Maria Delgado is an assistant professor in the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University. Learn more about why she came to CSU and her teaching philosophy.

1. What brought you to this Department at CSU?

Various attributes brought me to the interior architecture department (IAD) at CSU. The department captivated me with the caliber of student work, the welcomeness of faculty and staff, and the integration of technology within the classroom facilitates. Overall, the projects, people and place brought me to IAD.

2. What’s your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is based in High Impact Practices (HIPs) theory. Whenever possible, I involve students with collaborative, hands-on activities outside the classroom. These projects can be small scaled projects such as designing and 3D printing a lamp shade or large scaled projects such as designing and building a greenhouse. I strive to find service-learning projects where students can make a positive impact on their community.

3. What are your research interests, and how did you get into that topic?

My research interest is focused on design build education. I have been involved with eight local and international design build student projects over the last four years. I want to continue to integrate technology, specifically 3D printing, into design build projects. I arrived at my research topic by way of my teaching interest.

4. What’s your favorite thing about campus?

As a CSU ’10 alum from construction management, I personally spent a lot of time walking through and around the Oval. It was there that I developed a fondness for historic architectural preservation. So, one of my favorite things about campus was (and still is) the historic buildings around the Oval lawn.

The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.