Student Profiles

Nathan Becenti ‘25 M.Arch is the founding president of the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design (ISAPD) at CAPLA, where he champions Indigenous representation in architecture. Originally from Tohatchi on the Navajo Nation in Northern New Mexico, he earned his undergraduate degree from UNLV before gaining hands-on experience in high-profile Las Vegas projects.

Lescilia Panzarella '28 BLA is a first-generation college student and active leader at CAPLA, serving as vice president and secretary of the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design, where she fosters Indigenous voices in modern design and pursues her passion for sustainable public housing and city planning.

Bachelor of Architecture undergraduate student Anthony Rascon shares how CAPLA has helped him explore themed entertainment design, leading to an internship with Universal Creative in Orlando. With a unique blend of architecture and immersive arts, he emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary learning and advises future students to embrace diverse experiences within their studies.

Masters of Science in Architecture graduate Asif Zeshan feels that the architecture community is due for a transformation to keep up with emerging technology. The MS.Arch program provided him the opportunity to dive into research on the topic, bringing his passions to life.

Emma Hughes came to CAPLA from Phoenix and found the BLA program amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear about her CAPLA experience as part of the first BLA graduating class this May.

Hunter Pinke '24 graduated with his master's degree in real estate development and was named to the 2024 Academic All-America Second Team by the Intercollegiate Division of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

Inspired by stories shared by family in Spain, Montse Bover dreams of diving into the intricacies of the relationship between farmhouses and society. CAPLA’s Masters of Science in Architecture program gave her the flexibility and resources she needed to take her education to the next level.

Adedoyin Oduwole, a Bachelor of Architecture student at the University of Arizona, envisions using architecture for social change by creating dignified housing for low-income individuals in Nigeria. She emphasizes CAPLA's diverse and supportive community, overcoming challenges through time management, and her passion for residential designs addressing homelessness.

Olivia Hernandez, a Bachelor of Architecture student at the University of Arizona, discusses her academic journey, emphasizing the family-like studio culture and supportive professors at CAPLA. Her advice for prospective CAPLA students is to connect with current students for valuable insights.

Bachelor of Architecture student Carter Roth narrates his transformative journey from small-town Iowa to Tucson, highlighting CAPLA's inclusive culture and immersive studio experience, as well as his dedication to shaping a meaningful architectural future.

Bachelor of Architecture student Jack Schulman began an enriching journey at CAPLA, drawing inspiration from fostering sustainable urban environments. Recently, he proudly became a part of the 2023 UArizona Homecoming Court, highlighting his commitment to both campus and community life.

Master of Science in Urban Planning student Tiara Stephen came to Tucson from Brooklyn to explore the Desert Southwest and work at the University of Arizona. Not long after, she joined the MSUP program, furthering her passions for affordable housing and community access.