Study Architecture 
ProPEL ACSA Research Fellows
Washington, D.C., December 2, 2021—The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture welcomes a cohort of five researchers to serve as Research Fellows. In this role, they will support the Director of Research and Information Kendall Nicholson in his efforts to gather, cull, and represent findings on issues relating to architectural education. Below you will find more information on our researchers. Follow along on social media for more information on the work they are doing at ACSA. @acsaupdate / @acsanational
Chrystian A. Combs, AIAS
Chrystian Combs is an aspiring architect currently studying architecture through the 5-year Master’s program at California Baptist University. Her research interests include architecture, biophilia, health and wellness design, and sustainability. Chrystian plans to do her thesis on the study of Biophilic Architecture and the positive health benefits it provides. She hopes to make an impact in the field of architecture by designing spaces that both draw people directly to nature and are better for theirs and the environment’s health.
Kate Witt, APX
Kate Witt is an aspiring real estate developer studying architecture and real estate development at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. She is a member of Alpha Rho Chi and contributor for the Architecture and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory’s Common House project. Kate’s research interests include development, architecture, and sustainability. She hopes to make an impact in the field of development by finding a balance between sustainability, multi-functionality, and affordability found specifically in commercial buildings.
Michelle Marin, M.Ed.
Michelle is a graduate student at the University of Michigan studying urban & regional planning and real estate development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Management from UC Davis in 2015 and taught high school science through Teach for America in Las Vegas while earning her Master of Education degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Before moving to Michigan, she lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 4 years teaching high school science, working for online mental health counseling platform BetterHelp.com, and working as an environmental education specialist for the City of Palo Alto’s waste management company.
Jeffrey Carl Wilkinson Jr.
Jeff is an aspiring architect with a focus in historic preservation at Philadelphia + Thomas Jefferson University. Jeff is part of the Students for Historic Preservation Club at Jefferson and an Honors Society student. Jeff’s research interests include community history and preservation theory. He hopes to make an impact in the field of historic preservation by advocating for a synergy between preservation, sustainability, and the built urban environment.
Questions
Kendall A. Nicholson, EdD, Assoc. AIA
Director of Research and Information
202-785-2324
knicholson@acsa-arch.org
