Upali Nanda, PhD in

Upali Nanda, PhD

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Professor of Practice at Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning, University of Michigan
📍 Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Dr. Upali Nanda is the EVP and Global Sector Director of Innovation at HKS, blending architecture with neuroscience to research human perception in built environments. A published author and Professor of Practice at the University of Michigan, she holds a PhD from Texas A&M. People describe her with sparkling intelligence and intellectual capacity.

Growing up in an artistic family in India, she studied classical Indian dance and developed a passion for balancing art and science. This led her to a love affair with human perception, neuroscience, and psychology, exploring how the human mind seeks patterns and rhythms in the world around it.

She was recognized as one of the top 10 most influential people in Healthcare Design by Healthcare Design Magazine.

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Current Role
Professor of Practice
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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Priorities

Topics Upali cares about

Neuroscience and Architecture
Her research focuses on the intersection of neuroscience and architecture, particularly how environments impact brain health, cognitive fitness, and emotional well-being.
Human-Centric Design
Champions designing for the human experience, focusing on creating spaces that evoke emotions like awe and promote health, happiness, and social connection.
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Career

Work history

7-2024
Professor of Practice
Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning, University of Michigan
2-2024
EVP, Global Sector Director, Innovation
HKS, Inc.
1-2022 - 2-2024
Partner, Global Practice Director of Research
HKS, Inc.
3-2019 - 1-2022
Partner and Director of Research
HKS, Inc.
1-2019 - 7-2024
Associate Professor of Practice
Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning, University of Michigan
In the press

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Education
2001 - 2005
PhD
Texas A&M University
2001 - 2005
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Texas A&M University
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

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