Sang Park, Ph.D., a research associate in the FAMU School of Architecture + Engineering Technology (SAET), has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to study how sound shapes human well-being, a recognition that underscores both his growing influence in architectural acoustics and the expanding global ambitions of his institution.
For 10 months, Dr. Park will conduct research in South Korea examining how soundscapes — the acoustic environments people experience in everyday life — can reduce stress, strengthen cognitive resilience and improve mental health. The project places him at the forefront of a field that is gaining attention as scientists and designers increasingly explore how built environments affect psychological outcomes.
“This opportunity matters because it can advance knowledge in the soundscape area and strengthen partnerships between institutions in South Korea and FAMU,” Dr. Park said.
Architectural acoustics, his area of expertise, focuses on how physical spaces influence sound and, in turn, human experience. While architects often prioritize visual aesthetics, Dr. Park’s work centers on how environments sound and how those auditory qualities can be deliberately shaped.
“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.”
Dr. Park’s path into the field began in South Korea, where he studied environmental engineering with a focus on noise and vibration control. Over time, his interest shifted from eliminating unwanted sound to designing desirable acoustic experiences.
“I became more interested in creating sounds than removing noise,” he said.
That shift led him to architectural acoustics, where he examines how materials, spatial geometry and interior design influence sound quality in settings ranging from concert halls to houses of worship. Much of his research has explored how sound can support spiritual and communal 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.”
During his 14 years at FAMU, Dr. Park has expanded his research into virtual reality and historic preservation, using digital tools to simulate and study acoustic environments. He credits the university with providing the foundation for his interdisciplinary work and for positioning him to compete for the Fulbright award.
“FAMU gave me the foundation,” he said. “I could build up my research agenda and my experience in virtual reality and historic preservation. That led to this opportunity.”
University officials say the award represents not only a personal milestone for Dr. Park but also an opportunity to deepen international collaboration. His work is expected to foster partnerships with South Korean institutions, potentially leading to joint research initiatives, scholarly publications and exchanges for faculty and students.
For Dr. Park, the experience also carries personal significance. Having emigrated from South Korea decades ago, he will return as an established researcher, representing his university while reconnecting with his family.
“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,” he said. “I feel like I’m a successful person right now.”
When he returns to FAMU, Dr. Park plans to integrate what he learns abroad into both his research and his teaching, with the goal of expanding the university’s role in the emerging study of soundscapes.
“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.”
He also hopes his journey will inspire students to pursue research with curiosity and purpose.
“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.”