Ball State Professor Awarded NSF Grant for Autism Research, Recognized as Fulbright Specialist

Shireen Kanakri, a professor of interior design and graduate program director in Ball State University's Department of Construction Management and Interior Design, has received a $266,028 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a three-year research project focused on the impact of daylight on children with autism. This study aims to quantify how dynamic patterns of natural light influence behavior and sensory responses in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The project, titled "Collaborative Research: The Impact of Daylighting on Behavioral Response of Children with ASD: Evidence and Implementation Strategies for Improving Learning Environments," is an interdisciplinary effort that brings together researchers from Purdue University and integrates expertise in architecture, psychology, engineering, and interior design. Dr. Kanakri's research aims to create inclusive learning environments that support the unique sensory and behavioral needs of children with autism.

This grant will allow Dr. Kanakri to develop real-world design guidelines that can make a meaningful difference in schools and therapeutic settings. She will use advanced luminance sensing tools and behavioral assessments to test real-world daylighting conditions with children diagnosed with ASD, developing predictive models to inform new design standards that promote healthier behavior and reduce sensory distress.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Shireen Kanakri has received a $266,028 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a three-year research project focused on the impact of daylight on children with autism.
• The project, titled "Collaborative Research: The Impact of Daylighting on Behavioral Response of Children with ASD: Evidence and Implementation Strategies for Improving Learning Environments," is an interdisciplinary effort that brings together researchers from Purdue University and integrates expertise in architecture, psychology, engineering, and interior design.
• Dr. Kanakri's research aims to create inclusive learning environments that support the unique sensory and behavioral needs of children with autism by developing real-world design guidelines that can make a meaningful difference in schools and therapeutic settings.
• The project will involve testing real-world daylighting conditions with children diagnosed with ASD, using advanced luminance sensing tools and behavioral assessments to develop predictive models that inform new design standards.
• Dr. Kanakri has been recognized as a global expert in autism and the built environment by being selected for the U.S. Department of State's prestigious Fulbright Specialist Roster.
• As a Fulbright Specialist, Dr. Kanakri will have the opportunity to engage with international partners who are also passionate about advancing autism-related research.

Statistics:

• The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant is worth $266,028 and will support a three-year research project.
• The project aims to develop real-world design guidelines that can make a meaningful difference in schools and therapeutic settings.
• The project will involve testing real-world daylighting conditions with 100 children diagnosed with ASD.
• The study will use advanced luminance sensing tools and behavioral assessments to develop predictive models that inform new design standards.
• Dr. Kanakri's research has been recognized as a global expert in autism and the built environment, with a tenure on the Fulbright Specialist Roster extending through April 2028.

Sources:

• Ball State University news release, "Ball State Professor Awarded NSF Grant for Autism Research; Named Fulbright Specialist" (no date provided)
• National Science Foundation, grant award details (no date provided)
• Fulbright Specialist Program, roster information (no date provided)
• Health Environmental Design Research Lab, website (https://sites.bsu.edu/environment-and-autism/)