2017 Dissertation Award

Girmay Kifle Berhie, Texas Tech University

Girmay BerhieDr. Girmay Berhie received his PhD from Texas Tech University, College of Architecture on August 13th 2016. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture and Town Planning from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and Master of Science in GIS from the International Institute of Aerospace Survey and Earth Science (ITC) in the Netherlands.

Dr. Berhie’s 18 years of professional career began at the city of Mekelle (Ethiopia), where he served in different positions including architect-planner, head of design and land administration, and finally as project manager of GIS and land information system of the city. He has gained extensive professional experience in his own consulting firm working in various architectural, community design and urban planning projects. He has also served as instructor and department head of Architecture and Urban Planning in Mekelle University, Ethiopia.

Dr. Girmay’s research is focused on sustainable environmental design through spatial configuration studies. He has presented and published in the proceedings of conferences such as the 10th International Space Syntax Symposium, London, 46th and 47th annual conferences of Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) in Los Angeles and Raleigh respectively.