Scholarly Commons @ MiamiOH
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Recent Submissions
SUSTAINING THE SHERPA COMMUNITY: ABOVE THE CLOUDS, BETWEEN HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2025) Chowdhury, Tasnia Siddique;
The Sherpa community is a courageous yet isolated group in the Khumbu region of Nepal who migrated from Tibet in the 16th century. This research highlights the challenges faced by this community, despite their critical role as high-altitude porters and mountain guides, notably on Mount Everest. Currently, they face severe impacts from climate change and natural disasters, including the recent 2015 Earthquake that killed approximately 9000 people. Their homes, nestled between 2,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level, are increasingly vulnerable to avalanches and environmental changes threatening their livelihoods and the longstanding cultural practices. On the other hand, while tourism brings economic benefits, the surge in trekkers and climbers also places pressure on the fragile environment, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. The influx of visitors disrupts traditional ways of life and exacerbates the environmental challenges, intensifying the strain on their community. With limited knowledge of the outside world, the Sherpas are unaware of the causes behind these changes.
The design proposal aims to increase recognition of the contributions of the Sherpa community and develop adaptability strategies to preserve their heritage and environment. Specifically focused on the Khumbu region, the proposal intends to serve as a model for Sherpa villages adapting to the Himalayan ranges. The proposal concentrates on building infrastructure between villages, improving waste management, farming, herding, reinforcing Sherpa homes and lodges, and identifying probable locations for schools, medical services, and disaster shelters through strategic policies, design tactics, and community engagement. The project intends to preserve the Sherpa culture and act as a bridge between tourists and the community while safeguarding their homeland for generations to come.
Raw Data for 'Mark–Houwink parameters for water-soluble polymers '
(2026) Chandrarathne, Bhagya Madhushani; Martin, Haley; Page, Richard C.; Konkolewicz, Dominik
Raw Data for the manuscript 'Mark–Houwink parameters for water-soluble polymers '
Raw Data for "Vinyl ether maleic acid (VEMA) copolymer Derivatives for Tunable Lipid Nanodisc Formation and Membrane Protein Studies"
(2026) Shah, M. Zeeshan; Okorafor, Evelyn; Eisenhart, Mary; Henoch, Quiton; Prempeh, Godfred; Rotich, Nancy; Van Horn, Wade; Page, Richard C.; Lorigan, Gary A.; Konkolewicz, Dominik
NEW TOOLS, OLD WALLS: INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THROUGH ADAPTIVE REUSE
(2025) Osnaya, Jose;
This thesis explores the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the architectural design process by introducing experimental approaches involving algorithmic logic, conversational tools, and formal manipulation. AI is presented not as a trend but as an evolving design assistant to which Neil Leach refers to as “extended” intelligence. This concept suggests that architectural thinking can now extend beyond human cognition through technological systems increasing complexity and expanding possibilities of process and form.
This project applies AI through adaptive reuse of existing buildings in downtown Dayton, Ohio, proposing mixed use programs while focusing on the process. Architectural operations such as subtraction, layering, and void generation are guided by data-driven parameters including solar exposure, site-specific context, and AI-assisted feedback. In this context, AI is not a replacement for the architect, but a tool that broadens the capacity to explore, iterate, and respond to complex design challenges. It enables a shift in how we think and design, while remaining rooted in the foundational principles of architecture, evolving traditional methods through new tools rather than discarding them. Ultimately, this thesis positions AI as a catalyst for reimagining the design process and uncovering architectural possibilities that were previously inaccessible.
Re-imagining the Spaces In Between: Design Interventions to Transform Urban Voids in Downtown Dayton into Active, Breathing Areas
(2025) Abed, Joynal;
In today's tremendously growing and busy urban landscapes, pockets of underutilized space, known as urban voids, stand as untapped opportunities for creating activated public spaces encouraging community engagement and social interaction. The thesis delves into the transformative potential of infrastructural interventions in reimagining these neglected spaces. Reclaiming and integrating these urban voids can create breathing spaces enhancing social cohesion for the city dwellers in high density areas of the city.
Drawing upon a synthesis of theoretical frameworks, empirical analyses, and insights from some key practitioners this thesis explores the multifaceted dimensions of urban voids and the critical role that infrastructural interventions play in reshaping their urban fabric, fostering social connectivity, and promoting community engagement. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and case studies, it further examines the challenges and opportunities associated with infrastructural interventions in high-density urban areas, considering factors such as accessibility, inclusivity, active use, and sustainability. Ultimately, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how infrastructural interventions can redefine urban voids as vibrant hubs for social interaction and community gathering, thereby enriching the fabric of high-density urban environments in the United States.