معرفی
Gregory Thomas is a Professor of Visual Communication Design and Director of the Center for Design Research at the University of Kansas’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He joined KU in 2004 as Chair of the Design Department, following a 35-year career as principal of Gregory Thomas Associates (GTA), a globally recognized design studio specializing in strategic brand development for corporations and destinations worldwide.
Education:
- BFA in Design, Kansas City Art Institute
- MFA in Design, Yale University
- MBA, California Institute of the Arts
Research Interests: Professor Thomas focuses on branding, symbol design, and interdisciplinary innovation in health & wellness, sustainable energy systems, and vehicular safety. Current projects include smart grid applications, adaptive information displays, and integrating health diagnostics into automotive technologies. His work bridges design with engineering to address rural healthcare and energy efficiency challenges.
Awards & Recognition:
- Recipient of the School of Architecture, Design, & Planning’s “Research Impact Award”
- Featured in National Public Radio, the Food Network, and international design publications
Collaborations & Grants: Collaborates with the KU Transportation Research Institute on electric vehicle and smart grid initiatives. The Center for Design Research (CDR) has partnered with industry leaders such as Ford Motors, Sprint, and Bayer HealthCare. His research on smart home-car interconnectivity and energy systems is funded through interdisciplinary grants.
Labs & Affiliations: Director of the Center for Design Research, a multidisciplinary hub with three facilities. Serves on advisory boards for institutions including the KU Hospital Cancer Center and Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Member of the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and Society of Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD).
