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:

A Passion for Real Estate Finance: Xiaoqin (Heather) Shi ' 20 MRED
Heather Shi entered CAPLA's on-campus Master of Real Estate Development program in Fall 2019 after earning her undergraduate degree in computer science and technology in China. Here, she's found real estate development finance to be particularly fascinating.

Our Ever-Changing Marketplace: James Brian Marian, Adjunct Lecturer in Real Estate Development
Adjunct Lecturer in Real Estate Development James Brian Marian began at CAPLA in 2018. With a background in commercial real estate development, he not only teaches but also strives to help students find internships and career opportunities.

Untangling Silos: Kristina Currans, Associate Professor of Urban Planning
Associate Professor of Urban Planning Kristina Currans, who has a background in civil engineering, began at CAPLA in 2017. She has a wide variety of research and other interests, with a particular focus on land-use development and transportation planning.

The Intersection of Architecture and Technology: Damon Leverett, Senior Lecturer in Architecture
Senior Lecturer in Architecture Damon Leverett began at CAPLA in 2019. With a background in computer science and architecture, he brings a rich mix of architectural technology and systems design experience to the college.

The Spaces That Exist Between Private Properties: Bill Mackey, Lecturer in Architecture
“Everything I do as an artist and architect comes into my teaching methodology. I try to think about problems creatively and research them through a multitude of lenses. I expect the same of my students.”

A Deeper Appreciation for Context: Gina Chorover, Lecturer in Planning and Landscape Architecture
“What I love most is bringing the history of a place to the surface for people to see. When people understand the larger context of a building, site or city, they have a deeper appreciation for it.”

Coverdell Fellow Profile: Dionna Hatch '20 MLA
Dionna Hatch served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala before joining CAPLA's Master of Landscape Architecture program.

Transforming Urban Access to Natural Areas: Mario Nuño-Whelan '20 MLA
Mario Nuño-Whelan served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru before joining CAPLA's Master of Landscape Architecture program.

Coverdell Fellow Profile: Sean Maccabe '21 MLA
Sean Maccabe served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia before joining CAPLA's Master of Landscape Architecture program.

Measuring Success and 'Paying It Backward': Mitchell Freedman ’80 B.Arch
Forty years after his graduation from the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture’s undergraduate architecture program, Mitchell Freedman AIA ’80 B.Arch remains in touch with the two faculty members who most influenced him and his work.

The Path to Passionate Work: Gabby Abou-Zeid ’19 BS SBE
For Gabby Abou-Zeid, who graduated with her Bachelor's in Sustainable Build Environments in 2019, her path exploring transportation and urban planning has been anything but linear.

Open to Encountering the Unknown: Eric Sterner '15 B.Arch
Eric Sterner ’15 B.Arch, founding principal of Last Architects, says, "My creativity is inspired by intangible moments and patterns—all rooted in observance. I believe these uncategorical and unplanned moments create points to reflect upon and later understand."