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The Charles W. Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction


Lily Wang
Associate Professor, Architectural Engineering Program Coordinator

Lily Wang

Contact:

Dr. Lily M. Wang

Education

  • Pennsylvania State University, Graduate Program in Acoustics, PhD in Acoustics (1999)
  • Princeton University, BSE in Civil Engineering with Certificate in Architecture (1993)

Groups

Background

Dr. Lily Wang obtained her Ph.D. in Acoustics from the Graduate Program in Acoustics at Pennsylvania State University. She received a B.S.E. degree in Civil Engineering with a certificate in Architecture from Princeton University. Prior to her arrival at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she worked as a research fellow in the Department of Acoustic Technology at the Technical University of Denmark in Lyngby. Her primary research interests are in room acoustics and noise control, particularly computer modeling and auralization of room acoustics and studying effects of noise on human perception and performance. She is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), where she served as Chair of the Technical Committee of Architectural Acoustics from 2004-2007. In 2005, she received the ASA R. Bruce Lindsay Award, the top award given by the society to a person under 35 years of age. Dr. Wang is also a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award. Her other professional affiliations include the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE), through which she is INCE Board Certified, ASHRAE, and the Audio Engineering Society (AES). She obtained her Professional Engineers (PE) License from the state of Oregon in 2007.

Academic Appointments

  • Program Coordinator, Architectural Engineering (2010-present)
  • Graduate Committee Chair, Architectural Engineering (2010-present)
  • Associate Professor, Architectural Engineering (2006-present)
  • BS/MAE Program Officer, Architectural Engineering (2005-2009)
  • Assistant Professor, Architectural Engineering (2000-2006)

Honors and Awards

    National
  • ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer (2012-present)
  • ASHRAE Ralph G. Nevins Physiology and Human Environment Award (2012)
  • ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award (2012)
  • Girls Preparatory School (GPS) Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award of Excellence (2009)
  • Elected to Fellowship in the Acoustical Society of America (2007)
  • Acoustical Society of America R. Bruce Lindsay Award (2005)
  • National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2002-07)
  • Acoustical Society of America F.V. Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1999)
    University
  • UNL Architectural Engineering Mentoring Award (2013, 2009, 2006)
  • UNL Architectural Engineering Teaching Award (2012)
  • UNL University Distinguished Teaching Award, joint with College of Engineering Holling Family Master Teacher Award (2012)
  • UNL College of Engineering Holling Family Senior Distinguished Teaching Award (2011)
  • UNL College of Engineering Holling Family Distinguished Teaching/Advising/Mentoring Award (2009)
  • UNL College of Engineering Faculty Service Award (2009)
  • UNL Architectural Engineering Directors Award (2009)
  • Vranek Distinguished Scholar: UNL College of Engineering Endowed Professorship at the Associate Level (2008-11)
  • UNL Excellence in Graduate Education Award (2006)
  • UNL College of Engineering Faculty Fellow Award (2005-07)

Professional Affiliations

Publications

Refereed Journal Papers

Refereed Conference Proceedings

Other Recent Publications/Presentations
  • Blevins, M., A. T. Buck, Z. Peng, and L. M. Wang (2013) "Quantifying the just noticeable difference of reverberation time with band-limited noise centered around 1000 Hz using a transformed up-down adaptive method." International Symposium on Room Acoustics; Toronto, Canada; June 9-11, 2013.
  • Wang, L. M. and B. Kraay. (2013) "Rating low levels of ambient noise in performing arts facilities."  International Symposium on Room Acoustics; Toronto, Canada; June 9-11, 2013.
  • Hathaway, A. and L. M. Wang. (2013) "Effects of background noise alternating between two levels at varying time intervals on human perception and performance." 21st International Congress on Acoustics; Montreal, Canada; June 2-7, 2013.
  • Peng, Z., L. M. Wang, S. K. Lau, and A. M. Steinbach. (2013) "Effects of reverberation and noise on speech comprehension by native and non-native English-speaking listeners." 21st International Congress on Acoustics; Montreal, Canada; June 2-7, 2013.
  • Buck, A., L. M. Wang, M. Blevins, Z. Peng, and P. Sim.  (2012)  "Measurements of the just noticeable difference for reverberation time using a transformed up-down adaptive method."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 2060(A).
  • Ainley, C. and L. M. Wang.  (2012)  "Effects of short noise bursts on human performance and perception."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 2086(A).
  • Cottrell, J. and L. M. Wang.  (2012) "Comparing performance of classrooms with similar reverberation times but varying absorptive material configurations."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 2073(A).
  • Peng, Z., L. M. Wang, and S. K. Lau.  (2012)  "Speech comprehension by second language learners versus native English speakers under a variety of room acoustic conditions."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 2072(A).
  • Peng, Z., L. M. Wang, and S. K. Lau.  (2012)  "Effects of acoustic environments on speech comprehension by native-English-speaking listeners." Internoise 2012, New York City, 1865-1875. 
  • Lau, S. K. and L. M. Wang.  (2012)  "Acoustical education in architectural engineering program at the University of Nebraska."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 3252(A).
  • Peng, Z., S. K. Lau, L. M. Wang, S. Brown, and K. P. Roy.  (2012)  "Binaural room impulse response database acquired from a variable acoustics classroom."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 3281(A); Proceed. of Meetings on Acoustics 15, 015003-9 (2013).
  • Wang, L. M. and L. M. Ronsse.  (2012)  "Perceptual metrics in elementary classrooms and their correlations to student achievement."  J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 3318(A).
  • Ronsse, L.M. and L. M. Wang. (2011) "Impacts of classroom acoustics on elementary student achievement." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 130, 2318(A). Student Paper Award in Architectural Acoustics, 1st Place
  • Wang, L. M. and L. M. Ronsse (2011) "Correlations between unoccupied background noise level and reverberation time to student achievement scores in elementary classrooms." Invited Speaker at Ecophon International Acousticians' Seminar 2011, Bastad, Sweden, September 2011.
  • Wang, L. M. (2011) "The effects of building mechanical system noise with tones or time-varying fluctuations on human performance and perception." Invited Plenary Speaker at 2011 Spring Noise Conference, Alberta Acoustics and Noise Conference, May 2011.
  • Ronsse, L. M. and L. M. Wang. (2011) "A review of the Robert Bradford Newman Student Award Fund's impact on the University of Nebraska Acoustics Group." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 2467(A).
  • Ronsse, L. M., L. M. Wang, E. Powell, and P. Sim. (2010) "Quantification of binaural acoustical conditions in elementary school classrooms." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 128, 2361(A).
  • Wang, L. M. (2010) "Ideas for effectively teaching architectural acoustics to students of architecture." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 128, 2342(A).
  • Vigeant, M. C., L. M. Wang, J. H. Rindel, C. L. Christensen, A. C. Gade. (2010) "Multi-channel orchestral anechoic recordings for auralizations." 2010 International Symposium on Room Acoustics, Melbourne, August 2010.
  • Ronsse, L. M., L. M. Wang, and P. Sim. (2010) "Examining the relationships between monaural and binaural classroom acoustics parameters and student achievement." 20th International Congress on Acoustics, Sydney, Australia, August 2010.
  • Wang, L. M. (2010) "Effects of building mechanical system noise on worker performance and perception." Invited INCE Plenary Speaker at joint INCE/ASA Conference, Baltimore, MD. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127, 1871(A).
  • Philipp, N. and L. M. Wang. (2009) "Modular classroom acoustics: where we are and where we should be going." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126, 2190(A).
  • Wiese, C. M., L. M. Wang, and L. M. Ronsse. (2009) "Comparison of noise levels between four hospital wings with different material treatments." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126, 2217(A).
  • Wang, L. M. and S. K. Lau. (2009) "Studying architectural acoustics through the University of Nebraska's Architectural Engineering Program." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126, 2229(A).
  • Ronsse, L. M. and L. M. Wang. (2009) "Acoustics of elementary school classrooms: correlations of varying background noise level and reverberation time to student achievement." Proceedings of Internoise 2009, Ottawa, Canada.
  • Coffeen, R. C., J. Birney, S. Hoeman, S. Kanter, H. Schultheis, L. M. Ronsse and L. M. Wang. (2009) "Comparison of auralized and measured sound in moderately reverberant spaces." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2585(A).
  • Kelley, D. K. and L. M. Wang. (2009) "Correlation of subjective and objective measures of spectral quality." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2708(A). Student Paper Award in Architectural Acoustics, 1st Place
  • Philipp, N. and L. M. Wang. (2009) "Comparison of apparent field sound transmission class (AFSTC) and outdoor indoor transmission class (OITC) as applied to modular classroom design and field analysis." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2493(A). Outstanding Young Presenter Award in Noise
  • Ronsse, L. M. and L. M. Wang (2009) "Effects of room reverberation time and receiver position on measured binaural room impulse responses." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2483(A).
  • Wang, L. M. (2009) "Proposed components of an 'ideal' indoor noise criteria rating system." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2707(A).
  • Wang, L. M. (2009) "Preparing a submission to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America on applied projects in architectural acoustics." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2682(A).
  • Christensen, M. and L. M. Wang. (2008) "A measurement survey of the acoustic conditions in home offices." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 124, 2440(A).
  • Philipp, N. and L. M. Wang. (2008) "A survey of unoccupied and occupied acoustic conditions in existing modular classrooms." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 124, 2588(A).
  • Wagner, A. J. and L. M. Wang. (2008) "Effects of residential audible distractions on the performance and perception of home office workers." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 124, 2439(A).
  • Wang , L. M. and C. C. Novak. (2008) "Effects of building mechanical system noise with fluctuations on human performance and perception." International Congress on Biological Effects of Noise, Mashantucket, CT.
  • Philipp, N. and L. M. Wang. (2008) "Measurements of existing modular construction classroom acoustics in the Midwestern United States." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 3355(A).
  • Rathsam, J., L. M. Wang, J. H. Rindel and C. L. Christensen. (2008) "An improved low frequency radiation model for finite sound reflectors." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 2982(A).
  • Ronsse, L. M. and L. M. Wang. (2008) "Effects of a hearing aid noise management feature on user perception and performance under noise." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 3449(A).
  • Vigeant, M. C. and L. M. Wang. (2008) "Auralization of an orchestra with phase-shifted string sections." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 3568(A).
  • Ronsse, L. M. and L. M. Wang. (2007) "Perception and performance of hearing-impaired versus normal-hearing persons under noise." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122, 3049(A).
  • Wagner, A. J. and L. M. Wang. (2007) "Residential wall construction transmission losses and home office productivity." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122, 3049(A).
  • Vigeant, M. C. and L. M. Wang. (2007) "Investigations of multi-channel auralization technique for various orchestra configurations, with phase-shifted string sections." Proceedings of the 2007 International Symposium on Room Acoustics, Seville, Spain, September 2007.
  • Rathsam, J. and L. M. Wang. (2007) "Scattered responses from suspended reflector panels with rounded edges." Proceedings of the 19th International Congress on Acoustics, Madrid, Spain, September 2007.
  • Vigeant, M.C., L. M. Wang and J. H. Rindel. (2007) "Investigations of multi-channel auralization technique for solo instruments and orchestra." Proceedings of the 19th International Congress on Acoustics, Madrid, Spain, September 2007.
  • Vigeant, M. C. and L. M. Wang. (2007) "Validation study of computer modeling of source directivity." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 121, 3174(A). Student Paper Award in Architectural Acoustics, 1st Place
  • Rathsam, J., L. Wang, J. H. Rindel, and C. L. Christensen. (2007) "Reflector responses: a comparison between ODEON's modified ray tracing algorithm and a filtered boundary element method model." DAGA 2007, Stuttgart, March 2007.

Courses

I have taught the following courses on architectural acoustics topics:

1. ARCH 334 Building Environment Technical Systems II (Spring 2007)
This course, designed for College of Architecture students, covers lighting and acoustical systems for buildings.

2. AE 3300 Building Acoustics Fundamentals (Fall 2012)
An introduction to the acoustics of buildings. Topics include the fundamentals of sound generation, propagation, and measurement; human hearing; acoustic properties of materials and constructions; basic room acoustics; and noise control.

3. AE 4300/8300 Advanced Noise Control (Spring 2008)
Topics include characterizing simple acoustic sources; use and measurement of sound power and intensity; HVAC system noise control; muffling devices; active noise control; acoustic enclosures and barriers; vibration control; and sound-structure interaction.

4. AE *8330 Advanced Architectural Acoustics (Fall 2011)
This course involves the advanced study of the behavior of sound in rooms; design of acoustical spaces; measurement techniques; physical and computational modeling; and introduction to sound reinforcement in rooms.

5. AE *8350 Electroacoustics (Spring 2013)
This course covers electrical-mechanical-acoustical circuit analogies; transducers, including loudspeakers, microphones, and accelerometers; directivity; calibration techniques; and sound reinforcement system design for rooms.

6. AE 9300 Current Topics in Architectural Acoustics (Spring 2009)
A review of current research in architectural acoustics. Topics may include objective versus subjective measures in performance spaces, electronic enhancement of rooms, advanced computational modeling techniques, and auralization.

Research Interests

Effects of Noise on Human Performance and Perception

Computer Modeling of Room Acoustics

Scattering and Diffraction in Architectural Acoustics

Coupled Volume Room Acoustics