Sara is interested in interdisciplinary research efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes through effective environmental design. Such outcomes include efficiency and the safety and satisfaction of both patients and staff. Her research on outpatient facilities design, psychiatric units design, and surgical environments has appeared in journals such as Health Environments Design & Research, Applied Ergonomics, and BMJ Quality & Safety. In addition, she is interested in opportunities to bridge academia and practice for applied design solutions derived from research. Her practice-based research experience includes research collaborations with HGA Architects and Engineers and BBH Design. Prior to working at Kent State University, Sara was a Research Assistant Professor in Clemson University’s Architecture+Health program and served as a member of the Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing. She holds a Master of Architecture from Miami University and a doctoral degree in Design, Construction and Planning with a concentration in Interior Design from the University of Florida (2015). Her doctoral research explored the role of the built environment on patients’ physical and psychological safety in psychiatric units. Sara is the recipient of the 2016 Joel Polsky Academic Achievement Award from the American Society of Interior Designers for outstanding dissertation.