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J. Roc Jih is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where they serve as the principal of Studio J. Jih. Their academic practice intertwines pedagogy with architectural exploration, focusing on themes such as material ecologies, geometry, cultural practices, and identity. Jih's work has been exhibited at the prestigious 2025 Venice Biennale and has been featured in prominent media platforms including CNN and New York Wallpaper. They have received several notable awards for their contributions to architecture, such as the Progressive Architecture Award from Architect Magazine in 2022 and the Design Vanguard Award from Architectural Record in 2023. Jih has been the recipient of the Professor Amar G. Bose Research Grant for innovative research in mono-material basalt construction systems. They hold a Master of Architecture degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, where they received the Faculty Design Award for Design Excellence, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and Sculpture from Brown University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Honors. Jih has taught at renowned institutions including the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard, and has lectured at UCLA and Yale School of Architecture. Their projects emphasize community-driven queer spatial practices, aiming to transform and reimagine the understanding of space, time, and community.