John received his PhD in Sociology from Columbia University, a Loeb Fellowship from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, and an Honorary Doctorate from Salford University (UK). He has served on the faculty at Yale University, McGill University, Harvard Architecture School, University of Minnesota, and Salford University, as well as the Sorbonne University in Paris. His environment-behavior (E-B) research methodology textbook Inquiry by Design: Environment / Behavior / Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, Landscape, & Planning (W. W. Norton, 2006) is widely used in university courses.

Is an internationally known expert on dementia care and treatment innovations. He has published research related to the needs of seniors and those with cognitive issues, including post-secondary evaluations and policy research studies. John’s work in planning and managing the environment for persons living with dementia led to lower rates of anxiety, aggression, and apathy, less dependence on medication, and fostered engagement and involvement by families and caregivers.