2025/2026

This academic year has been quite different than my last three years. I started the fall semester with the opportunity to work on an EEP, which is creating an independent project on a topic of my choice. I chose to study Traditional Ecological Knowledge with the Lo—TEK Institute. I wanted to learn more about nature-based approaches to design. This first choice has been the leading force for my entire academic year. I had four months to work on this project so I decided to stay in Cincinnati and build community. I was intentional with every aspect of my life including: the research I conducted, the job I worked outside of the project, my routines, and my social life. Having this structure as the backbone of my project made the experience so much more fulfilling and exciting. In the end, I created an Instagram page showcasing all the graphics and writings I’ve made on my topic. I’d like to say I created a framework for myself and other planners to think about what the planning process would look like if traditional knowledge was the foundation to design. I have established many connections during this time including the founder of Lo—TEK who I met recently in NYC and many other inspiring scholars and designers.