Alpha Yacob Arsano

Alpha Yacob Arsano is an Assistant Professor of Architecture and Building Scientist at Northeastern University. Her research focuses on low-carbon, equitable bioclimatic building strategies to address climate challenges in vulnerable communities. She develops analytical methodologies and digital tools like ClimaPlus to optimize early-stage design decisions using large-scale building stock data from the global South.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Building Technology, MIT (Feb 2022)
• SMArchS in Building Technology, MIT (June 2017)
• BSc in Architecture, Ethiopian Institute of Architecture (Mar 2013)

Her work emphasizes global accessibility through initiatives like a MOOC on edX with 50,000+ learners. Research funding includes support from TATA Foundation and MIT Energy Initiative. Notable awards include the MIT TODA Award and Presidential Fellowship.

Awards also include competition recognitions for climate innovation and urban design. Prior to MIT, she held roles at Transsolar Energietechnik and Allmann Sattler Wappner, blending academic and professional expertise.