Learn more about Grace’s summer research by viewing her presentation here.
Becoming one of the three recipients for the 2015 Steve Altman Pillars Scholarship was one of the most positive and challenging events of my graduate school career. Here I was, a first-year, third quarter graduate student interested in applying neuroscience-based data to architecture, knowing very well that I would be spending much of my summer time immersed in scientific articles. The two main reasons being (1) it was crucial to be more knowledgeable and, at least, sound intellectual around scientists of all fields, (2) it’s vital to know what research exists in order to eventually develop my thesis. Thus, why not catalogue my findings into a useful database for the school to access?
So I applied to this unique scholarship, and was gratefully awarded this opportunity to explore.
While many hurdles, including legal ones, hindered a database from procuring, the experience was incredibly advantageous. Many Board members of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) acknowledged my project and offered their support with my endeavor. On a personal level, I gained the confidence to read and speak in a basic, but respectable, scientific manner. The hundreds of articles that crossed my path became a resource for strengthening my architectural designs, successfully adding a unique poetry in what could have been an ordinary building.
Most importantly, the scholarship brings the rare opportunity to explore an area of architecture that’s not necessarily taught, but is fully supported by the NewSchool Foundation and NewSchool’s faculty.
I am indebted for this opportunity and highly encourage students to apply as it’s more beneficial than one can imagine.
To see Nathaniel’s presentation about his summer in Europe Click Here. 
