Prakash Nair, AIA
President & CEO, Education Design International (EDI)
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![Prakash Nair, AIA](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/PrakashNair.jpg) |
Prakash is a futurist and visionary architect who leads Education Design International, a firm that has consulted in 58 countries across six continents. He has received numerous international awards, including the A4LE MacConnell Award, the highest worldwide honor in school design. Prakash has published extensively in leading international journals and is the author of three books, including the landmark publication "Blueprint for Tomorrow: Redesigning Schools for Student-Centered Learning," published by Harvard Education Press.
Contact: [email protected] |
Parul Minhas
Director of Research & Digital Innovation (EDI)
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![Parul Minhas](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/ParulMinhas.jpg) |
Parul is celebrated for her groundbreaking research in learning environments promoting student health and well-being. She leads the development of various EDI apps, emphasizing educational excellence, and collaborates with Prakash Nair on influential school design studies. Her work in neuroarchitecture and biophilic design is globally acclaimed, mirrored in her keynote presentations. Her recently published book, "A New Language of School Design," has been highly appreciated and well received by educators and architects alike, further cementing her reputation as a pioneer in educational and architectural innovation.
Contact: [email protected] |
Anna Harrison
Director, Educational Innovation
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![Anna Harrison](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/AnnaHarrison.jpg) |
Anna is a seasoned expert in biophilic design, focusing on sustainable and regenerative planning at Education Design International. She collaborates with educational leaders to transform entire school campuses into regenerative learning environments, contributing to both social and environmental justice. Anna holds a Master's in Education Leadership and is accredited in Learning Environments Planning (ALEP) and Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP). She is also an NCIDQ-certified interior designer. Known for her international conference presentations, Anna's work has gained global recognition.
Contact: [email protected] |
Louis Sirota, AIA
Director of Design (EDI)
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![Louis Sirota, AIA](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/LouisSirota.jpg) |
Louis stands as a force in the realm of educational facility design. He possesses a unique ability to interpret the nuanced needs of schools, translating them into functional and innovative designs. Louis has spearheaded projects like the YCIS Secondary School in Chongqing and Texas Tech's Satellite Campus in Costa Rica. His collaboration with the Yew Chung International Educational Foundation redefined learning spaces across China. With a vision rooted in transformative architecture, his master’s thesis at North Dakota State University heralded a new age for academic libraries, envisioning them as dynamic, tech-integrated learning hubs.
Contact: [email protected] |
Jay Litman, AIA
Principal Architect (EDI)
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![Jay Litman, AIA](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/JayLitman.jpg) |
Jay is a renowned figure in the architecture and education realm, with an illustrious and comprehensive career spanning over four and a half decades. Specializing in the planning and design of educational facilities, Jay has etched his name in the history of education architecture, having made significant contributions to the field in the United States and internationally recognized by the American Institute of Architecture and the Association for Learning Environments, Jay has contributed to educational landscapes in over 20 countries. An active speaker and writer, he also produced a notable COVID response booklet, "Sustaining Student Learning and Success," which received a 2021 AIA Honor Award.
Contact: [email protected] |
Dr. Punya Mishra
Associate Dean of Scholarship & Innovation
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
Arizona State University
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![Dr. Punya Mishra](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/PunyaMishra.jpg) |
Dr. Mishra is associate dean of Scholarship & Innovation at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University, where he leads multiple initiatives, providing a future-forward, equity-driven, collaborative approach to educational research. He is internationally recognized for his work in educational technology, creativity, and the application of design to educational innovation. With $9.5 million in grants; 200+ published articles, and 5 books, he is ranked in the top 2% of scientists worldwide and the top 100 scholars with the biggest influence on educational practice and policy. He is an award-winning instructor, engaging public-speaker and an accomplished visual artist.
Contact: punyamishra.com |
Gary Stager, Ph.D.
Senior Education & S.T.E.M. Consultant (EDI)
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![Gary Stager, Ph.D.](https://media.a4le.org/symposiums/GaryStager.jpg) |
A trailblazer in education technology, Dr. Stager's impact ranges from spearheading 1:1 computing in the '90s to influential collaborations at the MIT Media Lab. Recognized as a "shaper of our future" by Converge Magazine and awarded by CUE, his expertise embraces STEM, the maker movement, and fostering environments where passion for learning thrives. Notably, he collaborated with educational pioneer Seymour Papert and now curates the world's most extensive Papert archive.
Contact: [email protected] |