When the Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act of 2007 went into effect, there was a corresponding increase in research focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in underrepresented groups, except for 1: culturally Deaf Americans. Guided by the health belief model, the purpose of this study was to determine if there were significant differences in the level of knowledge, perceived barriers, and preventive behaviors associated with CVD among Deaf and hearing employees at Gallaudet University, Washington D.C. This cross-sectional quantitative research study used a survey with questions derived from 2 existing national surveys. One hundred eighty-six subjects were recruited on the campus of Gallaudet University. Chi-square analysis was conducted to seek any association between respondents and cardiovascular knowledge. A t test assessed for association between respondent characteristics and knowledge of CVD. A multivariate linear regression model was used to discover if differences in CVD knowledge score were predicted by socioeconomic factors. Deaf (28%) and hearing (43%) participants differed significantly in identifying all 6 correct signs/symptoms of heart attack (p = 0.04). Hearing females (80%) managed their blood pressure at healthy levels which is twice more than their Deaf female counterparts (61%, p = 0.01). Hearing Blacks (78%) had a discussion of their high blood pressure with their doctor more than Deaf Black counterparts (28%, p = 0.05). Gaining a better understanding of the Deaf health trends on CVD could inspire positive social change that ultimately could improve health for Deaf individuals in the United States.

Mental health struggles and suicide rates in athletic populations have been on the rise for the past two decades, with an even bigger increase since the pandemic. Disorders such as stress, depression, and anxiety have been the main causes for these struggles and fatalities. The growing rates of mental health disorders and suicide within this population indicate that athletes do not have the adequate resources to restore and improve their mental health. In some instances of presenting their troubles to coaches, staff, or teammates, their only advice is to seek help with on-campus resources or resources at home. Although this can be sound advice in some cases, this can also create the sense that there is no escape from what may be the cause of these mental obstacles. The purpose of this thesis is to create a mental health retreat for collegiate, professional, olympic, and retired athletes. Tucked away at the edge of Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., in between existing amenities such as the Carter Barron Amphitheatre and the William Fitzgerald Tennis Center, the retreat allows for the continual use of existing amenities along with other resources and practices provided on-site. This retreat aims to provide spaces and resources at a location that teams or individuals can visit to allow for healing and education about these mental health disorders. This serene space in the middle of a chaotic big city will provide space for resting, performing, healing, and overall restoring which begins to break the barriers between what can be overcome in the feelings that may seem indomitable. / Master of Architecture / Mental health struggles and rising suicide rates among athletes have become increasingly concerning over the past two decades, with a significant spike since the pandemic. Stress, depression, and anxiety are the primary issues affecting this population, and current resources appear inadequate to address their needs. Often, athletes are advised to seek help from on-campus or home resources, which may not always be effective and can sometimes exacerbate feelings of entrapment. This thesis proposes the creation of a mental health retreat for collegiate, professional, Olympic, and retired athletes. Located at the edge of Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., near amenities like the Carter Barron Amphitheatre and the William Fitzgerald Tennis Center, this retreat offers a peaceful environment for healing and education. By utilizing existing amenities and providing additional on-site resources and practices, the retreat aims to support athletes in their mental health journeys. This serene space in the heart of a bustling city will offer opportunities for rest, performance, healing, and overall restoration, helping athletes overcome mental health challenges.

The Project involves an architectural design for a facility located at the Tidal Basin on the Mall of the Washington District of Columbia. The Presidential Memorial Museum is a proposed facility to represent the presidential institution memorial and housing the exhibits of one of the most historical institutions in the country. The historical nature of the work represents the presidents of the United States, its artifacts, their collection exhibition and preservation of the objects and its meanings on the commemorated site of America's people. The work attempts towards the integration of architectural theories about museum buildings, site constraints, programming and purpose to represent America's Democracy. The building itself intends to contribute the encounter of a spacial and a democratic experience. The defined spaces and architectural geometry are organized around an urban-landscape framework with an architectural display. The Presidential Memorial Museum is developed with a method of design that involves a personal discernment in working with contemporary architectural design and programmatic concerns to create an expectation of the presidential future learning the historical background while making efforts to achieve the articulation and compatibility required by the immediate ambiance. / Master of Architecture

A Clinic for the study of Sleep Disorders The proposal for a clinic for sleep disorders sited on the edge of Dupont Circle within the District of Columbia. This thesis is a reference to time and movement as it relates to our individual perception. We each experience our environments differently and architecture should be prescribed to the fit the needs of the individual. It is the study of design evolution along a time-line. The science of effect. As we move along a line how does our environment and influence shape the final outcome? In architecture, process is the task of understanding. The following documentation is my personal time-line along that undefined path. / Master of Architecture

This thesis provides estimates of the market potential for farm-reared channel catfish in Virginia and Washington, D. C., the production costs and estimated returns of two small catfish farm enterprises, the present fisheries industry structure in Virginia, and the present channel catfish products and their feasibility for Virginia. The market potential for farm-reared channel catfish for Washington, D.C. and Virginia combined is estimated to be around 4,244,000 pounds (dressed weight) annually. The net returns generated by the two fish farm enterprises studied ranged from -$63.49/1.5 acre to $189.53/1.5 acre and the rates of return ranged from -8.9% to 27.4% at a $.30 per pound (live weight) price level. The present fish industry in Virginia is composed of a large number of wholesalers of various sizes who supply most of the retailers in the state. Most of the small wholesalers would not be receptive toward catfish products. However, some of the larger wholesalers may be willing to deal in catfish. In conclusion the food fish market seems to be the most feasible for absorbing farm-record channel catfish products and for providing an opportunity for an expanding farm-reared channel catfish industry in Virginia. / M.S.

This thesis explores the definition of an urban canopy, how civic architecture can create a space for the pedestrian in the city, and the elements which can compose such a space. Experimentation in the urban canopy allows definition into the protective nature of such an archetype. Filtering and entrance techniques are discovered to allow access by the pedestrian only. The structural and spatial composition of the space is also developed to enhance human interaction and usability. Layering provides different levels of access and privacy as different groups use the space. And finally the employment of light highlights key elements and creates a presence in the space. This covering is designed to protect more than just the citizens below. It creates a place that fosters civic community under the a the generous shelter of a new urban institution. / Master of Architecture

This project is an attempt to reconstruct a residential neighborhood in the old downtown Washington, D.C. The design tries to transform a deteriorated old commercial block to a lively residential neighborhood by introducing attractive urban characters to the area while maintaining the existing context. / Master of Architecture

Well designed forms and spaces can maintain their inate beauty and harmony though activities in and around them will come and go. These spaces are timeless. My search is not directly for a form but rather for a pattern, dictated to by the idea, governed by rules about the space and limited only by site. A form that gracefully embraces itself and the reason for its genesis. Continually evolving. The hospital will be my instrument. I sense what a hospital is but I do not know what it will become. A functional organism by nature, it must be understood and simplified so that Architecture can triumph. Therefore, a strong, viable plan for form and space is essential. / Master of Architecture

An Edifice that establishes Identity through spatial Experience. An Environment traditional in its Values, modern in its Language, yet capturing a Mood inherent to Lebanon. An Architecture that Reveals a sense of Unity around a Central Court. A Design that reflects an Attitude toward the Totality of Space through Structure, Circulation, and Materials. A Place where Order prevails, where Sequence emphasizes Hierarchy, and Procession seeks a Rhythmic Stimulus of Higher Aspirations. / Master of Architecture

This is a study of a mixed-use project on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. The city of Washington has a unique sense of spaciousness and visual coherence as a result of the plan established tor the city by L'Entant. The 20th Century with the advent of the automobile and highrise construction techniques, has changed the conception of Washington from that envisioned by L’Enfant. The overlapping of radial and gridiron street systems has also created some conflicts within the city. During President Kennedy’s administration the government undertook the redevelopment of Pennsylvania Avenue. The goals and objectives of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation have influenced the program that was established for this project. The second major factor behind this project is the desire to create a building flexible enough to accept change gracefully. ln an urban context the ability to provide for "choice, change and growth"¹ allows a building to adapt to the inevitable transformations which occur around it. / Master of Architecture