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I believe that landscape architecture has at its core the principle that we are stewards of the land, and I define the land as being by nature comprised of earth, water, vegetation, wildlife and people. As landscape architects then, our aim must be to understand, design and manage the land and its components in a way that maintains the integrity of the ecosystem while satisfying human needs and desires. Thus, our realm of study and practice encompasses the full breadth of the landscape.

But we are also shapers of spaces and makers of places. Through studio we explore how form influences human experience and how the selection and placement of plants, materials, structures, finishes, and water features can create unique and fulfilling environments in which people may live. Through classes like stormwater management and site construction, tools for understanding the realities of place and process are provided, equipping the student of landscape architecture to translate vision into reality.

Personally, I find all aspects of our profession interesting and I attempt to convey as much of that interest as I can. Design is a process of discovery and refinement, and there is no better education than one that challenges us to think, to explore, and to create. My hope and aim is to inspire and instruct students that they might be the professionals who will give form, structure and positive character to the world we will become.

• Yang, Yuwen. 2018. “Assessing Public Perception of Green Infrastructure in Academic Settings: Using the University of Georgia as an Example.”
• Gong, Yuanyuan. 2017. “Stormwater Management Based on Evapotranspiration as a Tool to Mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect.”
• Yang, Chang. 2017. “LID Appropriateness for Various Land Uses: Making Low Impact Development Work in the Old City, Nanjing.”
• Liles, E. L. 2015. “Landform Grading as a Solution: Erosion, Landscape and Stormwater Runoff in Maggie Valley, NC.”
• Kelleher, Sam. 2012. “Quantifying water conservation in the Founders Memorial Garden.”
• Bentley, Ryan. 2008. “Incorporating human uses in wastewater treatment wetlands.”
• Velazquez, Estrella. 2008. “An application of low impact development stormwater management techniques to an existing residential development.”

• American Society of Landscape Architects
• Gamma Sigma Delta National Honor Society of Agriculture
• Sigma Lambda Alpha National Honor Society of Landscape Architects