Stefano Schiavon appointed inaugural associate dean for research and design at CED

William W. Wurster Dean Renee Y. Chow has appointed Professor of Architecture and Civil & Environmental Engineering Stefano Schiavon to serve as the College of Environmental Design’s first associate dean for research and design. In this role, Schiavon will provide strategic guidance to the dean in all areas of research with the goal of boosting the college’s production of scholarship and design across disciplines.

“I believe that this new position is critical for supporting faculty research and design in this era of changing funding landscapes,” says Chow. “With his impressive track record of grant-funded research and peer-reviewed publication, Stefano is the ideal person to serve in this role. Our goal is to solidify the reputation of the college as a leader in all aspects of environmental design by accelerating faculty work through philanthropic, governmental, and industry partnerships.”

The associate dean for research and design is charged with mentoring faculty, especially early-career faculty, and connecting them with funding opportunities; sponsoring grant-writing workshops; identifying areas for institutional investment to support research; facilitating collaborations within and beyond CED; and promoting dissemination through publications, exhibitions, and other channels. The role will also help manage grants, mitigate financial risk, and liaise with the multiple campus offices that are involved in research and gift administration.

Schiavon currently serves as associate director of research at the Center for the Built Environment; associate director of the Center for Environmental Design Research; and chair of the MS and PhD in Building Science, Technology and Sustainability programs in the Department of Architecture. He is an internationally recognized expert in sustainable architecture, architectural engineering, and thermal comfort, studying how indoor environments affect human health, well-being, and performance. 

“I am excited by the opportunity to help the CED community pursue research and design that contributes to a better world,” says Schiavon. “I look forward to catalyzing ambitious, collaborative, and impactful work that strengthens our ties to funding agencies and philanthropy, alums and donors, design firms and the public sector, and, ultimately, advances the public good.”