Kendall Marsh, Dafne Odette, and Michael Sagun (all Architecture) pushed Top Tier initiatives through the presentation of original research at Clemson University’s International Nursing Conference for Excellence in Healthcare Design. Odette and Sagun presented on the development of an experimental memory-strengthening and enhancement device based on the convergence of neuroscience and Gestalt perceptions as the foundation for experiential memory. Data was filtered through design thinking methods to develop a tool that can be used for cognitive rehabilitation or habilitation therapies.

Marsh presented on her survey of social service websites to identify the frequency and quality of images used by social service agencies that provide programs and services to young people who are affected with an intellectual disability. She identified 20 key words and phrases that she used in a Google search. Any social service agency that appeared within the first two pages were included in her sample. She then looked at mission statements that claimed to include environmental health and/or well-being as part of their outcome objectives. Then she reviewed the websites and analyzed the photographs on the sites. Website were then categorized as having no images demonstrating environmental health and well-being, those that relied heavily on stock images, and those that showed their actual environments and demonstrated evidence-based designs for health and well-being outcomes.

All three are students of interior architecture and design.