Dr. Upali Nanda is Executive Vice President and Global Sector Director for Innovation at Design Firm HKS and adjunct Professor of Practice at Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, UM. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, Upali has extensive experience leading research & strategy projects in the core of design practice with a focus on the impact of design on human health and perception. A pracademic straddling practice, research, and academia, she is also the co-founder of the Building Brains Coalition. As an award-winning researcher in practice her recognitions include Women In Architecture- Innovator award by Architectural Record in 2018, and the Icon award by IIDA in 2026.