The students, faculty and alumni of the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture comprise a dynamic community.
Meet a few of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who are building a changing world:
Michael Grassinger named CAPLA 2026 Alumnus of the Year
CAPLA is proud to announce Michael Grassinger MSUP '78 as its Alumnus of the Year. Grassinger will be recognized during CAPLA's Homecoming Garden Party on Friday, October 23 and at a university-wide celebration in March 2027.
Architecture with an Historical Emphasis: Angela Person, Professor of Architecture
Join us in welcoming Angela Person to CAPLA! In addition to her role as Professor of Architecture at CAPLA, she is also the new Executive Director of Museums & Community Engagement in the University of Arizona’s Office of Research & Partnerships.
Inspired by Family: Derec Custer, BLA ‘27 & MRED ‘27
Meet Derec Custer! The Tucson local is working towards two exciting degrees: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Real Estate Development. Hear about his transformative experience here at CAPLA!
Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Yamilkal Hernandez Sanchez
Yamilkal Hernandez Sanchez is a first-year MSUP student speaking on his Peace Corps experience.
Bringing a Fresh Perspective to CAPLA: Yining Lei, Assistant Professor of Real Estate Development and Urban Planning
Lei is a new faculty member in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, who brings with her a fascinating research background with clear real-world implications.
New Perspective: M.Arch Student Hunter Bentley Interns at Bensonwood
For Hunter Bentley, M.Arch ‘28, a four-day field trip to Boston in February 2026 turned into the starting point for a summer internship that would reshape how he thinks about architecture.
Amplifying Student Voices: Kristina Currans, MSUP Program Chair
Associate Professor of Urban Planning Kristina Currans is taking on a new role as Master of Science in Urban Planning Program Chair. She has a vision for the program centered around the voices of students and consistency.
Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Lyndsey Shafiei
Lyndsey Shafiei, a first-year Master of Architecture student, shares why she joined the Peace Corps and what she hopes to accomplish after earning her M.Arch degree from CAPLA.
Strength in Community: Michael Kothke, M.Arch Program Chair
Professor of Practice in Architecture Michael Kothke is the new program chair for the Master of Architecture program. He has a clear vision for the future of the degree, centering about community, understanding and being a powerful force for good.
Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Nick Ihley
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows are returned Peace Corps volunteers who receive financial assistance to pursue graduate degrees at universities across the country. In exchange, fellows complete internships in underserved American communities, applying the skills they learned abroad.
Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Tori Markle
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows are returned Peace Corps volunteers who receive financial assistance to pursue graduate degrees at universities across the country. In exchange, fellows complete internships in underserved American communities, applying the skills they learned abroad.
Rachel Hink’s BWS Architects Internship Brings Design to CanStruction
Fifth-year B.Arch student Rachel Hink gained hands-on experience in architecture and community engagement through her summer internship with BWS Architects. From contributing to site plans and project meetings to participating in CanStruction, a community outreach event benefiting the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, the experience gave Hink valuable insight into how architecture can serve and strengthen communities.