Erika Zekos

Erika Zekos is a Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Director in the Architecture Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, within the College of Humanities & Fine Arts. She holds a B.Arch and BS in Building Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an M.Ed in Higher Education, and a Social Justice Education Graduate Certificate from UMass Amherst. Her work bridges design education, community engagement, and social justice. She teaches design studios, seminars, and courses like ARCH 300–404, ARCH 480, and ARCH 600.

• Education: B.Arch/BS (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), M.Ed (UMass Amherst), Social Justice Education Certificate (UMass Amherst)
• Research: Focuses on community-engaged design, pedagogy for diversity, and place-based learning. Projects include site-specific installations addressing social justice themes.

Her awards include the 2022 Best Research Paper at EAAE-ARCC, 2022 Distinguished Community-Engaged Teaching Award, and 2023–24 TIDE Fellowship. She leads initiatives like the 'It’s Time' installation and 'Common Sounding' musical installation, emphasizing participatory design processes.

• Awards: AIAS Certificate of Appreciation (2025), Distinguished Teaching Nomination (2024), TIDE Fellowship (2023–24), and others.
• Grants/Engagement: Civic Engagement Fellowship (2018–19), Professional Development Leave (2022–23).

Zekos directs undergraduate programs and advocates for inclusive design education through labs like the TurnPark Art Space collaboration and projects with Holyoke Public Library.