As part of a $1 million gift received by UW-Milwaukee from architecture alumnus James Mellowes and his wife Maureen, UWM’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning (SARUP) has received funding to support master’s research assistants for three years.

Mellowes Master’s Research Assistants (MMRAs) will be paid to work closely with faculty exploring topics that will vary annually. Available research topics for 2022-2023 include design work and adaptive reuse of building waste, architectural form and concrete thermal performance, and water equity/coastal resiliency.

The first cohort of MMRAs will enroll for the 2022-2023 academic year. Master’s research assistants will receive a stipend of $11,000 that can be used to cover the full cost of tuition (in-state) or to supplement student expenses.

Research is a core value for SARUP, as part of an R1 research university recognized for notably high research activity. SARUP programs are rooted in conducting research and engaging with the community to advance the fields of architecture and urban planning. The generosity of James and Maureen Mellowes will equip architecture faculty and students to continue leading the way in making, building and planning.