3. What was your undergraduate degree and how did it influence your decision to pursue a MLA?
My undergraduate degree was in Communication Studies with a minor in Geology. Originally, I wanted to pursue science communication; however, I found myself craving a creative outlet, and landscape architecture provides the perfect intersection between art and science. The final class I took for my geology minor, Urban Ecology, was taught by Mike Mickeny and Mike Ross and became my first real experience seeing what landscape architecture was capable of. I was hooked immediately and am so grateful I made the switch.
4. What is one of your favorite aspects of the school or the MLA degree track?
I love how strongly our program emphasizes theory and speculation. The way I think has changed drastically since I first started, and this approach has pushed my creativity further than ever before. I’ve learned to embrace ambiguity and gained resilience in working through the many different tools and challenges we’ve been given.
6. What activities do you pursue outside the school?
Outside of school, I am a member of a local modern dance company called Momentum Dance Lab. I have been dancing since I was 5 years old, and it is something I can’t imagine ever giving up. Performing and creating with my friends is one of my favorite things to do. When I’m not dancing or at school, I’m usually reading or working on a project, anything from silversmithing to woodworking to crochet.
14. What do you like the most about the University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
As someone who has lived in Knoxville my whole life, I was reluctant to stay in town for school. Throughout both my undergraduate and graduate studies, I have been blown away by the quality of instruction. UT is truly special and, in my experience, has incredibly dedicated professors and a very kind community. 18. What is one food you cannot resist? Chipotle. It is my favorite food to get, and I have it multiple times a week. My order changes, but a double-wrapped steak burrito is one of my go-tos.