Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Why did you pick your major and what do you want to do with your degree?

I went back to school because I wanted to learn how to create eco-focused designs. However, now I am realizing that I also have a passion for urban design and hope I can do both of my interests in the future.

What makes NewSchool special?

The small classes are great because there is more communication between the student and professor. For example, my thesis advisors Vuslat Demircay, Michael Stepner, and Joe F. Kennedy has always made time for me when I needed guidance.

What has been your favorite class? Why?

It was the City Planning Class, taught by Brian Mooney. I never knew how much thought went into the urban perspective and was literally blown away after I took this class.

Where is your favorite spot on campus?

Library

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Continue my career at FPBA and compete all my tests required to get my license.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I grew up playing sports and enjoy playing football.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

The beauty of being a student is that we have no ties with any company and this makes it easier to meet other professionals. Use this as an opportunity to establish connections and learn from them.

We hear that your thesis project has received a lot of attention! Tell us more about the project, your background, and why you picked this topic.

The Salton Sea is drying up with potential catastrophic environmental and health impacts for Southern California. My thesis is about exploring the use of Eco-tourism as a tool to increase awareness of the sea and the environmental issues as a means to get people working towards solutions. I chose this because this issue has been going on for years now, yet no one is talking about it. Even though I may not know where this project will lead me in the future, I am just hoping to inspire others in order to make a change.