Environmental design majors Justin Curtsinger and Preethi Srikanth were among seven Texas A&M undergraduates to receive 2006 Undergraduate Research Awards from the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research. The grants pay up to $500 for research expenses.

Curtsinger, will use the funds to continue studying the history of faculty housing at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, 1876 - 1940s. While focusing on the concept and unique characteristics of on-campus neighborhoods, or communities, his report will detail the layout of faculty houses and trace their evolution and ultimate removal from campus.

Srikanth was part of an eight-member architecture studio that recently toured hospitals in the United Kingdom. The students contrasted the U.K. medical facilities with their U.S. counterparts and talked with hospital clients and architects. The goal of Srikanth’s research is to design a “hospital for the future”that addresses issues of flexibility, adaptability and sustainability. He and his fellow students will present their research results to representatives of the British National Health System.