The Woods Hole Public Library will host a compelling and interactive author talk with Dr. Mardelle McCuskey Shepley, emerita professor of Human Centered Design at Cornell University, on Monday, June 16, at 3:00 pm. In her talk, entitled “The Art and Science of Creating Peace,” Dr. Shepley will explore the dynamic relationship between art and science in the pursuit of peace and human well-being.
Dr. Shepley brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience at the intersection of design, architecture, and public health. In her recent book, Peace by Design, Dr. Shepley explores how design can promote healing in healthcare environments, contribute to good mental health, reduce gun violence, and positively impact health and racial equity, all of which contribute to providing a more peaceful world. Drawing on examples from graphic and industrial design to urban and landscape architecture, she highlights “peace projects” that demonstrate how interdisciplinary collaboration can solve some of today’s most pressing challenges.
For her talk at the Woods Hole Public Library, Dr. Shepley will invite questions and engagement from attendees of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a scientist, an artist, a designer, or simply a curious community member, this talk offers a unique opportunity to consider how the environments we shape—and live in—can support healing, mental health, and social equity.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Mardelle McCuskey Shepley holds degrees in architecture, art, and design, including a Doctor of Architecture. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the American College of Healthcare Architects and is certified in LEED, EDAC, and WELL. She served as the Director of the Cornell Institute for Health Futures and the TAMU Center for Health Systems & Design. Her work advocates for design’s potential to reduce violence, improve mental health, and foster peace through evidence-based practice.