Meldrena Chapin is a distinguished consultant and environment-behavior researcher with a deep passion for exploring the intricate relationship between built environments and their occupants. With a solid foundation in architecture and gerontology, she leverages her expertise to advocate for design that enhances wellness and supports aging populations.

Meldrena began her academic journey at the College of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), where she earned her degree before entering the field of Senior Living Design with FreemanWhite. Simultaneously, she pursued a Master's in Gerontology at UNCC, driven by her commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults. After several impactful years in practice, she relocated to Wisconsin, where she completed her Ph.D. in Architecture at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Her dissertation focused on culture change and environmental design, further solidifying her expertise in creating supportive environments. Throughout her career, Dr. Chapin has shared her knowledge as an educator at UNCC, the Art Institute, and SCAD-Atlanta. Currently, she serves as faculty for the Erickson School of Aging at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), while also operating The Design Research Consultancy. Her research, particularly in wellness-oriented design for aging and bariatric populations, has garnered recognition in prestigious publications such as Environments for Aging magazine. Dr. Chapin's contributions to the field have been widely acknowledged; she was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Space Seminar on Health Space Design in 2015 at Hanze University in Groningen, Netherlands. Her work has been featured at various conferences and in academic publications, including the Environmental Design Research Association, the Gerontological Society of America, the Interior Design Educator’s Council, and the American Institute of Architects.

Known for her ability to simplify complex concepts and explain systems thinking, Dr. Chapin excels at "connecting the dots" between design and its impact on human behavior. Her innovative approach and dedication to enhancing the environments in which people live and age continue to inspire and influence the field of architecture and design.