WHAT AREA DO YOU TEACH?

Interior Design

EDUCATION/DEGREE(S)

2014-2019 Purdue University, M.S. in Construction Management
Thesis: Aging in Place in America: Users Needs and Related Perceptions

Ph.D. in Technology
Dissertation: Utilizing Virtual Simulation Technology To Increase Implementation Of Safe Aging In Place Modifications

2010-014 Ball State University, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

1975-1977 Ivy Tech State College; Visual Communications Division A.A.S. in Interior Design Technology

YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING

As the mother of five, two of whom are currently in college, I understand there are as many different learning styles as there are students in the classroom. I understand there are a variety of life situations, a plethora of personalities, and even family crises which affect an individual students’ performance on any given day. As an instructor, I feel it is my responsibility to be responsive to my students - even when I have a class of 107 as I did during the Fall of 2019. I attempt to keep an open dialogue, encouraging my students to reach out to me via text, email or even the rare visit during office hours.

Additionally, I believe it is the responsibility of an educator to present information in a variety of ways and use multiple strategies to scaffold the learning of his or her students. It is the role of the educator to collaborate with other disciplines to understand and to contribute to the learning of others in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries and to make a collaborative effort part of the learning process for students.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TEACH?

I taught early in my career as a way to reconnect with current pedagogy and interior design methods. I came back at this point in my career as a way to give back to the field that has given me so much satisfaction.

CREDENTIALS/CAREER PATH

2020 - Present Southeast Missouri State University - Assistant Professor
2019 - 2020 Purdue University - Adjunct Professor - Construction Management
2014 - Fall 2019 Purdue University - Teaching Assistant - Research Assistant
2009 - Present - Interior Design - President, Design Principal
2007 - 2009 Brenner Design, Incorporated - FF&E Manager; Interior Designer; Project Manager

As FF&E Manager for Brenner Design, an architectural and interior design firm located in downtown Indianapolis, Denise was responsible for overseeing the procurement division while also serving as a project manager on interior architecture and procurement projects. Projects include The New Indianapolis Airport Midfield Terminal, Ameriana Bank, Greenfield Banking Center, and National Bank of Indianapolis’s Disaster Recovery Center.

1994 - Present On-A-Shoestring, Inc. (Doing business as Wilder Design Group and Shoestring Interiors) - President, Design Principal

As owner of On-a-Shoestring, Inc., Denise is responsible for designing and overseeing all aspects of the business. Projects include Ivy Tech State College, Wishard Hospital Alzheimer Unit, Medical Offices of Family Dental Practice, Dr. Tom Prather, and Purdue University Faculty Offices. Wilder Design Group was ranked 13th largest commercial design firm on the Indianapolis Business Journal List of Largest Indianapolis Commercial Design Firms in 2007.

1988 - 1997 Ivy Tech State College Region 05 - Interior Design Program Chair, Interior Design Instructor

Responsibilities included curriculum development, teaching interior design and architectural classes across the curriculum, course development, student counseling and program scheduling.

Designs Architectural - President, Director of Interior Design

Architectural and Interior Design Merchant Firm specializing in corporate environments.

Perk Industries, LTD - Interior Designer

Responsibilities included sales support, systems furniture design, furniture and finish specifications, client contact, presentation work.

CSO Architecture and Interior Design - Jr. Project Designer

Responsibilities included architectural drafting, presentation work, library maintenance, programming, and client contact.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT

July 2019 DISSERTATION Utilizing Virtual Simulation Technology To Increase Implementation Of Safe Aging In Place Modifications

May 2019 Environmental Design Research Association Increasing Confidence in Home Modifications for Aging in Place Using Architectural Visualization Technology

September 2018 CALC SYMPOSIUM (Purdue Center on Aging and the Life Course) Utilizing Architectural Visualization Technology to Enhance Confidence in Safe Aging in Place Modifications

June 2018 NEOCON SPEAKER Home Modifications and Independent Aging: How Interior Designers Are Contributing and Where They Are Being Excluded

ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED

ASID (American Society of Interior Designers
IIDA (International Interior Design Association)
IDEC (Interior Design Educator's Council)
EDRA (Environmental Design Research Association)
USGBC (United States Green Building Council)

BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

Meaningful work is the key to happiness. As you navigate through school and then your career, always try to find meaning in what you are doing.