Scholarship Recipients

Winner: ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship

Isabel Aguilar is a first-generation American, having moved to the United States at age four with her parents and brother. Their hard work and sacrifices allowed her to pursue her passion for landscape design. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. Inspired by her own experiences, Isabel is driven to create sustainable, community-centered designs that prioritize the needs of underserved populations. She aims to work in urban environments to develop innovative, resilient spaces that benefit both the environment and Latinx communities. Her ultimate hope is that her future work will inspire more first-generation Latino students to pursue careers in design and planning, contributing to equitable and sustainable development. Adaptive, energetic, and empathetic, Isabel aspires to craft spaces that foster ecological health, cultural identity, and social equity, ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.

Winner: Kenneth R. Brooks MLA Research Scholarship 

Originally from Greece, Christos G. Baos is pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University. His academic focus is on coastal resilience and environmental planning in rural communities. He has gained valuable experience through research roles at the LSU Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio and Louisiana Sea Grant, where he has contributed to coastal projects and collaborated with Native communities. Passionate about mitigating natural hazards, Christos aims to work in urban and regional planning with an emphasis on disaster resilience and sustainable development. He holds both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Science (MS) in Architectural Engineering and was recognized as the top graduate of his architecture school by the Technical Chamber of Greece. 

Winner: Peridian International, Inc./Rae L. Price, FASLA Scholarship

Alicia Bartoli-Arnold is a seasoned artist, educator, and designer pursuing a new career path in landscape architecture at UCLA Extension. With over two decades of experience in urban public education, she brings a unique perspective to her studies, driven by her commitment to design as activism. Her work focuses on transforming urban schoolyards from expanses of asphalt into vibrant, sustainable learning environments co-created with and for children. Her vision centers on developing collaborative approaches to create equitable public spaces where children can learn, play, and reconnect with natural systems.

Winner: ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship

Rekiyah Bobbitt is a landscape architecture student at North Carolina A&T State University. She aspires to design a world connecting nature with people, creating spaces where people can enjoy being outside while simultaneously ensuring environmental safety and integrity. She wants to design spaces that not only are environmentally sustainable but also educate, inspire, support, and enrich others. Rekiyah grew up playing in the forest and hills of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Her love of nature evolved into an interest in environmental science and design, which led to her found love for designing outdoor environments through landscape architecture.

Winner: ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship

Crystal Carbajal Castillo is a first-generation college student, studying landscape architecture at Cal Poly Pomona with a minor in regenerative studies. She is interested in environmental justice and repurposing brownfields as green and recreational spaces for minority communities. Crystal grew up in a small town in Mexico and moved to the United States when she was 17 to pursue higher education. After graduating in spring 2025, she hopes to work for a firm whose values align with hers and eventually become a licensed landscape architect. She enjoys hiking, photography, and traveling.

Winner: ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship

Ahmaud Carroll-Tubbs is a fourth-year landscape architecture student at Ball State University with a deep passion for art and design. Growing up, he explored creative outlets like drawing, painting, and model making, which ultimately led him to discover architecture in eighth grade. While initially pursuing architecture at Ball State, he found his true calling in landscape architecture, which embodied his love for the outdoors and his desire to create meaningful spaces. Ahmaud has gained valuable experience in heritage preservation and landscape design through internships with Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program and V3 Companies. He is an active member of SCASLA, NOMAS, and A.C.E. and has presented internationally at the Alliance for Historic Preservation Conference in Toronto. Ahmaud values representation and strives to be a role model for young Black professionals.

Winner: Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design 

Kat Chavez is a multidisciplinary artist-researcher, collaborative designer, and cultural worker. Raised on Tongva and Chumash land, Kat enjoys caring for local landscapes and engaging with the multispecies community throughout her home. She is currently pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Kat has worked in education, curatorial, and public programming roles at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Self-Help Graphics and Art, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the Whitney Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She is currently an educator at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, California. Kat’s creative work has been exhibited at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, CA; SoLA Contemporary in Los Angeles, CA; Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, CT; the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art in San Luis Obispo, CA; and the David Winton Bell Gallery in Providence, RI.

Winner: Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design 

A Virginia native, Bakari Clark has spent much of her collegiate and professional career focused on addressing and discovering sustainable approaches toward community development. With a specific interest in sustainable food systems and community design, Bakari graduated with a Bachelor of Community Development from Temple University in 2023 before continuing her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is pursuing a dual Master of City Planning and Master of Landscape Architecture. In addition to her education, Bakari enjoys art, gardening, writing, photography, hiking with friends, and teaching the next generation. Bakari’s goals are to use her education to facilitate environmental design projects for communities and cities throughout the United States before working to teach the next generations of planners and designers.

First Runner-up: LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA

Runner-up: LAF Honor Scholarship for Inclusive Community Design

Yanyao Cui is a Master of Landscape Architecture student at the University of California, Berkeley, driven by a passion for designing spaces that harmonize aesthetic clarity with intellectual depth. Before pursuing her MLA, she spent almost 6 years as an urban designer in Shenzhen, China, gaining valuable experience in both public and private urban planning and design institutes. Yanyao is also the founder of Passion Art Design Studio, a community initiative providing free art classes to children from low-income families and advocating for greater access to art education. As a designer, artist, mentor, and educator, Yanyao sees her work as an opportunity to inspire and serve—shaping spaces that nurture creativity, foster human connection, and cultivate a profound sense of belonging.

Winner: Courtland Paul Scholarship

As a passionate student of landscape architecture at Colorado State University, Jazmin Garcia is driven to create culturally enriching landscapes that enhance natural environments. She credits her diverse experiences, including the rigorous International Baccalaureate program and participating in Scouting, for instilling the importance of community, shared goals, and nature in urban environments. Jazmin’s Hispanic heritage is a source of immense pride, and she deeply values cultural diversity, recognizing its vital role in creating thriving and equitable communities. She believes that a balance between cultural expression and environmental sustainability is essential for a fulfilling human experience.

Winner: Rain Bird Intelligent Use of Water™ Scholarship

Kareem Harris grew up in a historically underserved neighborhood in Washington, DC, where he developed a passion for creating equitable and sustainable urban solutions. He is currently completing his undergraduate studies in landscape architecture, focusing on ecological restoration, public participation, and placemaking. His future plans include working on projects that prioritize environmental justice and community engagement, particularly in underserved areas. Outside of academics, Kareem enjoys fishing, spending quality time with his nephew, and caring for his German shepherd. These activities keep him grounded and remind him of the importance of creating spaces where families and communities can thrive. Through his work, Kareem aims to address systemic inequities and foster resilient, inclusive environments that enhance well-being for future generations.

Winner: EDSA Diversity Scholarship

Aisha Iyengar celebrates the intersection of nature, urban environments, and the human spirit. Pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture from Harvard University, Aisha dedicates herself to understanding the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings. Her commitment to preserving and enhancing the environment, while accommodating the needs of a growing urban society, reflects her dedication to sustainable development and the creation of spaces that foster a harmonious coexistence between people and nature. Her desire to explore the human condition, the motivation behind our yearning for outdoor experiences, and the significance of our connection to the natural world fuels her curiosity.

Winner: MIG Scholarship for the Planning and Design of Equitable and Inclusive Environments

Dushawn John "DJ" was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, with roots in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Diné Nation. She currently works as an Architectural Designer while pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at The Design School at Arizona State University. DJ recently graduated with a master’s in geographic information systems (GIS) from ASU. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has a background in library science, behavioral health, and prevention. DJ's previous work addressed intergenerational trauma by developing culturally appropriate curricula. Her current work integrates architectural and landscape design to bridge communities' past, present, and future needs, incorporating oral history and spatial relationships to enhance placekeeping and placemaking. She volunteers with Protectors of the Salt River and serves as a Tribal Representative on the City of Tempe Desert Conservation Commission. Through her diverse work, DJ is committed to strengthening community engagement and cultural preservation through design.

Winner: Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship

Chloe Kahn is in her final year of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at Rhode Island School of Design and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Macalester College in Minnesota. Her background in geology has a strong influence in how she sees the world–where the landscape tells the story of the different forces that shape it, including anthropogenic ones. Chloe’s work focuses on building the connection between people and the ground they walk on through design at different scales by exploring materiality, building ecological awareness, and using artistic storytelling.

Winner: MIG Scholarship for the Planning and Design of Equitable and Inclusive Environments

Lauryn Langley is from Zachary, Louisiana, and is in her final year of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is grateful for the opportunity to study landscape architecture and has fallen in love with designing sustainable landscapes for underserved communities. Her other professional interests include ecological restoration, environmental justice, and storytelling. She also enjoys vegetable gardening, traveling, and thrift store shopping.

Winner: Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design

Bianca LaPaz is in her first year of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, concentrating in Sustainable Urbanism, and has completed certificates in Horticulture and Permaculture Design. In her professional work, she is a Project Coordinator with The Asiko Group community engagement consulting firm. Prior to this, she provided technical assistance to applicants of the EPA's Community Change Grant Program, and held roles of Operations Coordinator in the Energy & Sustainability Unit at the University of California Office of the President, Administrative Operations Manager with the creative placemaking non-profit Enough Pie, and Assistant Internship Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability at the College of Charleston. With landscape architecture, Bianca seeks to address urban forestry, sea level rise, and stormwater management through participatory design, ecological restoration, and nature-based solutions.

Winner: LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA

Margaret Marando is a fifth-year University of Tennessee student pursuing a dual degree: Bachelor of
Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture. With a strong background in art and mathematics and professional opportunities in the design field, she is drawn to the idea that design can benefit the environment while bringing people together. After 12 years, she recently retired from the sport of swimming, having competed as a Lady Vol for four years, and is now a swim coach for the local club team. Outside of school and swim, she is an avid yogi, reader, traveler, crocheter, and learner. With experience gained from donating bone marrow and traveling across the globe, Margaret aims to utilize her design education to give back to her community while educating about revitalizing ecological practices.

Winner: EDSA Diversity Scholarship

Jonathan Mata is in his final semester as a landscape architecture student at Texas Tech University. With a passion for creating sustainable, meaningful spaces, he is dedicated to developing designs that integrate both environmental and community needs. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a career focused on urban design and community-oriented landscapes, aiming to improve quality of life through thoughtful design solutions. Jonathan aspires to become a licensed landscape architect in Texas. He enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and learning about different cultures and wants to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Winner: Hawaii Chapter ASLA/David T. Woolsey Scholarship

Maxwell is a junior in the BLA program and minoring in community planning at the University of Rhode Island. He grew up in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu and graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu in 2022. He spent last summer working as a laborer for Pua Lani Landscape Design LLC and plans to work at a design firm on Oahu this summer. He is also working to get a research scuba diving certification. After graduation, he would like to pursue a master’s degree. Max wants to return to Hawaii to design sustainable outdoor spaces for both public and residential use. He is interested in creating regenerative and sustainable spaces in Hawaii that will support the fragile ecosystem and preserve the majesty of the ‘āina (land). He is an avid surfer, hiker, and cliff diver and has been enjoying snowboarding while in New England for school.

Winner: Landscape Forms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship

Veronica Palma Cuapio is a first-generation sophomore studying at the University of Connecticut. She is majoring in Landscape Architecture and minoring in Constructing Engineering and Management. Veronica is interested in how landscapes can serve on an ecological level as well as a cultural level. After graduation, she hopes to work at an interdisciplinary firm to engage with different professionals and clients. She believes that all communities, regardless of social class, should have access to culturally and ecologically beneficial landscapes.
 

Winner: Landscape Forms Scholarship in Memory of Peter Schaudt, FASLA 

Emily Pham is pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph. Passionate about leadership and community engagement, Emily demonstrates her dedication to sustainability and her aspirations through active roles in projects and university clubs, such as her winning submission in the 2024 C40 Cities Reinventing Cities Competition and her executive positions on the Landscape Architecture Student Society (LASS) and Drop & Cop (thrifting club). With a keen interest in sustainability and collaborative design, Emily aspires to contribute to the urban design aspects of the landscape architecture industry. After completing her undergraduate degree, she aims to earn licensure as a landscape architect and further her education by pursuing a master’s in urban design or urban planning.

Winner: ASLA-NY Equitable Public Urban Space Scholarship

Jake Romagnoli is pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at the City College of New York. In college, he majored in molecular biology, while exploring his interests in ecology, the Spanish language, ceramics, and dance. He is passionate about our planet and is constantly in awe of its wonders. This passion led him to work for the Town of Mamaroneck’s Conservation Department, Colorado College’s Landscape and Grounds Department, and New York City’s Department of Parks and Recreation. While working with NYC DPR, Jake met many practicing landscape architects and was inspired to begin his own journey in the field. He hopes to build a career designing in the public realm, with an emphasis on community engagement and co-creation in the design process. Through landscape architecture, he hopes we can bring ourselves closer to the land and unlearn some of our most ecologically destructive habits.

Winner: LandDesign Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship

Jaliyah "Penny" Shepherd is a landscape architecture student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she sees a growing need for well-designed green spaces in cities to enhance human well-being and our connection to the natural world. The healing power of nature has been transformative for Jaliyah and she wants to design spaces that can provide that same sense of peace and healing for others struggling with their mental health. Looking ahead, she plans to obtain a master's degree in construction management. Beyond academic pursuits, Jaliyah has channeled her design talents into a clothing brand called SARTORIAL PENNY, where she creates original fashion pieces. She also enjoys jamming on the guitar, building Legos, and staying connected to her spirituality.

Winner: LAF Honor Scholarship for Inclusive Community Design

Winner: Daniel Zwier/Permaloc Innovation Scholarship

Lian Mae Tualla (she/they/isuna) is an Ilokano environmentalist based on Chumash and Ohlone land. She is in her last semester of the Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. They have a BS in Environmental Science from UCLA, along with two minors in Environmental Systems & Society and Digital Humanities. Inspired by her immigrant background, Lian Mae is driven by collective, intergenerational healing and cares deeply about giving back to the places she has called home. Her thesis project is focused on redesigning the Santa Maria River levee trail using flood resilience strategies and participatory design. She is a dedicated student leader, involved in ASLA, NOMAS, CED Students of Color, and co-founding the NAMLA chapter at NAMLA chapter at UC Berkeley. Outside of studio, they enjoy live music, exploring new places, filming videos, and creating niche Spotify playlists.

Winner: LandDesign Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship

An undergraduate landscape architecture student at Michigan State University, Ava Yon is passionate about designing for community and health. This stems from her Native American roots, the value she places on quality of life, and her dedication to the design process. To support her focus, Ava is also working toward a minor in Environment and Health and a Master of Arts in Environmental Design. Ava is involved in the Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (MiASLA) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and serves as alumni relations co-chair for the MSU Landscape Architecture Club, her school’s ASLA student chapter. By taking opportunities and engaging in new learning experiences, Ava aims to expand her understanding of community and environmental relationships to promote health, culture, and connection.

Second Runner-up: LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA

Jiayi has a background in both garden design and urban landscape architecture. Beginning with small-scale community parks, she developed a strong interest in how public spaces foster social connection. As a graduate student, her research explores spatial fragmentation caused by urban infrastructure and environmental challenges, focusing on strategies for reconnecting communities. She is passionate about artistic representation in design, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Jiayi aims to integrate research, design, and advocacy to create more inclusive and adaptive urban environments. Beyond her studies, she enjoys watercolor painting, illustration, and exploring how different cultures shape and interact with their landscapes.