Gabriella Sutherland is passionate about the relationship between a person’s physical environment and their well-being.

Describing some past struggles, she said, “I became aware of how much my environment influenced my well-being and how profoundly it could support my health when thoughtfully designed,” she said.

A home-schooled native of Jackson, Sutherland said her house was one of those helpful places.

“My mother is very artistic, and our house was always very beautiful,” she said.

In contrast, Sutherland felt that many healthcare facilities she visited didn’t inspire wellness.

“I think that people underestimate not only just what general beauty does for people’s health but also how specific design can aid how you function, your attention and your overall health and wellness,” she said. “In my mind, beauty and thoughtful design have always been deeply interconnected.” 

Now a junior at MSU, Sutherland is a double major in interior design and psychology. She has found beauty in her current college home of Starkville and said she especially loves the architecture on campus.

Her favorite place where she spends most of her time, though, is the library.

As a member of the Library Advisory Student Board, she serves as the student representative, sitting in on faculty meetings.

“I’m hoping to serve in this role until I graduate,” she said. “I enjoy it a lot.”

After graduation, Sutherland plans to continue her studies through a master’s degree in environmental psychology.

“It’s those two things married together,” she said, “The study of how physical environments influence the human psyche, how individuals interact with their surroundings and the effects these interactions have on their well-being.”

Sutherland believes there is a lot of research lacking in the area of classroom climate, especially for primary and secondary education—and she hopes to help.

“Often, students are in spaces that fail to support and uplift everyone equally. If you have a learning disability or you are neurodivergent, the typical classroom is not designed for you.”

Through research and future projects, Sutherland said she aspires to address gaps in classroom design and advocate for spaces that uplift all students, regardless of their neurodiversity or abilities.

“I envision a career where my work not only fosters beauty but also empowers people to thrive in their environments,” she said. “And I hope I can make a meaningful impact by combining my passions to create spaces that promote well-being and inclusivity.”