5 Research Reflection by Gavin McLean

Faculty Mentor: Shundana Yusaf (School of Architecture, University of Utah)

This summer, my work with Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) as a potential zero-waste building material became much more than an experiment with a plant species yet to be utilized. It became a process of learning how to research independently, to be patient when results took time, and to trust my ability to work through challenges. I came into the project with a general understanding of how organic fibers can work together with building materials, but by the end, I had developed a much deeper knowledge of their physical properties and how to adapt those materials into something functional.

The process, however, was not straightforward. In the early weeks, my bricks were inconsistent-ingredient mixtures and water weight varied without a clear pattern. I eventually developed a reliable method by observing, adjusting, and testing over and over until the matrix became predictable. Processing the plant material was another unexpected challenge. It was far more labor-intensive than I anticipated, and my first attempts were slow and inefficient. By drawing on papermaking tutorials, older paper-making techniques, and my own trial-and-error, I created a process that was both faster and more consistent.

What I learned from these moments is that progress in research is not entirely a straight line. Failures often carried as much value as successes, and small, incremental changes built up to larger, more consistent processes in my work. I also learned the importance of consistency and the necessity of holding on to a clear research goal while being willing to change course when something was not working.

This experience has clarified the path I see my academic path and career heading toward. I plan to continue working with sustainable, locally sourced, and low-tech materials in my design work, both in school and beyond. I see this kind of material exploration becoming a key part of my architectural practice, where I want to combine environmental responsibility with innovative, site-driven design that utilizes the materials that are present without an inherent need to ship materials from overseas and haul them across the country.

Looking back, this summer has become more than a hypothetical use case. It became about building the skills, mindset, and confidence I will carry into the next stages of my work as both a researcher and a future architect.