PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 17, 2022)  The most impactful lesson Miranda Sharp, a recent graduate of the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) School of Architecture, learned as a participant in the Faculty RISE-Graduate Research Program (RISE) is to voice your ideas without fear.

Sharp, who hails from Bossier City, Louisiana, earned a master’s degree in architecture while participating in the RISE program.

“Often, when students are assisting in research, they may feel like they are just doing task-work and aren’t allowed to ask questions or bring new things to light. If the students are interested in the research efforts, I encourage them to ask questions and develop new ideas! Who knows, maybe you’ve viewpoint offers insight that your mentor hasn’t yet considered,” said Sharp.

Tareef Hayat Khan, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Architecture, served as Sharp’s mentor in the program.

Khan states that Sharp “showed a sincere interest in research and demonstrated a certain level of experience in data handling. She helped me in the three major phases of my research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Once I planned out the research methodology, she performed her role very efficiently. That helped me to proceed smoothly with my research.”

The RISE experience allowed Sharp to expand her professional network. She participated in research that involved a nationwide survey of architects and architecture students. Sharp has secured a position with HKS Architects in Austin, Texas.

She plans to work there and learn while also studying for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become a licensed architect.

The Division of Research & Innovation developed the RISE program to support faculty-mentored graduate students’ research and innovation activities. The program enables faculty researchers to expand and sustain their research through external grants and contracts while mentoring graduate students to become the next generation of experts.

“Research is an integral part of learning. It incorporates critical thinking and infers that knowledge can be accumulated and applied efficiently if a student properly learns the research steps through critical thinking. The RISE program has encouraged students who like research and want to learn more,” said Khan.

Sharp was among nearly 30 students participating in the Spring 2022 Research & Innovation Cording Ceremony, which honored graduating student researchers.

Karen B. Cotton, MS, MA