Zach’s Singapore experience

February 1st, 2023

Zach Colligan is a graduate, and current ID+CL Graduate Research Assistant pursuing his Master’s in Architecture. As Zach began his master’s degree journey, he was one of five nationwide students who were by the National Science Foundation’s Center of Leadership Development in Built Environment Sustainability in partnership with Louisiana State University, the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers, and the National University of Singapore for a four-week program to present his research proposal to researchers in Singapore.

“During the weeks preceding the visit, faculty from LSU led our group through a series of leadership training modules to prepare us for the immersive experience.
While in Singapore I connected with students and faculty in the Building and Urban Data Science (BUDS) Lab to better refine my research proposal, prepare a six-month research plan, and continue to learn and engage with the team to pursue the research independently upon my return to WSU.
The time in Singapore was concluded with a presentation of my research and an assessment of my progress. During the final week, I also attended the OB-22 Symposium and Annex 79 meeting. In addition to the NSF funded research and presentation, I (quickly) presented the Integrated Design and Construction Lab’s Tenant Engagement work and discussed the content with 70+ researchers from around the world.

“During the weeks preceding the visit, faculty from LSU led our group through a series of leadership training modules to prepare us for the immersive experience.

While in Singapore I connected with students and faculty in the Building and Urban Data Science (BUDS) Lab to better refine my research proposal, prepare a six-month research plan, and continue to learn and engage with the team to pursue the research independently upon my return to WSU.

The time in Singapore was concluded with a presentation of my research and an assessment of my progress. During the final week, I also attended the OB-22 Symposium and Annex 79 meeting. In addition to the NSF funded research and presentation, I (quickly) presented the Integrated Design and Construction Lab’s Tenant Engagement work and discussed the content with 70+ researchers from around the world.

This experience opened my eyes to the global possibilities of my work and passions; traveling to conferences and engaging with international researchers is closer now than ever before. The balance and self-discipline required to succeed in this program was as equally exhausting as it was rewarding. The connections I have made with the students and faculty in Singapore as well as around the US will continue to impact the way I connect with others, and I hope other WSU students can be fortunate enough to have an opportunity such as this one.”

– Zach