Yeji Yi

Assistant Professor

Education

University of Oklahoma
Ph.D. in Planning Design, and Construction (Interior Design Concentration)
University of Oklahoma
Master of Science in Architecture
Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
Master of Design Studies in Architecture
Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
Bachelor of Architecture

Yeji Yi is an Assistant Professor of Interior Design in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma. She earned her Ph.D. in Planning, Design and Construction from the University of Oklahoma.

Her interdisciplinary research explores how environmental design shapes human behavior, health, and well-being. She focuses on evidence-based, human-centered design informed by behavioral patterns, cognitive mechanisms, and user preferences. Her work emphasizes inclusive environments that support individuals across a broad spectrum of abilities.

As an educator, Dr. Yi also investigates interior design pedagogy, with particular attention to teaching methods that enhance student learning. Her courses center on both human-centered design principles and the interior design process.

Peer Reviewed Publications

Yi, Y., & Bhattacharjee, S. (2023). 3D Virtual Site Visit as an Alternative to On-Site Experience in Interior Design Education. Design and Technology Education: an International Journal, Vol.28(1), pp.100-113.
Yi, Y., & Ellis, N. (2023). Associations between Environmental Factors and Adaptive Skills of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, Vol.7 (1).
Ellis, N. & Yi, Y., (2023). Systematic Review on Environmental Design for Adaptive and Problem Behaviors of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 19375867231173393.
Yi, Y., & Ellis, N. (2021). Accessible Environment for People with Cognitive Disabilities: Toward an Integrative Theoretical Framework and Future Research, Proceedings of the Environmental Design Research Association 52nd Detroit.
Yi, Y., & Boeck, D. (2018). Housing Design Standards for Aging in Place for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Proceedings of the Environmental Design Research Association 49th Oklahoma City.
Yi, Y., & Boeck, D. (2017). Comparison of Aging in Place in Japan, South Korea, and China, Proceedings of the Environmental Design Research Association 48th Madison.

Grants

Heidari Matin, N., Nguyen, A., Yi, Y. (Co-PI, 2023 – 2024). The Interaction between Virtual Multi-Sensory Environments and Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Central Oklahoma. The Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC) Seed Grant, The University of Oklahoma. $10,000
Heidari Matin, N., Nguyen, A., Yi, Y., Couch, S., & Heiskell K. (Co-PI, 2023 – 2024) The Therapeutic Impacts of Virtual Reality (VR) Multi-Sensory Environments (MSEs) on Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Central Oklahoma. (Clinical Trial Approach). Health, Well-Being and the Built Environment Seed Grant, The University of Oklahoma. $29,500
Yi, Y., Boeck, D. (2017). Comparison of Aging in Place in Japan, South Korea, and China, Robberson Travel and Research Grants, The University of Oklahoma. $1,000

Awards

The Christopher C. Gibbs Endowed Scholarship, The University of Oklahoma (2020)
The Paige Merriman Vincent Endowed Scholarship, The University of Oklahoma (2020)
Gibbs FY 2019 Program Enrichment Distribution, The University of Oklahoma (2019)
Research Dissemination Award, The University of Oklahoma (2019)
Dean Charles W. Graham Memorial Scholarship, The University of Oklahoma (2018)
Student Best Paper Award, First Place, Environmental Design Research Association (2017)