission form and mark your submission as an image for social media. Please include images, a description of your work, your social media handles, and a link to your online portfolio if you have one. We can't wait to celebrate all you've been up to.

To submit your work, click here,
Above: Students visit the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in Paris with Prof. Woodfin
2019 Travel Study: "Modern & Historic Gardens of Western Europe"

When: May 13 - June 1, 2019
Where: Amsterdam, Paris, Bonn, Cologne, Haarlem

Study abroad with landscape architecture professor Tom Woodfin: 3 weeks, 3 credits, 3 countries. Be back in time to start your summer internship the first Monday in June 2019. Tuition is covered under the Spring 2019 flat rate!

For more information, click here.
Summer 2019 Travel Study: Learn the History of Spain and the Human Geography of Madrid

Apply By: February 17, 2019
Travel Dates: June 10 - July 6, 2019
Where:  Classes will take place in Madrid, with planned excursions to Cádiz, Toledo, Valle de Los Caídos, and El Escorial

What:  Take advantage of learning the tumultuous history of modern Spain right on the ground while also examining how Madrid in particular has been represented in fiction, non-fiction, painting, and film. You'll also get to explore, photograph, and write about some of the many neighborhoods of Madrid while spending a month in the city itself! We will also visit world-class museums in Madrid and take advantage of the incredible food and engaging nightlife.

Instructors:  History professor Sandie Holguín ([email protected]) and geography professor Robert Rundstrom ([email protected]).

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INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

When: Friday, Jan. 18, 2019: 2-3 p.m. AND  Friday, Jan. 25, 2019: 3-4 p.m.
Where: Dale Hall Tower, rm. 408

What: Professors Sandie Holguín and Robert Rundstrom will hold two informal meetings (come and go as you please) to answer your many questions about studying abroad in Madrid. It is open to those students who have already applied to the program or to those who would like to. Learn about how we will teach the history of Modern Spain and the Human Geography of Madrid. We will also answer questions about the application process, finances, cultural matters, and any other related questions you might have.

For more details, visit the OU Study Abroad website here.
Calling all Grad Students! Enter OU's Three Minute Thesis Competition!

Enter OU's Three Minute Thesis Competition! Create a three-minute presentation summarizing your master's or doctoral research for a chance to win cash prizes. Register online by January 19, 2019. Preliminary rounds begin January 28, 2019.

For more information or to request accommodations, click here or contact Suzanne Peters ([email protected]).
Apply Now for Scholarships!

Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply now via OU's Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH). The deadline is February 1, 2019. 

To access CASH, visit ou.edu/scholarships.
Landscape Architecture Foundation Scholarships Available for 2019

The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) is pleased to announce our scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year, with over $80,000 in awards available through 11 different scholarships and fellowships. The awards recognize superior student performance, encourage diversity, support original research, and assist students with unmet financial need. Information on the various awards, eligibility, and application requirements can be found at: www.lafoundation.org/scholarships.

LAF Scholarship applications are due on February 1, 2019.
Study Abroad in Italy with "Gardens of Knowledge and Delight" Program

Students who participate in the Summer 2019 "Gardens of Knowledge and Delight" Program are invited to walk the historic botanical gardens of Italy, and learn the foundations of natural history and science with Bruce Hoagland, biogeographer. They will also experience splendid Renaissance villa gardens with Tom Woodfin, landscape architect and garden historian. Together, they will learn the history of beloved places whose beauty, plant collections, and structure continue to inspire scientists and artists

Fast Facts
  • The class is based in Arezzo, Italy, and runs from July 8 - August 2, 2019
  • Students can earn six credit hours in two courses: GEOG 3253, Environmental Conservation, and LA 4743, Garden History
  • Deposits are due Feb. 24, 2019
To learn more, click here and scroll down to the Program Description.
2019 COINS Grand Challenge Accepting Student Entries

The COINS Grand Challenge is a global competition to uncover students who have ideas that can improve the built environment. Enter your idea with an essay or short video for the opportunity to win cash, internships, or business investment, plus the chance to get in front of some of the construction industry's biggest players. The 2019 competition is now open undergraduate for entries! Entries are due on April 12, 2019.

For more information visit: http://coins-grandchallenge.com/.
Share your news and events with us!
Whether you are an OU Gibbs College of Architecture alumnus, student, faculty or staff member, we want to know about your news and events!

To share your news for the next issue of  Oculus, the OU Gibbs College of Architecture newsletter, or to request publicity support for an upcoming event, please complete the form found  here. This form may also be used to submit website update requests.
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