Education
- Ph.D., University of Nebraska, 2006
- B.S., Kansas State University, 2001
Research Areas and Descriptors
- Acoustics and Dynamics; Noise control, architectural acoustics, healthcare sound scapes, building systems engineering, and psychological/physiological response.
Background
Dr. Ryherd came to Georgia Tech in Fall 2007 as an Assistant Professor. Prior, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy of Medicine in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Research
Dr. Ryherd's primary research interests are in noise control, architectural acoustics, and psychological and physiological responses to sound. This involves creating desirable sound environments through control of unwanted noise sources and use of appropriate systems design, construction, materials, and form. Dr. Ryherd’s current research efforts center around three primary thrusts: hospital soundscapes, aircraft noise, and acoustic venues.
Example hospital soundscape projects include evaluating the impact of acoustic retrofits in wards with critically ill patients, relating architectural floor-plate layout to acoustics, linking intensive care unit noise to patient physiology and delirium, quantifying speech communication among staff, and relating noise to medical errors. She is the founder of a collaborative research group, the Healthcare Acoustics Reserach Team (HART), a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in acoustics, engineering, architecture, psychology, nursing, and medicine. HART aims to advance the understanding of how various aspects of the hospital soundscape impact occupants, how to best measure and quantify these aspects, and how to translate results into evidence-based-design.
In the aircraft noise domain, Dr. Ryherd is exploring aircraft noise transmission through structures, aircraft noise in natural quiet areas, and impacts of aircraft noise on humans and wildlife. For example, she is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and researchers from Pennsylvania State University to better understand sound transmission of aircraft noise in homes. The aim is to provide insight into how typical dwelling envelopes in various climate regions of the US affect indoor sound levels due to non-sonic boom aircraft noise.
Dr. Ryherd’s work in acoustic venues started with previous consulting experience in the acoustics of a variety of spaces including offices, schools, performing arts venues, churches, hotels/resorts, and residences. Her published book on drama theatres is a compilation of acoustic and architectural data from 130 drama theatres around the world. Her other acoustic venue research includes examining the impact of sustainable “green” building design technologies on various occupant outcomes. For example, she has studied the role of the physical environment of green schools on student health and education.
Distinctions
- Technical Consultant to the Federal Aviation Administration, Noise Division of Office of Environment and Energy, 2010-12.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), 2008
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers “Top 5 New Faces of Engineering” Award, 2008
- Acoustical Society of America
ASA Press Editorial Board (2013-16)
Secretary, Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics (2013-16)
Chair, National Women in Acoustics Committee, 2012-15
Advisory Committee for Acoustics Today Magazine, 2012-15
Co-Chair, National Regional Chapters Committee, 2009-12
Women in Acoustics Young Investigator Travel Award, 2009
F.V. Hunt Postdoctoral Fellow, 2006-07
Representative Publications
- 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.
- S. Okcu, E. Ryherd, C. Zimring, and O. Samuels. 2011. Soundscape evaluations in two critical healthcare settings with different designs. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 130(3): 1348-1358.
- D. Bradley, E. Ryherd, and M. Vigeant (Ed). 2010. Acoustical Design of Theatres for Drama Performance: 1985-2010. Acoustical Society of America: Melville, NY. ISBN 978-0-9846084-5-4.
- E. Ryherd. 2008. Acoustic Design of Music Rehearsal Rooms. 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. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 123(2): 747-756.