معرفی
Joseph A. Betz is a full Professor in the Department of Architecture and Construction Management at Farmingdale State College, State University of New York. He previously served as Department Chair, overseeing administrative, assessment/accreditation, scheduling and budgeting aspects of the Department's undergraduate and graduate programs.
Professor Betz received his academic and architectural training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), including the Rome Italy Program, and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University. His educational background includes:
- B.S., Building Science (School of Architecture), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1983
- B.Arch., Architecture (School of Architecture), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1984
- M.S. Arch., Architecture and Building Design, Columbia University, 1987
As an expert in design theory, Professor Betz coordinates the first-year architectural design foundation studio sequence and teaches courses in architectural history and theory. His passion for architectural history spans more than three decades. He has mentored students in design competitions and community service projects and has served as faculty advisor for the Architectural Construction Technology (ACT) Student Club for over 25 years.
Professor Betz's current research focuses on design, conceptual combination theory, creativity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He employs cognitive behavioral experiments to measure design methodology and creativity. His research has been supported by a multi-year National Science Foundation grant (IIS-0856038, $257,376.00) where he served as Co-Principal Investigator alongside four other major research universities.
Professor Betz has received numerous awards for his teaching and service:
- SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2000)
- Farmingdale State College Presidential CARES Award (2016)
- Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology Innovative Pedagogy Award (2022)
- Certificate of Appreciation for Service on the Planning Board (2015)
- ASEE Best Zone I Paper Award (2004)
- Outstanding Service Award from ASEE Architectural Engineering Division (2005)
Throughout his career, Professor Betz has secured significant research funding, including multiple NSF grants and awards from the New York State Education Department. He has served as an external PhD advisor at Stony Brook University and has more than 30 publications in architectural pedagogy and design theory. He has held leadership roles in the American Society of Engineering Education, serving as Division Chair, Program Chair, and Proceedings Editor.
Active in public service, Professor Betz currently serves on the Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) for the Town of Brookhaven and has previously served on the Brookhaven Town Planning Board. He also participates in civic organizations including the Three Village Civic Association Executive Committee.
