HANIN OTHMAN

About

I develop and validate low-cost, real-time multi-sensing systems for indoor air quality (IAQ). My approach integrates stationary networks and mobile platforms with advanced calibration;including a purpose-built calibration chamber, and compares performance against reference-grade monitors. In parallel, I study how microclimate, urban morphology, and vegetation shape comfort and energy use, with a focus on hot-arid contexts.

Methodologically, I work across design-based experimentation, statistical calibration and validation, and simulation (ENVI-met, DesignBuilder, RayMan/Leonardo, CFD) using parametric and robotic workflows (Rhino/Grasshopper, ROS on Raspberry Pi & Arduino) and live web dashboards for real-time feedback. The through-line is health-equitable, climate-responsive design that translates data into action.

Research Areas

• Indoor Environmental Quality Monitoring & Sensor Technologies
• Smart Building Systems & IoT-Driven Environmental Optimization
• Robotics & Computational Design for Built-Environment Research
• Climate-Responsive & Health-Equitable Design

Design Investigations

These design investigations reflect my commitment to integrating speculative design, environmental performance, and community-driven solutions into architectural research. Each competition engages real-world problems, ranging from climate-adapted infrastructure and net-zero retrofitting to affordable housing and food equity, and translates them into design strategies rooted in equity, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether developed independently or as part of a team, these projects demonstrate how design can serve as both a research methodology and a tool for engaged practice.

Highlights

• Designed a double-skin calibration chamber and workflows to evaluate low-cost IAQ sensors, using statistical validation against reference monitors.
• Built networked sensing across mobile + stationary devices; integrated ROS-based robotic sampling with map-aligned logging and real-time visualization.
• Led hands-on Arduino/IoT workshops (single-sensor to multi-sensor IAQ systems): circuit assembly, programming, troubleshooting, and basic data interpretation.
• Worked across architecture, mechanical engineering, and community partners to connect design, sensing, and social equity.

Selected Awards & Grants @ Penn State

• ICDS Rising Researcher Collaboration Award (2026) — Selected for TwinSight digital twin project.
• Fox Scholar (2024) — Academic excellence & research potential.
• Artists & Makers in Residence, Learning Factory (2024–2025) — Competitive residency; led IAQ/IoT workshops.
• Fox Summer Research Grant (2025) — for dissertation-aligned work.
• Cocozziello Institute SEED Grant (2025) — DECODE digitaltwin project.
• Pohland Graduate Student Fellowship (Spring 2024) — mobile IAQ platform.
• SCDC Summer Student Support (2024) — IAQ sensing + robotics integration.

Mentorship & Teaching

I teach across design studios, representation, and environmental courses with an emphasis on performance-based design, bioclimatic strategies, and inclusive pedagogy. My workshops guide students from concept to prototype—assembling circuits, programming microcontrollers, validating sensors, and turning data into design decisions. I also support accreditation, curriculum alignment, and public exhibitions that amplify student work.

Mission

Use design, technology, and data-driven research to create built environments that are efficient and resilient-equitable, adaptive, and responsive to human well-being.

Let’s Connect

Interested in collaborating on IAQ sensing, smart buildings, or research-driven design? I’d love to hear from you.