Non-Traditional Pathways: Emma Byrd, SBE ‘28
“The SBE program has shown me that I’m exactly where I belong and the topics I am studying are furthering not only my education but strengthening my knowledge and passion for the environment.”
Sustainable Built Environments (SBE) Student Emma Byrd came to CAPLA all the way from Tennessee, following in the footsteps of her father, a proud Arizona alum.
She shared about her experience in CAPLA and what the SBE program means to her.
1. What inspired you to come to the University of Arizona? What motivated you to pursue a degree in SBE?
My father grew up in Tucson and is an alumni of the University, thus inspiring my path to go to the University of Arizona! After visiting family in Tucson in 2022, I knew the Sonoran Desert was a place I wanted to explore, the natural beauty of Tucson drew me in.
While looking into possible programs that aligned with my interests, I knew SBE was right for me. The combination of interdisciplinary skills that explore the impacts of climate change on the Earth, our built environment and humanity and how we can create solutions for these issues was a skill set I felt passionate about.
I did the Pima transfer pathway, meaning I took classes at Pima Community College prior to coming to the University of Arizona. I had an absolutely lovely time at Pima and highly recommend the transfer pathway!
2. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey at CAPLA so far? What are you most proud of accomplishing in your time at the college?
Looking at how far I have come since beginning college, I am a returning student meaning I started college much later than my peers. I took a five year break after high school.
It was daunting to go back to school, but with the help from Pima Community College and CAPLA I have been able to accomplish so much more than I thought I was capable of! My passion for SBE has only grown stronger and I feel so aligned with what I am studying, and I am extremely proud of that!
3. What has been your favorite course or studio so far, and why?
My favorite course so far was “Intro to Design Thinking” with Kenny Wong. This was a studio class and I loved how interactive the class was. There was a beneficial mixture of lecture, discussion, hands on learning, and independent working time that really suited my learning style.
4. Have there been any faculty members who have had a big impact on you? What made them stand out?
I really enjoyed my GIS class with Garrett Smith, he is a very respectable and down to Earth guy that made learning GIS fun. He fueled my interest in GIS and helped me with my search for trail-related internships.
I look up to him and the GIS work he does, as it’s something that I’m very interested in!
5. What have you gained from these experiences?
Confidence and certainty that I am on the right path! The SBE program has shown me that I’m exactly where I belong and the topics I am studying are furthering not only my education but strengthening my knowledge and passion for the environment.
6. What are your plans and goals for your future career?
I have a deep passion for natural building, I’m currently working alongside a few natural building companies to gain hands-on experience working with the materials. I would love to pursue a career in natural building and landscaping. I also have a love for GIS and see myself working with that!
7. What advice would you give to students thinking about CAPLA or the SBE program?
Do it! If you have a passion for nature, art and science; this is the program for you!
SBE has allowed me to develop an interdisciplinary skill set that is setting me up for a multitude of opportunities. Communicate with your advisors and professors and be yourself! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the workload of school but if you show up and try your best, which is different each day, you will get through it and it will be so gratifying!
