Graduate Research Fellowship to Interior Design MFA Grad Student, Amy Griffin

AAHID and Nurture by Steelcase Graduate Research Fellowship to Florida State University Interior Design MFA Graduate Student, Amy Griffin

The College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance wishes to recognize Amy Griffin, MFA candidate in the Department of Interior Architecture and Design, who was recently awarded a prestigious research fellowship for her research project, Creating a Healing Environment for Professional Caregivers in a Cancer Center Setting, by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID) and Nurture by Steelcase.

“The purpose of the program is to promote the importance of interior design research and to contribute to the body of knowledge for healthcare interior design, consistent with the mission of AAHID. It also reflects Nurture’s mission through research and evidence-based design to change the way people experience healthcare environments. The fellowship is designed to assist new investigators in initiating the research aspect of their education by providing seed money to afford graduate students the opportunity to pursue new or novel areas of research.” – www.nurture.com

Griffin’s project includes a study of professional caregiver’s needs as they relate to the design of outpatient cancer treatment facilities. Her research is grounded in the Optimal Healing Environment model. It looks at various environmental attributes and how they impact professional caregiver satisfaction and performance in the healing environment.

“This study will advance design knowledge regarding professional caregivers needs in healthcare work settings. Amy is committed to designing health care spaces that enhance the human experience and she understands the role of well-designed environments in the healing process. ” – Lisa Waxman, Directing Professor.

Example of “Optimal Healing Environment model” provided by www.samueliinstitute.org