Design for Health Logo

From an interdisciplinary lens, Design for Health aims to provide creative solutions related to the complex challenges inherent in the social determinants of health with individualized, human centered health, wellness, and improved quality of life strategies in Western NC.

 

 

 

 

 

Who are we?

Design for Health Team

Design for Health is an interdisciplinary team of students and faculty from:

  • Interior Design
  • Sociology
  • Finance & Economics
  • Social Work

aims to provide creative solutions related to complex challenges inherent in the social determinants of health with individualized, human centered health, wellness, and improved quality of life strategies in Western NC.


What do we do?

Our team has hosted educational presentations and guest speakers, book reviews, worked with community
service providers to assist community members with housing issues. Most recently, conducted listening sessions
with service providers which resulted in research opportunties and recieved a grant to develop an assessment tool for the American Society of Interior Designers.

In Spring of 2022, We particpated in a team building retreat and in Fall of 2022 we conducted a "Data Weekend" in which undergraduate researchers and faculty analyzed the listening session data.

What's on the horizon for next year? Community Service opportunities, guest lectures & workshops, poverty simulations, and the potential to impact our community meaningfully and positively.

Looking to join?

Here's what to expect:

  • Attend once a month meetings
  • Participate in learning opportunities outside your usual cirriculum
  • Embrace new exeriences, meet students and faculty from other disciplines
  • Willingness to help your community in need
  • Desire to learn from other disciplines
  • Opportunities to engage in undergraduate research


Faculty Mentors 

         
Shelby S. Hicks,
 MFA, NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA, LEED GA
Associate Professor Interior Design sshicks@wcu.edu 828.227.2058
Amy Murphy-Nugen,
 MSW, PhD
Associate Dean, MSW Program Director, Associate Professor IU School of Social Work abmurphy@iu.edu  
Yiqing Yang,
 PhD
Associate Professor Anthropology & Sociology yyang@wcu.edu  
Yue Hillon,
 PhD
Professor Econ, Mgt, Proj Mgt ycai@wcu.edu  

 

What will your participation do for you?

  • Connects you with your Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµcommunity at large
  • Connects you with potential friends & colleagues from other disciplines
  • Invites you to make positive changes in your Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµcommunity
  • connects your chosen discipline to social justice oppotunities
  • Participate in interdisciplinary teams
  • Apply your newly learned skills to "real" clients
  • Enhances your resume and experience for future employment
  • Participate in potential undergraduate and graduate research
  • Present and share your experiences and knowledge