The OU Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce the Leadership in Built Environment Research (L-BER) seed funding program. This pilot program is designed to equip faculty with mentorship, strategic collaboration opportunities, and resources to secure major external funding and lead interdisciplinary research initiatives. Funding for this project is from the University of Oklahoma Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships.
The inaugural pilot project was selected following a blind peer review process. Led by Dr. Ladan Mozaffarian, an assistant professor of Regional and City Planning in the Gibbs College of Architecture, the project is titled “Data-Driven Approaches for Addressing Rural Transportation Challenges and Enhancing Community Health and Wellbeing.”
Dr. Mozaffarian’s project examines transportation challenges in rural areas, focusing on infrastructure, safety, and climate issues that limit access to essential services. Using Oklahoma as a case study, it combines machine learning analysis and local insights to identify solutions. The goal is to provide recommendations to improve transportation infrastructure, safety, and emergency response, promoting more accessible and sustainable rural mobility.
Congratulations to Dr. Mozaffarian!
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
