Ben Marshall

EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science in Sustainable Design, The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Architecture, Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Mississippi State University

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Registered Architect in Mississippi

Ben Marshall is an Assistant Professor in the Auburn University McWhorter School of Building Science. Marshall is an architect, engineer, and scientist with a focus on building systems, including MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), building envelope design and the impact of moisture and mold in buildings. His work integrates building design with scientific research to improve energy efficiency, sustainability, indoor environmental quality and cost to low-income communities. Marshall is particularly interested in how to address thermal comfort and dehumidification challenges in hot and humid climates, using passive design strategies and low- energy solutions.

Throughout his career, Marshall has collaborated with professionals across various fields (mathematicians, chemists, biologists, contractors, entrepreneurs, engineers and architects) to design buildings that not only save energy but also enhance occupant well-being. He has explored issues like condensation in HVAC systems, low energy dehumidification and emissions of fungi in buildings, always with an eye toward reducing environmental impact and improving indoor air quality.

Marshall is also deeply curious about materials science and its potential to advance sustainable building practices, as well as how these innovations can be applied to temporary structures for refugees or even to design habitats for space exploration. Both areas reflect his broader interest in how built environments can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of society and the planet.

With his interest and background in the way we build buildings, Marshall has been teaching courses on Construction Documents, Materials and Methods of Construction and Mechanical Systems in Buildings. He is collaborating with Rural Studio on air quality in low-income homes and hopes to build some specialty classes on indoor air quality and envelope design in the future. He is eager to collaborate with researchers, students and professionals across disciplines to find new solutions that push the boundaries of sustainable, healthy and low-cost design and construction.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Marshall's research has been directed toward creating more healthy and comfortable indoor spaces in hot and humid climates through novel methods of dehumidification and investigating mold control methods in visible and concealed spaces.