Areas
Profile
Hometown: Randolph, NJ
Education Background: Bachelor of Architecture
How did you get interested in your field?
As a child, I lived behind a large forest. Getting access to this space and learning about the flora and fauna started me on a journey of discovering our local ecosystems. I was always involved in arts and design up to my undergraduate program where I decided to pursue an Architecture degree. Working during the early stages of the Covid pandemic forced me to reconsider my personal interest in architecture. I began to research the literature revolving around my former interest in ecology and rediscovered the broad range of opportunities available to people with a design background through Landscape Architecture.
What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
I studied Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and worked at a few different local architecture firms after graduation.
Why did you choose Penn?
The University of Pennsylvania had a decent number of faculty getting involved in the working projects I found important. In addition to the strong faculty, I found this school has had a long history shifting the discussion in the field of landscape architecture especially with the work of Ian McHarg. Further, the resources for potential research available to students, like Penn Praxis, really interested me while applying.
What do you like best about Philadelphia?
Philadelphia lives up to its nickname as the city of brotherly love. I find Philadelphia to be a very personable city with friendly people and unique neighborhood identities. I especially enjoy the distinctive public paths and parks like the Wissahickon, Cira Green, and Schuylkill Trails. The art and museum scene is very accessible to students as well, so there is always something going on.
What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
Outside of courses and work I often try to sketch with fellow students in a Weitzman Club known as sketch squad, where students go out to different locations around Philly and take some time to draw.
What are your career ambitions?
In the future, I would like to get involved in large-scale conservation planning or ecosystem restoration projects. Discovering the wide berth of unique and nonstandard career options practiced by our faculty has also shifted my perspective and given me more to think about. Generally, any future where I’m able to design for public and ecosystem benefit.