Reconnecting Humans and Nature: Ibeth Martinez '23 MS.Arch
Nine Questions with Master of Science in Architecture Student Ibeth Martinez
“I am interested in sustainability and urbanism because we live in a world that is constantly changing, to the point that we have lost the connection between humans and nature, and we need to reconnect.”
Ibeth Martinez came to the University of Arizona from Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she studied architecture as an undergraduate student. She came to CAPLA to pursue the Master of Science in Architecture because of its research focus flexibility and the fact that it offers both studio and research courses.
Learn more about Ibeth and her CAPLA experience as an international student:
What brought you to the University of Arizona to study architecture as a master's student?
I was looking for a program that was open, that could help me decide which area of research I was really interested in so I could decide later in the program what focus I wanted to pursue. As a person with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, I wanted to have a studio to work on my creative side, and the Master of Science in Architecture had a research studio, which is a nice complement and good balance for the program.
Creating a living machine in a channel, by Ibeth Martinez.
Tell us about your research interests in sustainability and urbanism.
What is the extinction of the condor to a child who has never seen a wren?
– Robert Michael Pyle
I am interested in sustainability and urbanism because we live in a world that is constantly changing, to the point that we have lost the connection between humans and nature, and we need to reconnect. I am also interested in Latin American countries because of the lack of information that exists in this part of the world. I am also interested in Latin American urban development solutions we as researchers can provide not to stop informal settlement, but to guide residents to have a better quality of life and to find environmental justice.
What do you like best about the MS Arch program?
As an undergraduate, I was normally told what to do, and how to do it, which is the opposite of this program, which is one of the things I really like. CAPLA’s MS Arch is more about what you want to do, which is nice but at the same time hard because your brain has already been structured in a way, and trying to restructure the way you think becomes a little bit challenging. One of the things I really enjoyed last semester was the research studio, which gave me an idea of how to start my thesis.
Section of pathway, by Ibeth Martinez.
What has been your biggest challenge acclimating to graduate school, and how have you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge has been trying to adjust to this new phase of my academic career. Because the program is more about what I want to do rather than what I’m told it do, it is more difficult than I expected, particularly in trying to find what I really like and want to research. I think the first semester was where I had to overcome a lot of challenges, especially learning new software and tools. The only way to overcome challenges is by practicing and keeping myself motivated. Another challenge has been overcoming impostor syndrome and mentally not trying to compare myself with my cohort, because each of us has a different background, experience and knowledge.
What has been your biggest challenge as an international student?
I will say one of the biggest challenges is leaving everything behind and starting from scratch. Another challenge has been the language barrier, especially in a country that has a variety of dialectical differences, where you need to pay close attention to what people are saying in order to understand. I have to adapt all day to hearing a different language from my mother tongue. As an international student, I would also say it is more difficult to find a job because you need to do more paperwork, and there are a lot of companies that do not know the process of hiring an international student. But the CAPLA Job Interview Fair has been really helpful.
Bioswale, San Diego, by Ibeth Martinez.
Tell us about your job experience.
In Guayaquil I used to work as a designer and drafter for an industrial company that focuses on providing maintenance for machines, building platforms, conveyers, stainless steel hoppers and chillers, as well as fabricating components in order for the machines to work.
What do you do in your free time outside of school?
I like to try and learn new things. I am always interested in crafting or creating things with my hands. I also enjoy hiking, because I get to see the landscape, and the view always leaves me speechless. Since I was little, I have always been doing different kinds of sports, which I really enjoy. I like to play basketball, volleyball and soccer. I also love to travel, try new food, watch movies and spend time with my family.
Master project, by Ibeth Martinez.
What advice do you have for prospective CAPLA students?
Go for it—pursue your dreams and on your way you are always going to find someone who is going to help you. If you need help, ask for it. The professors are always willing to help if they see that you are interested in learning. Participate in all the activities CAPLA offers; go to the lectures and learn a lot from them.
What does the CAPLA experience mean for you?
Now that I am at CAPLA, it feels like I am a part of something bigger, where we can find different culture and ideas, and where we can talk to people or ask for help and guidance and people are willing to help. CAPLA is a little community away from home.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Architecture program or explore how you can support students in their learning and professional development at CAPLA.
