Salma Akter Surma, a Ph.D. candidate at Gibbs College has co-authored a study published in the Journal of Urban Management. The research investigates the experiences of women in urban informal settlements of Khulna, Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on how housing infrastructure influenced caregiving responsibilities.
The study draws on interviews with 24 women community leaders to explore the impact of shared Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, constrained living spaces, and financial challenges on women’s caregiving roles. It details the adaptations these women made, such as reorganizing household spaces for isolation and utilizing community networks to manage caregiving and resource distribution during the pandemic. The findings highlight the role of inadequate housing in exacerbating caregiving challenges and underscore the importance of flexible and resilient infrastructure planning in resource-limited settings.
Additionally, the research examines the unique contributions of women as community leaders, who facilitated resource sharing, managed public health interventions, and addressed vulnerabilities during the crisis. Their efforts were central to navigating pandemic-induced hardships in the settlements.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
