Bio
Dr. Dorna Eshrati is an assistant professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Ball State University, where she is dedicated to promoting inclusive design and innovative teaching methods. As a faculty fellow for globalization and director of Urban Design Graduate Program, she focuses on enhancing student learning experiences through service learning, international collaboration and transformative research.
Since joining Ball State in August 2020, Dr. Eshrati has made significant contributions to the field of landscape architecture, securing grants such as Tactical Urbanism Grant, the Provost’s Immersive Learning Pilot and the ASPiRE Grants. These grants have catalyzed collaborative research initiatives and immersive learning opportunities that empower students to engage deeply with their communities.
Dr. Eshrati's research interests include the intersection of landscape architecture and public perception, and she has published peer-reviewed articles in respected journals, including “Urban Conservation in the Public Eye: Evaluating the Integrity Achieved in the Rehabilitation Plan of Karim-Khan Zand Complex, Shiraz, Iran Based on People’s Perceptions” in the journal Land Use Policy. Her work addresses themes of place attachment and community development, contributing valuable insights to the profession.
She actively mentors students, guiding them in their projects and research endeavors, which have led to accolades such as the Indiana Chapter of American Planning Association Hoosier Planning Award, the Alliance for Historic Landscape Preservation Student Scholarship and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture Fountain Scholar Award. Her courses emphasize critical thinking and creative problem-solving, preparing students to become thoughtful leaders in the field.
Through collaborations with organizations like the Nora Alliance and the Indiana State Department of Health, Dr. Eshrati promotes the importance of service learning in education. Her commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment reflects her dedication to nurturing the next generation of landscape architects and urban designers.
Education
- (2020) Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning, College of Architecture, Planning, and Design, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
- (2016) Master of Urban Design, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
- (2014) Bachelor of Architecture, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Professional Experience
- (2023-Present) Faculty Fellow for Globalization Initiatives, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- (2021-Present) Director of Urban Design Graduate Program, Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- (2020-Present) Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- (2017-2019) Instructor, College of Architecture, Planning and Design, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
Major Research and Teaching Emphasis
- History and theory of the built environment with a focus on “underrepresented” places
- Urban landscape conservation
- Inclusive urban design
- Design pedagogy
- Perception of the built environment
Grants and Awards
- Innovations in Wellness and Inclusive Excellence Small Grant. 2024. Awarded by Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- Immersive Learning Grant.2023. Awarded by Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- ASPiRE Junior Faculty Grant. 2023. Awarded by Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- Tactical Urbanism Grant for the Nora Alliance at 86th Street and the Monon Trail in Indianapolis, IN. 2022. Awarded by the Indiana State Department of Health. A collaboration between Dorna Eshrati, Nora Alliance, and Bicycle Garage Indy
- ASPiRE Start-Up Grant. 2021. Awarded by Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
- Immersive Learning Grant. 2021. Awarded by Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
Recent Publications and Presentations
- Eshrati, Dorna; and Eshrati, Parastoo. 2022. “Urban Conservation in the Public Eye: Evaluating the Integrity Achieved in the Rehabilitation Plan of Karim-Khan Zand Complex, Shiraz, Iran based on People’s Perceptions” [Peer Reviewed Full Paper]. Land Use Policy 117, 106-121. Read article.
- Eshrati, Dorna. 2022. “The Motives Behind Creating Nineteenth-Century Pleasure Grounds in the Newly-Settled State of Kansas, USA” [Peer Reviewed Full Paper]. Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes 42(1), 48-66. Read article.
- Eshrati, Dorna; Gibson, Huston. 2021. “Will You Stay? An Analysis of Attachment to a Flyover Country” [Peer Reviewed Full Paper]. Community Development. Read article.
- Eshrati, Dorna. 2020. “Never Too Many Parks: The History of Kansas Pleasure Grounds (1850-1920)” [PhD Dissertation]. K-REx: Kansas State University Research Exchange. Read article.
- Eshrati, Dorna; and Priest, Kerry. 2019. “Who I Am and What Do I Do as a Designer? Integrating Leadership Skills with Environmental Design Learning” [Peer Reviewed Abstract]. 2019 CELA Conference on Engaged Scholarship; Sacramento, CA, 85. Read article.
- Eshrati, Dorna. 2018. “Type Versus Stereotype: An Analysis of International College Students’ Perceptions of US Cities and Public Spaces” [Peer Reviewed Full Paper]. Archnet-IJAR, International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(2), 263-280. Read article.
Professional Social Media