Audrey O'Hagan
What courses do you teach?
This semester, I’m teaching Communication Strategies: Connectivity in a Changing World. Previously, I taught Issues in Professional Practice, and Studio 01 and 02.
How have your interests, research, or experience led you to your field?
When I was in middle school, I often stayed up late drawing and painting until sunrise—sometimes creating cartoon strips of my friends, but mostly sketching buildings. As the youngest of four children, it was also a chance to have the house to myself! After taking all of the art classes offered in high school, I created my own independent study course in art where I chose to focus on buildings. My art teacher, Mr. Lawless, noticed my innate interest in architecture and introduced me to the works of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Paul R. Williams. I loved it! I put the cartoons aside and went on to study architecture!
Why are you proud to be a woman in 2021?
I'm proud to be a woman in 2021 because I can practice in the profession that I love, run my own firm and share my knowledge and experiences with others as I continue to learn and grow.
Describe one exciting thing that is happening in your classroom.
Students are learning communication skills that will benefit them no matter what they decide to focus on in the future, such as understanding body language and that in face-to-face communication, our words convey only 7% of our message. They know that the largest part of the message is made up of non-verbal information (i.e., our body language and tone of voice at 93%). They are practicing and observing these skills in themselves and others.
What is one interesting fact about you?
I played both NCAA Division 1 women's basketball and volleyball during my first year in college for the Kansas Jayhawks (University of Kansas) as a walk-on, and yes, I have a championship ring!
Share your favorite quote for Women's History Month.
"As women, we must stand up for ourselves. We must stand up for each other. We must stand up for justice for all." - Michelle Obama
List of recent publications and other accomplishments (2019 - 2021):
One key achievement that I am grateful for is the opportunity to keep my practice going (remotely, of course) during this unusual and difficult time of the pandemic.