Loraas

Dr. Dawn M. Loraas is a practitioner and scholar exploring the intersection of human health, well-being, and the designed environment. As a former commercial interior designer with 17 years of experience, she is knowledgeable in all phases of the design process, from pre-design through post-occupancy. She has worked in many aspects of the design world and lastly with Maurice’s, Inc. (Corporate Office), in Visual Merchandising and Space Planning. She is NCIDQ LEED AP, and WELL building certified.

As an assistant professor of interior design, her research examines how aspects of buildings and interiors impact human experiences and behavior, focusing on workplaces, educational settings, and vulnerable populations like children. Dr. Loraas conducts leading-edge studies on indoor environmental quality, place attachment, and the effects of adverse or “toxic” building conditions on occupants. Her dissertation investigated teacher perceptions of poor indoor air quality in schools, revealing connections to negative place attachment and reduced well-being. She has also examined issues like workplace illness from indoor pollutants and nature’s restorative potential for children facing trauma or adversity. Her expertise crosses public health, environmental psychology, education, and design.

An award-winning researcher, Dr. Loraas brings external funding to the university to support her work on emotional health, place theory, and the role of educational environments. She is building an impactful research program addressing the social determinants of health through community partnerships and interdisciplinary teams utilizing cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence and digital twin technology.

Dr. Loraas is an emerging thought leader on healthy interior spaces conducive to learning, creativity, and human thriving. She serves on national committees advancing best practices in design education and the well-being potential of built spaces. Her insightful perspective has been featured internationally at conferences and in publications for organizations like the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) and the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC).

With deep knowledge of design and a passion for elevating human experiences through supportive environments, Dr. Loraas welcomes new collaborations across disciplines and communities to drive positive change. Prospective students can learn from a committed mentor contributing unique social science insights to our time’s pressing health and environmental challenges.