Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Tori Markle
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.
CAPLA has five Coverdell Fellows starting this fall:
- Yamilkal Hernandez Sanchez - 1st Year MSUP
- Lyndsey Shafiei - 1st Year M.Arch
- Tori Markle - 1st Year MLA
- Nick Ihley - 1st Year MLA
- Michael Geiger - 2nd Year MLA
We asked them about how this experience has shaped them, and how it led them from all corners of the globe to CAPLA.
What inspired you to join the Coverdell Fellows program?
When I was browsing opportunities to further my education after Peace Corps service, I was specifically looking at Coverdell programs across the country. Between the strong community, financial assistance and professional development, the Coverdell Fellows program at the University of Arizona was a huge draw.
Where did you do your Peace Corps work? And why?
I served in Senegal from 2023 to 2025 as a Forestry Extension Agent. I chose Senegal specifically to develop my skills in tree propagation and agroforestry, but I came to love the country and its culture along the way.
What did you find most valuable about your experience?
Serving in the Peace Corps grounded me, expanded my understanding of the world and challenged me to explore and act on my values. It has instilled in me a strong motivation to contribute to society and oriented me toward pursuing a career in landscape architecture.
Why did you choose CAPLA to pursue a graduate degree?
When I stumbled onto the CAPLA page during my research into graduate school, I was immediately inspired. The MLA program boasts a strong community, opportunities for practical application, community engagement and an emphasis on sustainable design. If I had not discovered the Coverdell/CAPLA combo, I would likely not have pursued a graduate degree at this time.
What do you hope to accomplish after earning your graduate degree?
I have so many ideas! First and foremost, I hope to continue serving communities and contribute to sustainable resource management and well-being. I intend to explore more specific avenues of doing so using landscape design as I go through the program.
How has your Peace Corps experience influenced your graduate studies and career goals?
The Peace Corps was pivotal for my life. It broke down my previous understanding of myself and the world around me and rebuilt it with a broader perspective that continuously influences the trajectory of my life and career.
