A neuron’s function depends critically on the shape, size, and territory of its dendritic field. We have only recently begun to understand how diverse dendritic arbors are built and how the morphology and territory of these arbors support diverse neural functions. In this thesis, I use the Drosophila larval peripheral nervous system (PNS) as a model for studying these questions, as these neurons are very amenable to genetic manipulation and in vivo imaging. First, I examined the relationship between dendritic fields and sensory activity in the proprioceptive neurons of the body wall. In collaboration with Elizabeth Hillman’s lab, we used a high-speed volumetric microscopy technique, Swept Confocally Aligned Planar Excitation (SCAPE) microscopy, to simultaneously image the dendrite deformation dynamics and sensory activity of body wall neurons in crawling Drosophila larvae. We imaged a set of proprioceptive neurons with diverse dendrite morphologies and territories, revealing that each neuron subtype responds in sequence during crawling. These activities could conceivably provide a continuum of position encoding during locomotion. Activity timing is related to the dynamics of each neuron’s dendritic arbors, suggesting arbor shape and targeting endow each proprioceptor with a specific role in monitoring body wall deformation. Furthermore, our results provide new insights into the body-wide activity dynamics of the proprioceptive system, which will inform models of sensory feedback during locomotion. To investigate how dendritic arbors are built to support sensory function, I focused on proprioceptive (class I) and touch-sensing (class II-III) dendritic arborization (da) neurons. Proprioceptive and touch-sensing dendrite territories tend to target non-overlapping, neighboring, areas of the body wall. How is territory coverage specified during development, and how does this coverage support a specific sensory function? Ablation studies indicate that repulsive interactions between heterotypic dendrites are not required for territory patterning. Instead, dendrite boundaries correlate with Anterior (A)-Posterior (P) compartment boundaries in the underlying epidermal substrate: proprioceptive class I dendrites target the P compartment, while touch-sensing dendrites tend to avoid that region. I found that genetic expansion of the P compartment leads to expansion of class I proprioceptive dendrites, suggesting compartmentalized epidermal cues instruct dendrite targeting. Furthermore, SCAPE imaging revealed that the P compartment coincides with a major body wall fold that occurs during crawling. These results support a model in which dendrite targeting by compartment cues reliably tunes neurons for predictable stimuli on the body wall: proprioceptive dendrites target areas that bend predictably during crawling, while touch-sensing dendrites could be avoiding those areas to be tuned for external mechanosensory stimuli. To investigate the molecular identity of the substrate cues guiding the compartmental organization of dendrites, I tested candidate cues and sought new potential cues. I first tested cues that are known to be expressed in a compartmental fashion (Hedgehog and EGFR pathways). Interestingly, the overall dendrite territory footprint of class I proprioceptive cells is unaffected by known compartment cues. To reveal new candidates, I performed cell sorting and RNA sequencing. I identified 290 cell surface and secreted molecules with differential expression in the A and P compartments. I provide initial findings from a knockdown and misexpression screen testing the role of these candidates for class I and class III territory patterning. Taken together, these results provide new insights into how dendritic fields are patterned to support proper neural function.

The present study was designed to investigate the efficiency of a visual and tactile presentation of a design as compared to just a visual presentation to determine if the two-sense method helped the subjects in drawing the designs accurately in less trials.

Thesis advisor: John Baldovin / Thesis advisor: Brian Dunkle / Thesis (STL) — Boston College, 2021. / Submitted to: Boston College. School of Theology and Ministry. / Discipline: Sacred Theology.

This thesis explores the connection between Architecture and mental- health. This fast-paced world has led to people dealing with large amounts of stress. There comes a time when one needs to be distracted from their day-to-day tasks that affect their mental health. This thesis not only looks at how to divert individuals/ capture their attention for an extended period but also at providing comfort and a place where one can rest. The project also deals with human perception- When an architectural project heightens a user's visual, auditory, tactile, or olfactory senses, the user is more present in the space. The brain tries to interpret the images, smells, or sounds being heard. Hence, Focusing on an experiential journey/ submersive experience that plays with one's senses becomes crucial. Explorations are a large part of the thesis, after which decisions have been made to design the pavilion and the screens. There was only one question in mind "How can I design a place that allows people to De-stress? / Master of Architecture / This thesis explores the connection between Architecture and mental- health. This fast-paced world has led to people dealing with large amounts of stress. There comes a time when one needs to be distracted from their day-to-day tasks that affect their mental health. This thesis not only looks at how to divert individuals/ capture their attention for an extended period but also at providing comfort and a place where one can rest. The project also deals with human perception- When an architectural project heightens a user's visual, auditory, tactile, or olfactory senses, the user is more present in the space. The brain tries to interpret the images, smells, or sounds being heard. Hence, Focusing on an experiential journey/ submersive experience that plays with one's senses becomes crucial. Explorations are a large part of the thesis, after which decisions have been made to design the pavilion and the screens. There was only one question in mind "How can I design a place that allows people to De-stress?

This dissertation focuses on examining the significance of the Qatar University campus as designed by its architect Kamal El Kafrawi. The study takes on a multi-perspective view. The underlying and unifying approach is based on Amos Rapoport's concept of the meaning of the built environment. Rapoport is an architect and scholar, and founder of the field of Environment-Behavior Studies (EBS). Rapoport's early work contrasts 'high culture' design by architects that tends to be self-referential with 'vernacular' buildings by non-architects that respond and speak directly to its users.1 However, I propose to consider El Kafrawi's approach as an exemplary case of bringing both of those aspects together to create an environment that allows buildings (primarily students and faculty) to unfold layers of meaningfulness that the architect intended through a very culturally-sensitive design. This study thus seeks to unearth the meanings associated with the various spaces of the campus areas as built by El Kafrawi and as perceived by its users. The purpose of the project is to find answers to the question, "In what ways and on what basis do people react with their environments, and what meanings and character do those environments develop?"2 Rapoport stresses the meaningfulness of an environment as a key factor that allows inhabitants to feel connected to a place. Author Norberg-Schulz conceptualizes the meaningfulness of the built environment through his theory of Genius Loci as a place with meaning, identity, and history providing a phenomenal or total architectural experience. As per the author, if we consider the physical and symbolic values of the environment, it leads to engagement of human senses at a holistic level - the constructing and construing of architecture. Rapoport outlines a direct approach for the analysis and study of a built environment starting with an assumption that social and cultural factors are the most influential in a built environment. Based on the same concept, the study will critically look at the built environment as designed by El Kafrawi, whether it provides a harmonious blend of culture, traditions, religion, and technology, and whether the amalgamation gives the campus a special meaning and character worthy of the concept of genius loci. Thus, the study aims to unearth the meanings of the thoughtfully designed campus buildings to expose the underlying meaningfulness of the built environment. Rapoport has conducted various studies on the relationships between culture and architecture, notably concerning the influence of environment and behavior, leading to finding the meanings of the environment. He has sought to construct a unified theory on this subject. Rapoport's methods and views will be utilized to identify and investigate the context of this relationship. Based on Rapoport's model, the study will use a three-step approach consisting of dismantling, analyzing, and synthesizing. Firstly, the concepts of culture and the built environment will be identified and dismantled into variables and components according to Rapoport's approach. Then the relationship of these variables with the components and the relationships between the components will be analyzed. Finally, the dismantled and analyzed variables will be gathered and synthesized. Their interrelationships and their ties will be established to understand the significant linkages between forms and their cultural contexts. Integrated with this methodology, the study will look at the meanings of individual design elements from various perspectives and then their integration as a whole to form the character of the built environment. / Doctor of Philosophy / This dissertation explores the Qatar University campus and its significance as designed by architect Kamal El Kafrawi, using a multi-perspective approach based on Amos Rapoport's concept of the meaning of the built environment. Rapoport's idea is that the true meaningfulness of a building is discovered through living with it. The study aims to show how 'living with' the Qatar campus allows inhabitants of the buildings (mainly students and faculty) to unfold layers of meaningfulness that the architect intended in the design of the campus through a very culturally-sensitive design. The study seeks to unearth the meanings associated with the various spaces of the campus areas as built by El Kafrawi and as perceived by its users. The purpose of the project is to find answers to the question, "In what ways and on what basis do people react with their environments, and what meanings and character do those environments develop?" Rapoport's methods and views will be utilized to identify and investigate the context of this relationship. The study will use a three-step approach consisting of dismantling of the designed spaces of the campus, analyzing them, and synthesizing the findings to understand the significant linkages between the designed forms and their cultural contexts. Integrated with this methodology, the study will look at the meanings of these design elements from various perspectives and then their integration as a whole to form the character of the Qatar UniversityCampus. Overall, the dissertation examines how the Qatar University campus reflects a fusion of both contemporary practices and traditional culture through El Kafrawi's approach, bringing together both aspects to create an environment that reflects the meanings and character of the built environment in a culturally-sensitive way. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between culture and architecture and how this relationship can be utilized to create a meaningful built environment.

The five senses are something we rely on to perceive our external world. Through an architectural sense, meditative and relaxing experiences establish themselves. How one is influenced by their surroundings a sense of self sparks a connection between body and place. Architecture, along with the phenomenon of synesthesia, brings another level of understanding of the world. With architectural spaces that enclose and water, a sense can be amplified and advanced to the forefront of the accompanying senses. Through the perception of one sense through another, the question of how the senses are in association with each other arises. With being submerged underground, a meditative refuge for the self embodies the five senses and the sense - less. Sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound work collectively to convey the experience of synesthesia. The perception of senses through another creates unique experiences and evokes self awareness. / Master of Architecture / The five senses [ sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste ] are something we rely on to perceive our external world. Through an architecture of sense, meditative and relaxing experiences establish themselves. This sense of self sparks a connection between body and place. Architecture, along with the phenomenon of synesthesia, brings another level of understanding of the world. With architecture and water, a sense can be amplified and advanced to the forefront of the accompanying senses. Through the perception of one sense through another, the question of how the senses are in association with each other arises.

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