Interior Design Student Highlight: Hannah Matthews, presents at UNT Scholars Day 

Hannah Matthews, junior in Interior Design, will present her research and findings at the 2025 UNT Scholars Day. Matthews questions interior table finishes selected for higher education classrooms and their impact on visual stress on the end users — students. 

UNT Scholars Day Presentation By Hannah Matthews
“Shining a Light on Learning: Investigating the Role of Lighting and Material Choice in Classroom Design”
April 1, 2025, 3–3:45 p.m.
University Union, Third Floor

Her research explores the lack of standardized finish guidelines in educational design that prioritize student needs. Through a literature review, interviews, and classroom observations, it investigates how design decisions are made and whether cost concerns outweigh functionality. It also examines the impact of lighting and material choices on student comfort, particularly in relation to Visual Stress, which affects 12–14% of individuals and can lead to visual distortions, headaches, and reduced concentration in brightly lit environments.

Coupled with her work experience with UNT Facilities, Matthews has shed new light on a topic rarely discussed during the design process for educational environments. 

Jeannine Vail, assistant professor for Interior Design, is Matthew’s research fellowship faculty mentor. 

As a participant in this program, Matthews will be awarded $500; she has also taken an extra step by entering the Scholars Day “3Min to Share Video Competition.”

UNT Scholars Day is presented by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Office for the Vice President of Research and Innovation, and the Honors College.

For more information about the UNT CVAD Department of Design's Interior Design Program, visit the B.F.A. in Interior Design and M.F.A. in Interior Design web pages.

Image: Hannah Matthews is facing forward and smiling. She has curly brown hair and wears a black sleeveless top.