FIU’s own Dr. Thomas Spiegelhalter, Professor of Architecture and co-director of the School of Architecture’s Structural and Environmental Technologies Laboratory, has been honored with a 2026 Fulbright Specialist Award. This prestigious recognition will take him to Greece, where he will collaborate with the University of Ioannina’s Department of Architecture.
During a 16-day residency, Dr. Spiegelhalter will lead a series of seminars and hands-on workshops focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in architectural design. His efforts will not only enhance AI literacy among faculty and students but also promote innovative curriculum development that bridges cutting-edge technology with architectural education.
This unique opportunity fosters ongoing collaboration between U.S. and Greek institutions, establishing lasting research and teaching partnerships between FIU and European counterparts.
Please join us in congratulating Thomas on this remarkable achievement and wishing him success in his important work abroad!
On the horizon
Looking ahead, Thomas has also accepted an invitation to deliver a keynote address at SCBE 2025, the International Conference on Socially Conscious Built Environment, scheduled for November 27–28, 2025. The conference, hosted by Manipal University Jaipur in India, will focus on the theme “Bio‑Mimicry in Design,” with proceedings planned for publication in Springer’s Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements.
His keynote will explore Theme 5: Bio‑Mimicry and Bionics in Design, addressing AI-driven data-based bionics and biomimetic strategies for energy efficiency, ecosystem-informed climate-responsive design, structural and material innovations, sustainable water management, and their integration into urban and landscape planning.
We look forward to following Thomas’s continued contributions to advancing architecture through innovative technology and sustainable design.
