1. What was your favorite class? What did you like about it?
My favorite class to date was Floating Wetlands/Green Infrastructure. I enjoyed learning about the different types of green infrastructure and phytoremediation, especially from their benefits. The best part was constructing floating wetlands for Third Creek. It was a mixture of design, ecology, and construction and allowed us to see a project all the way through.
2. What was your undergraduate degree and how did it influence your decision to pursue a MLA?
My undergraduate degree was in Plant Sciences with a concentration is Sustainable Landscape Design here at the University of Tennessee. It inherently piqued my interest in landscape architecture, and after learning more from professors and current students, I decided that I wanted to pursue the professional degree.
3. What activities do you pursue outside the school?
I love spending my free time in the outdoors. From going on plant hikes, to long backpacking trips, being outside and away brings me calm and joy.

4. Did you have an internship or externship experience? What did you learn from it?
I have had both an internship and an externship. My internship was this summer with the Tennessee RiverLine. During this time, I worked on conceptual design for placemaking projects for the RiverTowns Communities. We also had the opportunity to go on a trip along the length of the Tennessee River, which gave me a new and incredible perspective on the different cultures and ecologies along the length of the river. My externship was with Andropogon Associates where I was able to jump right on their current projects and was able to learn about the different processes of obtaining projects.
5. What do you like the most about the University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
I really enjoy the culture on campus. Nothing beats the amount of people on PED Walkway on the first day of classes. Nor football game days. The culture of being a Vol is amazing and can follow you across the world. It is amazing when you are in a new city and hear a “Go Vols!” while walking down the road wearing an orange shirt.
6. What aspect of the School of Landscape Architecture has had the most impact on you?
The opportunity to teach undergraduate students in Sustainable Landscape Design. Through graduate assistantships, teaching practicums, and research practicums, I have been able to assist in teaching seven different plant science courses. Through this experience I have gained a passion for teaching and would like to pursue teaching in some capacity after graduation.

7. What advice would you give to incoming students?
Let go of your preconceived notions of what landscape architecture is and be prepared to endlessly consume new ideas, techniques, and materials.
8. Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have a cat names Olive, which is short for Olive Garden Unlimited Breadsticks. She will be 3 years old in a month!
9. What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was “Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier” by Bob Drury and Tom Claven. I really enjoy reading accounts of explorers during this time, such as Daniel Boone and Lewis + Clark.
10. What’s your favorite place and why?
My favorite place is being out at my family’s farm. It is close enough to Knoxville that it can be a day trip, but far enough removed that you can escape the business of the world. I especially enjoy getting there before the sun comes up and hearing the forest wake up.
11. How do you learn best?
I am a visual learner and learn best from seeing someone do something. This is especially helpful with all the tutorials we do! It also makes the readings incredibly difficult.
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