Innovate to Communicate the User Experience (CEU)

Dr. Emily Roberts is an Associate Professor of Interior Design at Oklahoma State University and has a research focus in Environmental Gerontology, the study of the person-environment fit between older adults and the physical environment. As an Environmental Gerontologist, Dr. Roberts has studied the factors involved in aging in place, as well as evolving models of long-term care, particularly for older adults with dementia and their families. Dr. Roberts has conducted research in the United States in Special Care Units for individuals with dementia, as well as in Canada, focusing on government funded community-based long-term care programs.

Shabboo Valipoor, Ph.D., EDAC, is an assistant professor of Interior Design at the College of Design, Construction and Planning. Her research centers on the impact of the built environment on human health and safety, with a specific focus on healthcare facilities and environments for aging. Her current projects aim to (1) improve the quality of care in acute care settings by providing supportive environments for healthcare professionals and (2) minimize environmental risks to independent living for older adults. Dr. Valipoor’s work often combines empirical methods with computational techniques such as virtual walkalong interviews, virtual reality, and discrete event simulation. She has collaborated closely with scholars in engineering, medicine, occupational therapy, and computer science on works supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Science Foundation, Academy of Architecture for Health, and American Society of Interior Designers. She serves on the North America Chapter of the International Academy for Design and Health Leadership Committee where she works with a global interdisciplinary team to promote the application of research findings concerning the interaction between design and health. Dr. Valipoor has taught upper- and lower-division studios, as well as Computer Applications, Advanced Detailing, and Finishes and Materials. Her current teaching focuses on evidence-based design in healthcare facilities and digital design tools.

Susanne Angarano, ASID, CID, WELL AP is the founder and a principal at Vaysen Studio. Her extensive experience includes a focus on learning environment strategy and design, and holistic sustainable design work. Capturing intangible qualities in a tangible way is why Susanne is an exceptional designer and facilitator, always seeking to dig deeper into culture and context, to uncover and realize project and stakeholder potential. Susanne is the recipient of the 2019 ASID Ones to Watch award, and her interior design work on MacArthur Elementary school was awarded honorable mention at the 2019 ASID Outcome of Design Awards.