The Edward F. Hayes graduate research forum gives graduate students from a variety of research backgrounds the opportunity to present their work to a qualified panel of judges. There are 16 different research categories. This year’s forum was held on February 28 with 55 presenters representing all the colleges within OSU. MFA Candidate Noor D. Murteza came in first place within the arts category for her design research.

            Murteza’s research focuses on how interior design affects the mental wellbeing of those using the space. More specifically, how people respond to fractal patterns in their spaces. According to Murteza’s paper, people have the tendency to search for natural aspects in their interior when they are feeling stressed. Unfortunately, these fractal patterns are not usually used in modern design, they are seen as a more traditional approach. Muteza tests different ways to incorporate this more traditional style into modern spaces by using wallpapers and upholsteries. Muteza says that her work “aims to produce surface decorations that conform to a prevailing current aesthetic, but also bring into our spaces an ordered visual complexity, improving our psychological wellbeing and mood while maintaining our link with nature through practical biophilic design practices.”