A strong advocate and practitioner for incorporating research into projects, Dr. Shepley's teachings and practice illustrate how to tie hypothesis to design goals with the end result demonstrating the relationship between an objective and an outcome. She advocates that research is equal parts art and science, demonstrating how study hypotheses are directly related to design goals by illustrating the relationship between an objective and an outcome. As a result, her research is characterized by its translational content, generating data that can be directly applied to built projects. 

Although a full-time faculty member for the last 23 years, Dr. Shepley continues to be engaged in practice. Believing that two critical components of education are interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction with the external community, she encourages her students to engage in outside projects such as hands-on activities with Habitat for Humanity and conceptual design services for non-profit organizations. 

“The impact that Mardelle has had on our industry, as a teacher, practitioner, and author has provided so many with inspiration, direction and has launched many a career”, said Frank Weinberg, M.S., Board Chair, The Center for Health Design. “Her drive to meet social needs, in particular human health and environmental sustainability, is especially visible in her work. She has served on the graduating committee of nearly 300 students and has advised hundreds of others. Mardelle's energy and focus are driving forces for students, researchers and practitioners, having taught and practiced for more than 40 years, presented at more than 150 conferences, authored/coauthored several books as well as more than 100 peer-reviewed and invited publications. For all that Mardelle has contributed to this industry, we are very happy to recognize and thank her with this award.”

Dr. Shepley will officially accept the Changemaker Award and be the keynote speaker on Monday, November 13, 2017, at the Healthcare Design Expo & Conference in Orlando, Florida.  For more information, click here.