Associate Professor

Academic Degrees

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sahlgrenska Academy of Medicine at Gothenburg University (2007)
  • Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (2006)
  • B.S. in Architectural Engineering, Minor in Music, Kansas State University (2001)

Certifications

  • PhD, FASA, LEED AP

Experience

Academic Appointments:

  • Associate Professor, Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (2015-present)
  • Assistant Professor, Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (2014-15)
  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering joint with Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology (2013-14)
  • Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2007-13)
  • F.V. Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy of Medicine at Gothenburg University (2006-07)


Professional Affiliations:


Professional Credentials:

  • Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (2008)




Areas of Research and Professional Interest

  • Engineering built environments conducive to healthy occupant outcomes
  • Healthcare facility design and operations
  • Age-friendly communities and buildings
  • Engineering student engagement, self-efficacy, and DEI
  • Sensing, simulation, visualization, and experiential learning in engineering design and education

Courses Taught

About Erica Ryherd

Dr. Erica Ryherd is an Associate Professor in The Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She specializes in engineering built environments that are conducive to healthy occupant outcomes. Areas of specialty include noise control, architectural acoustics, environmental noise, and human response to the built environment. Prior, she was an Associate Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and joint with the College of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a postdoctoral researcher in Occupational & Environmental Medicine at Gothenburg University in Sweden. She also has previous industry experience in acoustical and mechanical (HVAC) engineering which she integrates into her teaching and research.

Dr. Ryherd is actively engaged in research linking healthcare environmental systems (e.g., acoustics, lighting, and spatial layout) to patient and staff outcomes. She has worked with more than a dozen hospitals and a broad range of unit types including adult and neonatal intensive care, emergency, operating, long-term care, outpatient, mother-baby, and others.  Other areas of interest include childcare settings and age-friendly communities and buildings. She was a 2014 Center for Health Design—Icons and Innovators Speaker and a 2018 Academy of Architecture for Health Masters Studio Speaker.  She received the ASA Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2007, a “Top 5 New Faces of Engineering” award from ASHRAE in 2008, a Science Writing Award from the Acoustical Society of America in 2017, and a Consulting-Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 Award in 2018. She was elected as a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America in 2021 for advancements to acoustics in the healthcare industry.

Honors and Awards

  • Fellow, Acoustical Society of America (2022)
  • Consulting- Specifying Engineer (CSE) 40 Under Forty Rising Building & Engineering Leaders Award (2018)
  • Acoustical Society of America Science Writing Award for Professionals in Acoustics (2017)
  • The Center for Health Design—Icons and Innovators Series Speaker (2014)
  • Technical Consultant to the Federal Aviation Administration, Noise Division (2010-12)
  • Georgia Tech Center for Teaching & Learning Thank a Teacher Recipient (2012)
  • Acoustical Society of America Women in Acoustics Young Investigator Travel Award (2009)
  • ASHRAE Top 5 “New Faces of Engineering” (2008)
  • Acoustical Society of America F.V. Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship   (2006)

Selected Publications

Books:

  • D. Bradley, E. Ryherd, and L. Ronsse, Ed. (2016) Worship Space Acoustics: 3 Decades of Design. Springer, New York, NY. ISBN 978-1-4939-3096-8. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4939-3097-5
  • D. Bradley, E. Ryherd, and M. Vigeant, Ed. (2010) Acoustical Design of Theatres for Drama Performance: 1985-2010, Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Melville, NY. ISBN 978-0-9846084-5-4.


Book Chapters:

  • I. Busch-Vishniac and E. Ryherd (2023) “Hospital Soundscapes,” in Springer Handbook of Auditory Research, Vol 76. by B. Schulte-Fortkamp, A. Fiebig, J. Sisneros, A. Popper, R. Fay (Ed.), Springer Publishing: New York, NY. ISBN 978-3-031-22779-0. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-22779-0
  • S. Okcu, E. Ryherd, C. Bayer (2013) “Chapter 9: Physical environment on student health and education in green schools,” in Environmental Health: The Home, the School and the Community. by L. Rubin and J. Merrick (Ed.), Nova Science, New York, NY. ISBN 978-1-62948-158-6.


Refereed Publications:

  • B. Puckett, E. Ryherd, C. Ryan, N. Manley (2023) "Exploring relationships between residence characteristics and nursing home compare quality measures," J. Clinical Outcomes Management 30(2), 34-41.
  • B. Spitzer, J. Ma, E. Erdogmus, B. Kreimer, K. Kim, E. Ryherd, H. Diefes-Dux, C. Armwood-Gordon (2023) "Framework for the use of extended reality modalities in AEC education," Buildings 12, 2169-2189.
  • T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, E. Ryherd, S. Perry (2022) "Intelligibility of medically related sentences in quiet, speech-shaped noise, and hospital noise,"J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 151(5), 3496-3508.
  • Y. Hasegawa & E. Ryherd (2020) "Clustering acoustical measurement data in pediatric hospital units," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 148(1), 265-277.
  • Y. Hasegawa, E. Ryherd, C. S. Ryan, A. Darcy Mahoney (2020) "Examining the utility of perceptual noise categorization in pediatric and neonatal hospital units," Health Environments Research and Design J. 13(4), 144-157.
  • J. Bliefnick, E. Ryherd, and R. Jackson (2019) "Evaluating hospital soundscapes to improve patient experience," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 145(2), 1117-1128.
  • L. MacAllister, C. Zimring, and E. Ryherd (2019) "Exploring the relationships between patient room layout and patient satisfaction," Health Environments Research and Design J. 12(1), 91-107.
  • L. MacAllister, C. Zimring, and E. Ryherd (2016) "Environmental variables that influence patient satisfaction: A review of the literature," Health Environments Research and Design J. 10(1), 155-169.
  • K. Hadi, J. DuBose, and E. Ryherd (2016) “Lighting and nurses at medical-surgical units: Impact of lighting conditions on nurses’ performance and satisfaction,” Health Environments Research and Design J. 9(3), 17-30.
  • Thomas, J. Irizarry, E. Ryherd, D. Castro, and R. Porter (2014) “Aircraft sound transmission in homes categorized by typical construction type,” invited article in 2014 Construction Research Congress Proceedings.
  • S. Okcu, E.Shpuza, E. Ryherd, and C. Zimring (2013) “Linking acoustics and floor-plate shape qualities of healthcare settings,” Architectural Science Review 56(4), 315-332.
  • E. Ryherd, M. Moeller, Jr., and T. Hsu (2013) “Speech intelligibility in hospitals,” J. Acoustical Society of America 134(1), 586-595.
  • L. Johansson, I. Bergbom, K. Persson Waye, E. Ryherd, and B. Lindahl (2012) “The sound environment in an ICU patient room – a content analysis of sound levels and patient experiences,” Intensive and Critical Care Nursing 28(5), 269-279.
  • E. Ryherd, S. Okcu, C. Zimring, J. Ackerman, and K. Persson Waye (2012) “Noise pollution in hospitals: Impacts on staff,” J. Clinical Outcomes Management 19(11), 491-500.
  • S. Okcu, E. Ryherd, H. Pelton, and C. Zimring (2012) “Characterizing impulsiveness of hospital sound environments,” Noise Control Engineering J. 60(3), 246-257.
  • T. Hsu, E. Ryherd, K. Persson Waye, and J. Ackerman (2012) “Noise pollution in hospitals: Impacts on patients,” invited article in J. Clinical Outcomes Management 19(7), 301-309.
  • S. Ryherd, K. Persson Waye, M. Kleiner, and E. Ryherd (2012) “Influence of a wearer’s voice on noise dosimeter measurements,” J. Acoustical Society of America 131(2), 1183-1193.
  • S. Okcu, E. Ryherd, C. Zimring, and O. Samuels (2011) “Soundscape evaluations in two critical healthcare settings with different designs,” J. Acoustical Society of America 130(3), 1348-1358.
  • S. Okcu, E. Ryherd, and C. Bayer (2011) “The role of the physical environment on student health and education in green schools,” Reviews on Environmental Health 26(3), 169-179.
  • E. Ryherd, S. Okcu, T. Hsu, and A. Mahapatra (2011) “Hospital noise and occupant response,” invited article in ASHRAE Winter Mtg. Conf. Papers, Las Vegas, NV.
  • E. Ryherd and L. Wang (2010) “AB-10-018: The effects of noise from building mechanical systems with tonal components on human performance and perception (1322-RP),” ASHRAE Summer Mtg. Transactions, Albuquerque, NM, 116, pt. 2, 541-552.
  • H. Pelton, E. Ryherd, and M. Martin (2009) “Acoustical design of a burn acute care unit for enhanced patient comfort,” invited article in Noise Control Engineering J. 57(1), 32-41.
  • E. Ryherd (2008) “Acoustic design of music rehearsal rooms,” invited article in Physics Today Aug. 2008, 68-69.
  • E. Ryherd, K. Persson Waye, and L. Ljungkvist (2008) “Characterizing noise and perceived work environment in a neurological intensive care unit,” J. Acoustical Society of America 123(2), 747-756.
  • E. Ryherd and L. Wang (2008) “Implications of human performance and perception under tonal noise conditions on indoor noise criteria,” J. Acoustical Society of America 124(1), 218-226.
  • E. Ryherd and L. Wang (2007) “Effects of exposure duration and type of task on subjective performance and perception in noise,” Noise Control Engineering J. 55(3), 334-347.
  • E. Bowden (Ryherd) and L. Wang (2007) “Verifying two commercial software implementations of impulse-response-based speech intelligibility measurements,” Applied Acoustics 68(7), 717-728.
  • E. Bowden (Ryherd) and L. Wang (2005) “OR-05-6-4: Relating human productivity and annoyance to indoor noise criteria systems:  A low frequency analysis,” ASHRAE Winter Mtg. Transactions, Orlando, FL, 111, pt. 1, 684-692.
  • L. Wang and E. Bowden (Ryherd) (2003) “Performance review of indoor noise criteria,” Building Integration Solutions:  Architectural Engineering Institute Proceedings, Austin, TX (American Society of Civil Engineers/Architectural Engineering Institute) 116, 2.


Conference Proceedings:

  • E. Erdogmus, E. Ryherd, H. Diefes-Dux, C. Armwood-Gordon (2021) "Use of virtual reality to improve engagement and diversity awareness in architectural engineering students," Frontiers in Engineering Education (FIE), Lincoln, NE.
  • E. Erdogmus, A. Kousgaard, E. Ryherd, and S. Brown (2017) "Does gamer personality affect the experience and engagement of architectural engineering sophomores in fundamental classes?" Architectural Engineering Institute 2017 Proceedings, Oklahoma City, OK.
  • R. Robert, K. Cunefare, E. Ryherd, and J. Irizarry (2016) "Measuring noise level reduction using an artificial noise source and test house," NoiseCon, Providence, RI.
  • N.Firesheets and E. Ryherd (2012) “Modeling aircraft noise reduction for typical home construction types,” Internoise 2012 Proceedings, New York, NY.
  • Mahapatra, E. Ryherd, H. Pelton (2012) “Comparing equivalent noise levels and percentile levels in healthcare spaces,” Internoise 2012 Proceedings,  New York, NY.
  • E. Ryherd, J. West, J. Ackerman, C. Zimring, and K. Persson Waye (2012) “Evaluating and improving hospital soundscapes,” Internoise 2012 Proceedings, New York, NY.
  • E. Ryherd, S. Okcu, T. Hsu, C. Zimring, and K. Persson Waye (2011) “Impact of intensive care unit noise on nurses,” 10th International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise (ICBEN) Proceedings, London, UK.
  • K. Persson Waye, E. Ryherd, T. Hsu, B. Lindahl, and I. Bergbom (2010) “Personnel response in intensive care units,” Internoise 2010 Proceedings, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • L. Johansson, I. Bergbom, K. Persson Waye, E. Ryherd, and B. Lindahl (2010) “Analyses of relationships between the sound environment at the ICU and intensive care delirium,” Internoise 2010, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • E. Ryherd and K. Persson Waye (2007) “Soundscape evaluations in adult intensive care units,” Noise-Con 2007 Conference Proceedings, Reno, NV.
  • E. Bowden (Ryherd) and L. Wang (2006) “Appropriate characterization of background noise levels in the workplace,” Architectural Engineering Institute 2006 Proceedings, Omaha, NE.
  • Jessica Errett, E. Bowden (Ryherd), Marc Choiniere, and L. Wang (2006) “Effects of noise on productivity:  Does performance decrease over time?” Architectural Engineering Institute 2006 Proceedings, Omaha, NE.
  • E. Bowden (Ryherd) and L. Wang (2006) “Evaluations of indoor noise criteria systems based on human response,” Noise-Con 2005 Conference Proceedings, Minneapolis, MN.
  • E. Bowden (Ryherd), L. Wang, and D. Bradley (2002) “Classroom acoustics in Omaha, Nebraska: Measurements and outreach,” Proceedings of the Pan-American/Iberian Meeting on Acoustics, Cancun, MX.



Magazine Articles:

  • I. Busch Vishniac and E. Ryherd (2019) "Hospital soundscapes: Characterization, impacts, and interventions," invited article in Acoustics Today 15(3), 11 - 18.
  • E. Ryherd and C. Zimring (2010) “Too noisy to heal: Using advances in hospital acoustics to bridge the gap between architecture, engineering, and medicine,” Healthcare Design, Nov Issue.
  • E. Ryherd, J. West, I. Busch-Vishniac, and K. Persson Waye (2008) “Evaluating the hospital soundscape,” invited article In Acoustics Today 4(4), 22-29.
  • L. Wang and E. Bowden (Ryherd) (2006) “Finding connections among indoor noise criteria, human perception, and worker performance,” invited article in Acoustics Today 2(1), 31-35.



Recent Presentations

  • K. Hummel, E. Ryherd, B. Lowndes (2023) "Listen and learn about the environment: How acoustics influences staff and patients," Int. Symp. Human Factors & Ergonomics Health Care, Orlando, FL.
  • B. Puckett, E. Ryherd, T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, N. Manley (2023) “Medically related speech: impacts of age, familiarity, and noise on word recognition” 184th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Chicago, IL.
  • S. Crockett, T. Bent, E. Ryherd, M. Baese-Berk, N. Manley (2023) “Individual differences in older adults’ perception of speech in hospital noise,” 184th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Chicago, IL.
  • K. Hummel, E. Ryherd, I. Konstantzos, A. Raikes (2022) "Applying unsupervised machine learning clustering techniques to early childcare soundscapes," 183rd Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Nashville, TN.
  • B. Puckett, E. Ryherd, T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, N. Manley (2022) "Ambient noise characteristics in long-term care facilities," 183rd Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Nashville, TN.
  • T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, E. Ryherd, N. Manley (2022) "Barriers to successful communication between healthcare providers and patients," 183rd Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Nashville, TN.
  • T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, E. Ryherd, S. Perry (2022) "Older adults' perception of medically-related sentences in three listening conditions," 182nd Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Denver, CO.
  • K. Hummel, E. Ryherd, B. Lowndes (2022) "Applying unsupervised machine learning clustering techniques to hospital soundscapes," 182nd Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Denver, CO.
  • T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, E. Ryherd, S. Perry (2021) "How hospital noise impacts intelligibility of medically-related sentences," poster at 181st Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Seattle, WA.
  • S. Perry, T. Bent, M. Baese-Berk, E. Ryherd (2021) "A novel corpus developed to evaluate the impact of hospital noise on speech intelligibility," Internoise, Virtual.
  • E. Ryherd, B. Lowndes, I. Busch-Vishniac, V. Kennel (2021) "Creating healthy soundscapes to support care providers," Int. Symposium Human Factors & Ergonomics in Health Care., Virtual.
  • E. Erdogmus, E. Ryherd, H. Diefes-Dux, C. Armwood-Gordon (2021) "Use of virtual reality to improve engagement and diversity awareness in architectural engineering studens," Frontiers in Education Conf., Lincoln, NE.
  • J. Bliefnick and E. Ryherd (2020) "Subjective perception of hospital environments with varying dynamic ranges of noise," 179th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Chicago, IL.
  • S. Ahrens and E. Ryherd (2019) "Multi-unit analysis of noise level exceedances over time in hospitals," 178th Mtg. of Acoust. Soc. Am., San Diego, CA.
  • B. Puckett and E. Ryherd (2019) "Evaluating manufacturing environment soundscapes," 177th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Louisville, KY.
  • J. Weber, E. Ryherd, and A. Darcy Mahoney (2019) "Quiet time impacts on the neonatal unit soundscape and patient outcomes," 177th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Louisville, KY.
  • Y. Hasegawa and E. Ryherd (2019) "Subjective and objective assessments of pediatric and neonatal hospital soundscapes," 177th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am. Louisville, KY.

  • J. Bliefnick and E. Ryherd (2019) "Evaluating patient and staff perceptions of soundscape conditions in three hospitals," 177th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am. Louisville, KY.
  • K. Hummel, E. Ryherd, and J. Bliefnick (2019) "Hospital design features related to patient experience," 177th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am. Louisville, KY.
  • E. Ryherd and I. Busch-Vishniac (2018) "Understanding noise in healthcare environments," American Institute of Architects (AIA) Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Masters Studio Webinar.
  • S. Ahrens, E. Ryherd, L. Ronsse, and D. Carreon Bradley (2018) "Identifying trends in Worship Space Acoustics: 3 Decades of Design," 176th Mtg. of the Acoust. Soc. Am., Victoria, BC.
  • J. Bliefnick, E. Ryherd, R. Jackson (2017) "Evaluating hospital soundscapes to improve patient experience," 174th meeting of the Acoust. Soc. Am., New Orleans, LA.
  • J. Weber, E. Ryherd, A. Darcy Mahoney, M. Rolfes, H. Cooper, and B. Cherven (2017) "Acoustical evaluation of quiet time and its impact on patient outcomes," 174th meeting of the Acoust. Soc. Am., New Orleans, LA.
  • I. Hough, Y. Hasegawa, and E. Ryherd (2017) "Acoustics and the built environment in pediatric hospital units," 174th meeting of the Acoust. Soc. Am., New Orleans, LA.