Mrs Vanessa Whittem , Deakin University , Australia
Vanessa Whittem is a dedicated Graduate Architect and PhD candidate at Deakin University, specializing in sustainable architecture. With a background in both architecture and construction management, she combines technical expertise with research acumen. Vanessa has a rich teaching history, guiding undergraduate students and contributing significantly to various research projects. Her previous career as a Chartered Accountant and CPA provides her with a unique perspective on financial management in architecture. Passionate about environmental sustainability, she actively engages in community initiatives and professional development, showcasing her commitment to both the architectural field and societal well-being.
Publication Profile
Orcid
Strengths for the Award
- Diverse Expertise: Vanessa has a unique combination of qualifications in architecture, construction management, and accounting. Her background as a Chartered Accountant and CPA adds depth to her financial and project management skills, enabling her to navigate complex research environments effectively.
- Extensive Research Experience: As a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Northeastern University and a Research Assistant at Deakin University, Vanessa has contributed to multiple significant projects, showcasing her ability to lead and collaborate in diverse research contexts.
- Publication Record: Vanessa’s strong publication history, including peer-reviewed articles in prominent journals, highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge in architectural sustainability and post-occupancy evaluations. Her recent works reflect her capacity for rigorous research and critical analysis.
- Teaching and Mentorship: With experience as an Adjunct Lecturer and Casual Academic, Vanessa has demonstrated her ability to educate and inspire undergraduate students. Her engagement in teaching complements her research, fostering a holistic academic approach.
- Grants and Awards: Her successful grant applications and recognition for research excellence, such as the Graham Treloar Research Prize and Best Student Paper awards, underscore her capability to secure funding and contribute valuable insights to the field.
- Professional Service: Vanessa’s involvement in professional committees and as a manuscript reviewer illustrates her dedication to the architectural community and her proactive engagement in advancing research standards.
Areas for Improvement
- Networking and Collaboration: While Vanessa has a solid track record of individual accomplishments, expanding her network and collaboration with international researchers could enhance her research impact and visibility.
- Broader Dissemination of Research Findings: Increasing her presence in industry-related conferences and workshops would allow her to share findings more widely and gather diverse perspectives that could enrich her work.
- Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives: Exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary research projects could leverage her diverse skills and knowledge, creating innovative solutions in architecture and sustainability.
Education
Vanessa Whittem holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Deakin University, focusing on post-occupancy feedback in architecture, and is set to submit her thesis in July 2024. She earned her Master of Architecture from Deakin University in 2018, where her thesis explored post-occupancy feedback sources for architects in Victoria, Australia. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) with Distinction and a Bachelor of Construction Management with First Class Honours, both from Deakin University. Her educational foundation is complemented by certifications as a Chartered Accountant and a US CPA, alongside a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University, reflecting her strong analytical and financial skills.
Experience
Vanessa has diverse experience in both academia and architectural practice. Currently, she serves as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Northeastern University’s Smart Cities Lab, while also lecturing at James Cook University. Previously, she was a Research Assistant at Deakin University, where she contributed to multiple projects focused on sustainability and urban architecture. Her teaching experience includes casual academic roles, where she tutored and assessed undergraduate students in various architecture and construction courses. Additionally, she worked as an Architectural Assistant at AlsoCAN Architects, gaining hands-on experience in residential projects. Vanessa has also consulted for various councils on building design regulations, enhancing her practical knowledge in urban development and community planning.
Awards and Honors
Vanessa Whittem has received several prestigious awards, recognizing her research excellence and contributions to architecture. She was honored with the Best Student Paper at the 56th Architectural Science Association Conference in December 2023. In 2022, she received the Graham Treloar Research Prize for the Most Outstanding Publication on Sustainability from Deakin University. Her PhD scholarship, awarded in 2019, highlights her academic prowess and commitment to research. Additionally, she achieved accolades for her presentations during the School Research Day at Deakin University. Vanessa’s participation in various design competitions, such as the ASC Texo International Design Build, where her team secured 2nd place, further showcases her competitive spirit and innovative approach to architecture.
Research Focus
Vanessa’s research primarily explores post-occupancy feedback mechanisms in architecture, aiming to enhance the sustainability and user satisfaction of built environments. Her doctoral thesis investigates the Integral Sustainable Design framework, analyzing architects’ desires and the effectiveness of feedback surveys in educational settings. Throughout her academic career, she has engaged in collaborative research addressing urban architecture and environmental sustainability, including projects on migrant architecture and the implications of architectural decisions on community well-being. Vanessa’s work reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between architectural practice and academic research, focusing on actionable insights for architects and policymakers. By contributing to scholarly articles and participating in various research initiatives, she aims to influence the future of sustainable architectural design and promote more effective communication between architects and users.
Publication Top Notes
- Bridging the gaps – A mixed methods approach to evaluating novel feedback surveys of children on school buildings 🌍📚
- How comprehensive is post-occupancy feedback on school buildings for architects? A conceptual review based upon Integral Sustainable Design principles 🏫📊
- Reliability of human environmental “sensors”: Evidence from first- and third-person methods 📏🔍
- Architectural, indoor environmental, personal and cultural influences on students’ selection of a preferred place to study 🛋️🎓
- Learning from built projects – sources of post occupancy feedback used by architects in Victoria, Australia 🏛️📝
- Symposium Vacancy and Preservation: Architecture of the Post-industrial Community 🏭📖
Conclusion
Vanessa Whittem is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and a commitment to sustainability in architecture. Her strengths in research, teaching, and professional service position her as a leader in her field. By addressing areas for improvement, she can further amplify her impact on architectural research and education.