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Recently, we sat down with award-winning architecture professor Dr. Shideh Shadravan to learn more about her structural engineering research at the University of Oklahoma Fears Lab.
Through collaboration with a team of engineers and students, Dr. Shadravan tests the safety of conventional construction methods under harsh conditions. Her team also looks at simple ways to improve construction methods that have big impacts.
Dr. Shadravan said her goal is “to develop new knowledge that has direct application to industry.” She continued, “I also want my work to have a direct community impact. We want to make homes safer for people.”
For example, her team recently tested different nail spacing for wood-frame home construction to improve the structural strength of the homes. Additionally, the team found that using double base plates, rather than single base plates, and using different washer sizes can also increase wall capacity.
Currently, her team is working to develop and test a better form of concrete for residential foundations. Working with a team of students, Dr. Shadravan is producing over 30 different batches of concrete. The team will then test these batches for shrinkage and other factors.
Dr. Stephanie Pilat, director of the OU Division of Architecture, said, “Dr. Shadravan’s research on how to make our buildings more resilient in the face of hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters promises to save lives.” Pilat continued, “OU is proud to facilitate this important work.”
Dr. Shadravan’s work has been supported with over $450,000 in funding and materials from industry partners, including local home builders, Home Creations, and the Institute for Business and Home Safety, among others.
To learn more, check out Dr. Shadravan’s video feature below.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture assistant professor Amy Leveno and Mark Leveno, co-founders of OFFICIAL Design, have received a 2026 AIA Central States Region Design Award for the firm’s Granger Annex Community Center project in Garland, Texas.
Construction Industry Speaker Series welcomed Stephen Evans from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to give a lecture on better conversations and relationship building.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, its students, staff, faculty, alumni and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Joseph Edgar Smay is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
