Meet Alyssa Oates, interior design junior
Monday, November 22, 2021
Media Contact: Katie Lacey | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9247 | katie.l.lacey@okstate.edu
Alyssa Oates is an interior design junior enrolled in the 4+1 program at Oklahoma State University, where she will complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
Oates is conducting research as a Wentz Research Scholar to learn more about the effects of biophilic design — taking concepts from nature and applying them to the interior to increase joy and productivity — in a classroom. She shared more about her research and involvement on campus below:
Why did you choose to study interior design at OSU?
I originally came to OSU for another degree, but I found it wasn’t the best option for me. I talked to my mom and she suggested I look into doing interior design because she recognized I have always been interested in design and in interiors, so she thought I would enjoy it. I did some research on the classes/graduation plan offered for that, and decided to just go for it!
What is the research you are working on as a Wentz Scholar?
The title of my current study is “An assessment of student stress levels and information retention capabilities in traditional versus biophilic classrooms.” This is pretty much exactly as it sounds. I am studying how biophilic design in a classroom setting affects student stress levels and information retention capabilities. I use virtual reality to have participants walk around and complete different tasks in a traditional style classroom and a biophilic classroom, then they complete a quiz, survey and an interview at the end.
What do you hope to achieve while you’re an undergraduate?
I hope to write and publish a couple different articles that present my current and future research studies, and also possibly present at research conferences.
How has the Department of Design, Housing and Merchandising helped you with your goals?
The professors in this department have been extremely helpful and encouraging! I have had professors who helped me with research, and they have provided opportunities for me to expand my portfolio through design competitions or networking opportunities. My professors give professional advice for ways to improve portfolios, resumes, etc. I can safely say that I would not be where I am today without the help of the DHM professors.
What else are you involved in on campus?
I am a new member in a few different organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). COVID-19 slowed down all of these organizations, but I am really excited to be a part of their future events and opportunities.