Written by FIBER Communication Intern DeJaya Hardy
A new year often signals growth and change, and 2026 is already proving to be an important year for FIBER. This year marks a significant milestone for the organization as it officially expands its core faculty. Previously composed of six core faculty members, FIBER has grown to include three additional faculty who were already working closely with the Institute: Carla Brisotto, Maria Watson, and Andrea Galinski. Their transition to core faculty reflects both the continued growth of FIBER and the depth of their long-standing involvement in its mission.
As FIBER’s research portfolio, partnerships, and interdisciplinary work have expanded, so has the need for broader knowledge and research scope within the organization. Over time, Carla, Maria and Andrea have consistently dedicated significant time and effort to FIBER’s projects and initiatives. Recognizing this, the existing FIBER team agreed that expanding the core faculty was a way to better reflect the work already being done and allow the organization to continue growing in a sustainable and inclusive way.
This expansion allows FIBER to strengthen its leadership structure and broaden its areas of expertise. Core faculty play a vital role in shaping research directions, representing FIBER within and beyond the university, and promoting cross-college collaboration. By transitioning closely involved affiliated faculty into core roles, FIBER gains more complete coverage across research areas while reinforcing its commitment to teamwork and shared leadership.
Meet the New Core FIBER Faculty:
Dr. Carla Brisotto is an Assistant Professor of Urbanism in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on the relationship between environmental, community, and especially urban design. Her active projects include Small Florida, Urban Futures, Living with Risk – Architecture, Landscape, and Persistence in Flood-Prone Areas of Romagna. Dr. Brisotto’s work supports FIBER’s mission by connecting design, resilience, and community-focused research.
Andrea Galinski is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on building environmental resilience, climate change adaptation, resilient affordable housing, and coastal planning. Her active projects include GulfSouth Studio and Cedar Key Municipal Plan. Galinski’s work contributes valuable insight into landscape-driven solutions and community-centered planning efforts.
Dr. Maria Watson is an Assistant Professor in the M.E. Rinker, Sr, School of Construction Management and affiliated researcher with the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies. Her research supports business preparation for future shocks, examining the vulnerability and recovery of small farms to natural hazards, and minority and women-owned enterprise resilience improvement. Her expertise strengthens FIBER’s ability to address resilience from economic, infrastructure, and social perspectives.
With the addition of these three core faculty members, FIBER is positioned to continue expanding its scope of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. This milestone not only recognizes the contributions of faculty who have long supported FIBER’s mission but also establishes the foundation for continued growth and innovation for the years ahead.