FAMU Researcher Earns Prestigious Fulbright Award to Study How Soundscapes Impact Human Well-Being
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Sang Park, Ph.D. understands that sounds tell a story.
Now, the longtime School of Architecture and Engineering Technology researcher has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award that will take him to South Korea, where he will spend 10 months investigating how soundscapes influence stress reduction, cognitive resilience, and mental well-being.
The honor recognizes Park's expertise in architectural acoustics, virtual reality, and historic preservation while creating new opportunities for international research collaboration. It also marks a significant milestone in Park's 14-year journey at FAMU and positions the University to expand its international research collaborations while contributing new knowledge in the emerging field of soundscape research.
"This opportunity matters because it can advance knowledge in the soundscape area and strengthen partnerships between institutions in South Korea and FAMU in the United States," he said.
Architectural acoustics focuses on how spaces are designed to shape human experiences through sound. While architects often consider how a building looks, Park studies how it sounds.
"Scientists have found that soundscape attributes can play an important role in reducing stress levels and improving cognitive resilience," he said. "What I'm interested in is how we can utilize those natural soundscape attributes in design so people can experience those sounds and naturally reduce their stress levels."
Park’s fascination with the field began years ago as an environmental engineering student in South Korea studying noise and vibration control.
"I became more interested in creating sounds than removing noise," he said.
That curiosity eventually led him to architectural acoustics, where he studies how the design of walls, materials, and interior spaces can enhance sound quality in environments ranging from concert halls to houses of worship.
Dr. Sang Park with students from the School of Arts and Sciences demonstrating a VR
tour which simulated a field trip to St. Augustine, Florida. The students virtually
visited the historic locations, learned the history, and answered some quiz questions.
(Photo special to FAMU)
A significant portion of Park's research has focused on worship spaces and understanding
how sound can support spiritual experiences.
"My dissertation was about worship spaces and how we can design soundscape features that support worship," he said. "We design the shape of interior walls and choose the right materials to make a space sound good."
Park credits FAMU with helping him expand his research into cultural heritage preservation and virtual reality, ultimately positioning him for the Fulbright opportunity.
"FAMU gave me the foundation," Park said. "I could build up my research agenda and
my experience in virtual reality and historic preservation. That led to this opportunity."
Beyond the research itself, Park views the Fulbright experience as an opportunity
to strengthen international partnerships and create new pathways for collaboration
between FAMU and institutions in South Korea.
He hopes the collaboration will lead to joint research projects, scholarly publications, and future opportunities for faculty and student exchanges between institutions.
The award also carries deep personal meaning. Park, who came to the United States from South Korea decades ago, will return as an accomplished researcher representing FAMU on an international stage while also spending time with his parents, who still live in South Korea.
"I have a Fulbright. I have a good job here doing research and teaching. I have 10 months only for research, and I can visit my parents," Park said. "I feel like I'm a successful person right now."
When he returns to FAMU, Park plans to bring the knowledge and methodologies he gains overseas back to campus and into the classroom.
"First, I want to learn from the experts," he said. "Then I'm going to bring that knowledge here, teach our students, do research together, and build up the research at FAMU."
For students who aspire to become researchers, Park encourages them to pursue their interests with zest and curiosity.
"They have to find the area they want to be in and find their purpose," he said. "When students participate in research, it builds knowledge and helps them discover what they really want to do."
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
