CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LAF has awarded a total of $160,000 to 27 outstanding students for its 2023 scholarship season. The scholarships support the next generation of designers by rewarding superior student performance, supporting access and diversity, supporting original research, and assisting students with unmet financial need.
Scroll through to see bios and photos of these deserving students.
In the fall, LAF will announce its scholarships available for the 2023-24 academic year and begin accepting applications. Applications are due Feb 1 with the winners announced in the spring.
These awards are made possible through funds established by our generous sponsors.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA
Daniella Slowik
MLA Student, Harvard University
As a biracial Puerto Rican woman in her first year of the MLA program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Daniella hopes to design in a way that tackles issues like food waste, food security, nutrition, regenerative agriculture, and therapeutic design. When Daniella was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome as a child, she found deep therapeutic comfort in her mother’s vegetable and ornamental gardens. Her childhood memories continually influence her desire to develop alternative land-based systems that rejuvenate the most sensitive communities and ecological systems.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA
Samantha Rosner
MLA Student, University of Virginia
Sam Rosner is an artist, writer, aspiring landscape architect, and filmmaker. Born in Miami, FL and now based in Charlottesville, VA, Sam is weaving together her passions of photography, archival research, and travel and is working towards her thesis which focuses on investigating the historical trajectory of Black beaches along the mid-Atlantic. After graduating with her MLA, she plans to pursue her Ph.D and continue to develop a practice that incorporates landscape architecture with media studies to more deeply interrogate our relationships as designers to images and image-making.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA
Hannah Hansen
MLA Student, University of California, Berkeley
With a bachelors degree in civil engineering, Hannah is interested in hydrology, geomorphology, and multi-benefit engineering approaches for water resource management and ecosystem health. Hannah is excited by the practice of river and stream restoration, and the concept of restoration as a component of social justice through the returning of Indigenous lands. Hannah was involved with Engineers Without Borders in developing a sustainable pipeline system in India, and worked as a project engineer on commercial site development projects in the Bay Area before beginning her graduate studies at UC Berkeley.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LAF Honor Scholarship for Inclusive Community Design
Celina Abba
MLA Student, Harvard University
Celina’s interests lay at the intersection of public space and activism, investigating how design can support equitable spaces of inclusion and justice within the civic realm. She is conducting a dual thesis investigating landscape architecture’s role in the conservation of plantations in the American South. She argues for a new, political mode of preservation that exposes erased stories in the search for new narratives. Celina holds a Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University, Canada, where she received the Henry Adams AIA Medal. She holds bachelor's degrees in environmental design studies and biology.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LAF Honor Scholarship for Inclusive Community Design
Cameron Coronado
MLA Student, University of Oregon
Cameron’s love for landscape and the outdoors led him to an undergraduate degree in environmental science. This degree allowed Cameron to explore many different career paths, from salmon recovery to natural resource management. He has focused on creating healthier communities through environmental education and outreach, low-impact development projects, and racial equity programs. A dual Master of Landscape Architecture and master’s in community and regional planning will give Cameron the interdisciplinary knowledge to tackle these problems. Cameron plans to design equitable and sustainable communities.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Kenneth R. Brooks MLA Research Scholarship
Adrian Robins
MLA Student, University of Virginia
Originally from California, Adrian holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Oregon, with a focus on ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture. After graduating, he served with the Peace Corps in Nepal, where he lived in a remote mountain village and trained locals on food security techniques and climate resilience strategies. At the University of Virginia, Adrian has immersed himself in the design of rural coastal areas and coastal adaptation strategies. He intends to pursue a landscape career framed by ecological resilience and climate adaptation.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship
Javiera Diaz-Ortiz
BLA Student, University of Maryland
Drawn to landscape architecture by an interest in environmental conservation, Javiera is pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a minor in Sustainability Studies at the University of Maryland, where she is president of the student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Javiera enjoys fostering community and creating professional development opportunities for the program. She also participates in service and professional projects. After graduation, Javiera plans to pursue landscape architecture with special interests in environmental restoration, community engagement, and inclusive design.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship
Adriel Jimenez
BLA Student, University of Florida
Through the use of 3D-modeling, data, design tools, and on-site research, Adriel hopes to revitalize ecosystems and design with a focus on the environment, low-income housing communities, and improving water quality on a grand scale. Adriel's academic journey began at Miami Dade College, where he won awards from competitions and for volunteer service. He further developed his design style at Florida International University before ultimately landing at the University of Florida, where he is known for his design skill and scientific curiosity. He is currently undertaking a 25-mile-long 3D-model of sea level rise in Biscayne Bay, Florida.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship
Lily Saephan
BLA Student, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Raised in Sacramento, California, Lily is now an undergraduate landscape architecture student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she is developing her skills to design with communities and ecosystems in mind. Lily feels it is important to educate youth about the human impact on earth. Landscape design has turned her into an educator and advocate as she strives to lead by example and create places for future generations. Along with her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and two accompanying minors, Lily plans to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
ASLA Council of Fellows Scholarship
Fiorella Sibaja
BLA Student, University of Arkansas
Fiorella is passionate about creating new and improved spaces. As a second-year landscape architecture student at the University of Arkansas, Fiorella aims to use design to improve human and environmental health. She hopes to develop a career path that will allow her to become a successful Hispanic landscape architect and help those who live in under-represented communities. A motivated and hardworking student leader, Fiorella plans to use design to create real, positive change for people and the environment. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LandDesign Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship
Melissa Morales-Rivas
BLA Student, Clemson University
Melissa was born to immigrant parents from Nicaragua who escaped their country in the 1980s and came to the U.S. in hopes of building their American dream. After the death of Melissa’s mom, Melissa grew more determined to study hard and become successful to honor her parents’ sacrifices. Now in her third year at Clemson, Melissa has her own son, who has been her inspiration and driving force. Melissa’s interests in landscape architecture are driven primarily toward ADA-accessible or universal designs. Melissa has seen firsthand the needs of those who can’t advocate for themselves. Inclusivity will continue to drive her designs.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
LandDesign Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship
Alexandria Warren
BLA Student, Pennsylvania State University
Growing up in Westchester County, New York, Alex’s love for studio art blossomed at The Frederick Gunn School in Connecticut, where she explored the connection between humans and nature. By junior year, her passion for environmental studies and art converged and pursuing a degree in landscape architecture became a natural path. Alex pursued several valuable leadership roles in high school that taught her the importance of community participation, teamwork, active listening, and problem solving. She is now part of the National Organization Minority Architecture Students at Penn State and looks forward to the many opportunities ahead.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Landscape Forms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship
Tairiq Mansfield
BLA Student, Clemson University
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Tairiq lives through family and faith. Tairiq has always had a passion for design and nature, beginning when he was a young child and would help his late grandfather work on personal projects in his workshop. Those experiences cemented themselves within Tairiq and are responsible for the passion for design and creative thinking he has today. Along with his BLA, Tairiq is pursuing minors in sustainability and architecture, with an ultimate goal to leave a mark on the communities he serves.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Landscape Forms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship
Jakobi Johnson
BLA Student, Michigan State University
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Jakobi is interested in many different design fields, including historical preservation and restoration, plaza design, and parks and recreation. Jakobi also is interested in designing spaces to influence Detroit's youth. Jakobi wants to focus on revitalizing communities, promoting diverse racial integration and economic mobility in a variety of settings and meaningful projects. In addition, Jakobi would like to use design to create more secure and sustainable spaces while promoting ecological health and social and environmental justice.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Landscape Forms Scholarship in Memory of Peter Lindsay Schaudt, FASLA
Cheryl Zeng
BLA Student, Cornell University
Originally from Houston, Texas, Cheryl is currently studying landscape architecture at Cornell University. She is interested in finding innovative ways of addressing urban social and environmental issues through landscape architecture, whether that’s through integrating green space into cities or forming creative methods for sustainable infrastructure. Outside of academics, Cheryl is on Cornell’s figure skating and Seismic Design teams. She also enjoys cooking Chinese dishes, hiking, and exploring nature.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Rain Bird Intelligent Use of Water Scholarship
Ethan Bergeron
BLA Student, Louisiana State University
As a Louisiana native and fourth-year student in LSU's Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, Ethan's interests in the outdoors, art, and engineering have guided his pursuit toward a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with a minor in horticulture. Experienced in hands-on landscape installation, as well as planning and design, Ethan hopes to expand his skillset as a designer and become a licensed landscape architect. Ethan is interning with Design Workshop in Nevada during the 2023 spring semester. He is excited to work alongside design professionals and explore a new environment.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Daniel Zwier/Permaloc Innovation Scholarship
Adolfo Martinez
MLA Student, University of Georgia
After receiving a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2022, Adolfo is now pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia, where his research interests include furthering virtual and augmented reality applications in landscape architecture and the intersection of emerging technologies and design. His current interests focus on urban design and perceived safety in urban secondary pathways using virtual reality environments as a medium for data collection and site design. An award-winning, highly regarded student, Adolfo was a 2022 LAF Olmsted Scholar.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Daniel Zwier/Permaloc Innovation Scholarship
Simone Stark
MLA Student, Florida International University
With over a decade of field and design experience, Simone is completing her Master of Landscape Architecture at Florida International University. Simone is the Landscape Architecture Creative and Departmental Director for Strang Design. She received Honorable Mention in the 2021 CERF International Biennial competition for her collaborative work on coastal resilience strategies. In 2022, she presented her partial thesis at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Summit. She also was a 2022 National ASLA Game Changer and presenter at the 2022 ASLA National Conference. Simone has a BA in Sociology/Anthropology from FIU.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Daniel Zwier/Permaloc Innovation Scholarship, ASLA-NY Equitable Public Urban Space Scholarship
Savannah Wright
BLA Student, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
An avid designer from Rochester, NY, Savannah is completing her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She aims to continue various projects after graduation pertaining to psychological accessibility in public space and recycled materials design. She specializes in 3D photorealistic rendering, graphic presentation, and systems coordination. Her passions include urban revitalization, social and psychological accessibility, and multi-use development. She also is a competitive MMA fighter and singer/songwriter.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
EDSA Diversity Scholarship
Nastassja Lafontant
MLA Student, Harvard University
A South Florida native from a Haitian/Colombian family, Nastassja is a recent architecture/urban planning undergraduate who was introduced to landscape architecture when she noticed the patterns, textures, and colors of Miami Beach had subtle similarities to the chairs her parents collected. Viewing modern culture within an art deco city broadened Nastassja’s mind and design sensibilities. This, combined with receiving her first sketchbook at a young age, helped cultivate the technique and fascination with conservation, public landscape, cultural architecture, and environmental urban design.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
EDSA Diversity Scholarship
Amber Rachele
BSLA Student, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Growing up in multiple communities allowed Amber to develop a diverse cultural appreciation for the natural and built environment. Amber’s fascination and curiosity led her to design, where she hopes to aid in the development of environmentally equitable communities. Amber’s studies started at the Savannah College of Art and Design. During this year, Amber studied architecture and immediately knew she found her passion. After transferring to UMass Amherst, Amber’s passion expanded, and she began to see a future where she can incorporate two degrees and become licensed as both a landscape architect and an architect.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship
Lara Prebble
MLA Student, Harvard University
Growing up in Wisconsin, the woods, marsh, and farmland that surrounded Lara’s home played an integral role in her connection to and perspectives on landscape. Lara graduated from Wellesley College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Italian Studies. She received the Eliza Newkirk Rogers Prize in Architecture and the Elizabeth Robinson Prize in Italian Studies. At Harvard, she received the Penny White Project Fund for research on outdoor learning environments in Finland. Lara is eager to connect people with the landscapes around them as she graduates and begins working at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
ASLA Florida Chapter Career Discovery Scholarship
Rose Gilson
MLA Student, Florida International University
Rose is currently the ASLA chapter president at FIU, where she has spent the past five years studying landscape architecture and dedicating herself to uplifting fellow students. A talented student, leader, and analytical thinker, Rose’s academic work and volunteerism reflect her core beliefs on the importance of the powerful connection people have with the landscape. She has also been a proud member and advocate of the ASLA Mentorship Program since 2021. Rose enjoys spending time in nature, drawing, photography, and studying the connections that people have with the landscape.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
ASLA Florida Chapter Career Discovery Scholarship
Jaimundo Gulapa
MLA Student, Florida International University
Jaimundo still remembers exploring his mother’s garden as a young child and the passion it evoked in him. Falling in love with creating art in nature spaces developed his lifelong curiosity and compassion for the environment. Now an accelerated master’s student at FIU, Jaimundo has spent recent years furthering the breadth and depth of his expertise, leading and participating in extracurricular organizations and initiatives to develop personal and community building skills, and exploring the connections of landscape architecture to multidisciplinary fields such as sociology, engineering, and the fine arts.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Hawaii ASLA/David T. Woolsey Scholarship
Delphine Homerowski
MLA Student, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
Originally from Marseille, France, and living in Honolulu since 2014, Delphine has experienced two very different cultures and ways of life that have shaped her understanding of the complex systems that surround us. Delphine’s academic and professional development have supported her curiosity and led her to seek a career where she can collaborate with people to design creative solutions for the current climate crisis. She seeks to work on large scale urban/public projects that design with empathy and that enhance ecological services to benefit humans, fauna, and flora alike.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Peridian International, Inc. / Rae L. Price, FASLA Scholarship
Karis Lawson
BLA Student, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
With a lifelong interest in design and more recent experience with gardening and landscaping, Karis discovered landscape architecture during her senior year of high school – a discovery that led her to the landscape architecture program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. On campus, Karis is co-president of the student chapter of ASLA and serves as the student representative on the department’s professional advisory council. Following an internship in summer of 2022 at CarrierJohnson+Culture in San Diego, Karis plans to expand her knowledge in landscape architecture during the summer of 2023 and beyond.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship
Imani Canton
PhD Candidate, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Imani’s research interests include addressing racial health behavior disparities in physical activity levels through the design of community-based physical activity interventions. Specifically, she is interested in the design, development, and implementation of culturally sensitive, community-based physical activity programs that target African American women. Imani enjoys community-based research because its success requires a bi-directional relationship between researchers and individuals from the community. Currently, she is designing a community gardening intervention to increase physical activity and improve well-being.
Each year, the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) offers over $150,000 through 16 different scholarships.
LAF scholarships help diversify the pool of talent and increase academic opportunity for new generations of designers. These awards are made possible through funds established by our generous sponsors.
Each academic year, available scholarships are announced in the fall with all applications material due February 1. Eligible candidates are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Additional requirements vary by scholarship.
The average student debt load for landscape architecture graduates is $34,000.
To date, the Landscape Architecture Foundation has awarded $1.7 million in scholarships to 640 students.
Daniella Slowik is the 2023 recipient of the $20,000 LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA.
