Kansas State University

Scholar Spotlight

Jaasiel Duarte is a junior from Kansas City, Kansas majoring in Architecture. He is an undergraduate researcher under the mentorship of department head of Interior Architecture and Product Design, Nathan Howe. Duarte and Howe have been working on a typology research project, trying to discover and define the elements that architects have been applying throughout history. Why do architects do what they do in a certain way? What patterns do they use and how can we describe them? How did architecture get to this point? Duarte is looking to answer these questions. “Being on the forefront of something new is scary,” Duarte says. “It’s uncomfortable but that’s what pushes us to a new discovery.” The effects of his research can spur new conversations, new meanings, and new ideas that have not yet been explored in the world of architecture.

Duarte acknowledges that doing research as an undergraduate student has been an indispensable experience. He encourages other students to get involved in research and give oneself the opportunity to think outside the box. Students can only gain knowledge and networking experience by getting involved – it’s for anybody and everybody who is ready to put in the work.

In Fall 2017, Duarte was chosen to represent his Architecture Design Studio class in the College of Architecture's annual Bowman Design Forum. He placed third in the competition, receiving a $500 scholarship.