Dr. Sneha Jain
Positions
Assistant Professor
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Contact information
I'm looking for...
Research partners
partners to work on research at the intersection of human health & wellbeing, indoor environment quality, building automation & control, and aging in place.
Funding
Background
Educational Background
Postdoctoral Scholar Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 2025
PhD Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland), 2023
M.S. Information Technology in Building Science, International Institute of Information Technology, 2018
B.Arch. Architecture, National Institute of Technology, 2015
Biography
I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape at the University of Calgary. My research lies at the intersection of building technology, sustainability, and human well-being, working towards creating living environments that are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable, health-focused, and adaptable.
At the University of Calgary, my research program focuses on three core areas: uncovering empirical links between indoor environmental parameters and human health outcomes; advancing the design of building envelopes to optimize daylight and occupant comfort; and translating behavioural findings into evidence-based design strategies for healthier, equitable, and sustainable built environments.
I am trained as an architect and hold a Ph.D. in Building Science from EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland). I completed my postdoctoral scholarship in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University and a research fellowship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.
Research
Areas of Research
Establishing empirical, evidence-based links between the physical characteristics of indoor environments and human health outcomes. This line of work investigates how specific environmental parameters, such as the spectrum and intensity of light, indoor air quality, and thermal conditions, directly impact physiological and psychological responses, including cognitive performance, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Research methods are drawn from building science, environmental psychology, and health sciences, with a goal to create a robust body of evidence that can inform the design of buildings that support health.
Advancing the design and technology of building envelopes to optimize energy performance and enhance occupant experience by creating dynamic and adaptive systems. This involves developing and evaluating innovative systems and control mechanisms for daylighting, glare control, and natural cooling. Past projects include the development of automated shading systems, investigations into the visual comfort aspects of colored glazing, and occupant-oriented approach to controlling windows for natural cooling.
Translating scientific findings into practical design guidelines and policy recommendations aimed at sustainable development, especially for vulnerable groups, including low-income renters in affordable housing and older adults. This work examines how community-driven, human-centered design and retrofitting can improve quality of life, promote independence, and ensure equitable access to healthy living environments. The ultimate goal is to develop scalable design workflows that can be used by architects, planners, and policymakers.
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 500 | Sustainability in Built Environment | Fall 2025 |
| ARCH 614 | Environmental Control Systems | Winter 2026 |
| ARCH 608 | Lighting Design | Winter 2026 |
| ARCH 514 | Architecture Design Studio | Winter 2026 |
Publications
In the News
- Is there a physiological explanation behind experiencing glare?. EPFL News. (2023)
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