Rebecca Hermance

Rebecca Hermance is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Technology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), where she contributes extensively to interior and product design education. She is actively involved in academic service as Faculty Advisor for the ASID Campus Chapter, IIDA Campus Chapter, and the Student Interior Design Organization.

Education:

• M.A., Interior Design, Washington State University, Interdisciplinary Design Institute
• B.S., Elementary Education, Montana State University

Her research centers on the integration of nature into interior environments to support healing and well-being. Key areas include biophilic design and environmental psychology for design, exploring how physical surroundings influence human health and behavior. She emphasizes sustainable and human-centered design principles, supported by her LEED AP and WELL AP accreditations.

Though no recent articles are listed in the provided text, her professional contributions include writing for trade publications, presenting at conferences, and securing research funding—indicating active scholarly engagement in design for health and sustainability.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Grant from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES)

Rebecca Hermance is actively involved in mentoring students and guiding design organizations at UNK. Her teaching philosophy is hands-on, incorporating real-world client projects to build problem-solving and communication skills. She has also earned external funding through a competitive grant from the IES, demonstrating her capacity to lead research initiatives in lighting and environmental design.

She contributes to community and professional development through volunteer work with Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity and by organizing the UNK Loper Launch Enrichment Camp. Her professional memberships include the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), reflecting strong engagement with both practice and academia.