Jennifer Donnelly

Jennifer Donnelly is a Teaching Assistant Professor, Studio Coordinator, and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of History of Art and Architecture at the University of Pittsburgh. She oversees the Architectural Studies Program, focusing on studio management and interdisciplinary collaborations. Her affiliations include the Department of History of Art and Architecture within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

Donnelly holds a PhD and MA in History of Art and Architecture from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as an MA and BA from Miami University. She is a Registered Architect in Ohio and Pennsylvania, a LEED AP BD+C, and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Her research interests span architectural history, historic preservation, and industrial landscapes. She explores themes such as power dynamics in architecture, postcolonial landscapes, and the cultural legacy of abandoned sites. Recent work includes studies on Cuba’s Valle de los Ingenios sugar mills and Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, alongside investigations into Depression-era public housing in Cleveland.

Donnelly’s teaching includes foundational studio courses and the NOCMAT Design-Build Course. She collaborates with institutions like the Swanson School of Engineering, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and local nonprofits such as Riverlife. Her advisory role supports undergraduate students in Architectural Studies. While no formal scientific awards are listed, her professional credentials reflect expertise in sustainable and historically informed design.

Her projects integrate urban design, community engagement, and environmental considerations, particularly in revitalizing at-risk architectural sites. She advocates for alternative landscape frameworks that challenge historical narratives of control and exploitation.