Join us for our Scholars Recognition Event on February 6, 2025 at 2pm ET
LACF Congratulates the Recipients of the 2024 Regional and National Scholarships
Connor Budd is the recipient of the 2024 Frederick Gage Todd National Scholarship
Connor Budd is entering his final year in the Master of Landscape Architecture program in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia. Raised on Salt Spring Island, the traditional, unceded lands of many Hul'qumi'num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, Connor’s approach to land and the practice of landscape architecture has been deeply shaped by the community, culture and environments found in the Southern Gulf Islands and Southeastern Vancouver Island, resulting in an intensely place-based and hyper-local practice.
Claire Heidenreich: Walter H. Kehm National Scholarship
Claire is a master’s student in landscape architecture at the University of Calgary. Her work combines a background in environmental sciences with a passion for creative, imaginative design. In founding and leading the Avant-Garden student group, she is working towards campus beautification, increased biodiversity, and empowering students to take ownership of the places they inhabit. Her design philosophy emphasizes that ecological and technical effectiveness emerge in tandem with a deeper sense of beauty—one that transcends aesthetics to embody meaning, life, and harmony. She works to craft environments that holistically integrate ecological processes with human systems to inspire wonder, cultivate beauty, and celebrate the bond between earth and imagination.
Jordan Green: BC2 Indigenous Scholarship
Jordan is a fourth year environmental science student who chose her degree because she has a passion for understanding and preserving the natural world. Aside from her academics, she enjoys many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. As a future environmental scientist, she is looking forward to combining her love for the outdoors with her career.
Rielle Ettawacappo: Peter Jacobs Indigenous Scholarship
Rielle is a Cree woman from Norway House Cree Nation. She is a first-year Master of Landscape Architecture student through the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture, and a member of the Indigenous Design and Planning Student Association doing social media and treasurer duties. Her proposed research focuses on collaborating with Norway House Cree Nation to address their community needs through design and strategic planning. The aim is to create a comprehensive approach that aligns with the community’s values and aspirations while addressing practical challenges.
Rosalyn Estoque: Canadian Landscape Charter | University of Calgary | LACF Scholarship
Rosalyn sees landscape architecture as the framework and space for all living things to interact with -- whether it be a squirrel in the Rocky Mountains or a young child in a neighbourhood park, landscape architecture is all around us. It has the ability to reclaim long-lost outdoor environments by providing them with the amenities and foundation for a resilient future. The LACF University of Calgary Landscape Charter scholarship will provide her with the opportunity and resources to extend her education and grow into a responsible emerging professional in the field.
Catherine (Jiaxin) Yan: Alain Lamontagne (Guelph BLA) Scholarship
As a student at the University of Guelph, Catherine’s passion for landscape architecture was ignited by its power to bridge the built and natural environments while enhancing human experiences. Having lived in multiple countries, she recognizes how thoughtful design fosters vibrant, resilient communities. In the 2023 NCC Urban Design Challenge, Catherine’s team was recognized with an award of merit and honorable mention for a design emphasizing the role of landscape architecture in shaping and creating social spaces. This meaningful scholarship encourages Catherine to further study and focus on landscape architecture’s positive impact on creating inclusive and diverse spaces.
Bethany Nelson: University of Guelph BLA Scholarship
Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, Bethany sought an education that incorporated her passion for design, creativity, and nature, which naturally led her to pursue a degree in landscape architecture. This field equips her to merge aesthetic design with complex functional solutions to address rising environmental concerns. Bethany finds a strong fulfillment in landscape architecture's opportunities to create long-lasting historical and innovative spaces where people can seek joy and new experiences. Receiving this scholarship would greatly alleviate financial pressure, enabling her to concentrate on her studies and skills development, ultimately supporting her post-graduation journey into professional practice.
Jennille Neal: University of Guelph MLA Scholarship and Lemay Scholarship
Jennille was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, where degraded environments are ubiquitous. This formed an interest in environmental design and a commitment to building a practice that heals land, water, and relationships required for our health, wellbeing, and futures. She chose to study landscape architecture so that she could develop a deeper understanding of ecological processes and learn sensitive design strategies that work towards ethical and equitable landscapes. This scholarship would offer financial relief for necessary travel, books, and equipment required for her thesis research about methods that center non-human experiences through the documentation of degraded landscapes.
Evlyn Sun: University of Toronto MLA Scholarship
With a BSc. in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Evlyn witnessed firsthand the impact of human activities on the environment and sought a more active role in addressing these challenges. Landscape architecture has the power to transform our unsustainable relationship by creating beautiful, ecologically resilient spaces informed by site conditions, scientific principles, and community needs. Experiences in the MLA program, including projects on greenspace networks and terraced wetlands, have only reaffirmed the immense potential of this discipline. Evlyn is honoured to be nominated for an LACF scholarship, which would greatly alleviate financial burdens, allowing her to focus more on her final year of study.
Ruichen Zhu: Andre Schwabenbauer | University of Manitoba MLA Scholarship
Ruichen, who is originally from China, graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. Travelling to different countries and experiencing their landscapes, customs, and cultures inspired his passion for landscape architecture. This passion pushes him to explore, take risks, and face challenges, helping him grow personally and professionally. These experiences are essential for opening up our views and genuinely understanding the world. Ruichen is very grateful and honoured to receive this scholarship, which plays a significant role in his journey. It enables him to focus on his studies, which is crucial for his academic success, and to continue exploring landscapes and cultures.
Yihua Liang: Atlantic Landscape | LACF Dalhousie Scholarship
Yihua Liang is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Technology-Landscape Architecture program at Dalhousie University. Yihua's family background led her to pursue landscape architecture studies. Yihua is a high-performing student and a dedicated contributor to the LA student body. She’s passionate about contributing to community life and the sustainability of settlements in Nova Scotia. As an international student, Yihua’s education has been particularly costly, and this scholarship will help her to become established in the profession, in Atlantic Canada.
Diego Lozano: University of British Columbia Scholarship
Growing up in BC, Diego's youth was shaped by the forests he walked in, the seas he swam in, and the histories embedded in the land. Although he gained technical knowledge of BC's landscapes through his education in Physical Geography, it is Diego's experiences in the landscape that make him care for it. His focus in Landscape Architecture is working with natural and ecocultural systems to find solutions for human and non-human actors through listening, observing, and respecting the land. This scholarship would allow him the opportunity to further focus his research using land-based learning to understand how systems and designs function within climate change.
Nu Nguyen Viet: BCSLA Robillard Scholarship in Landscape Architecture
Growing up in rural Vietnam, where the word "park" was absent from Viet's vocabulary, to becoming a landscape architecture student at UBC Canada has been a transformative journey. For her, the practice of landscape architecture is fascinating, as architects stand at the juncture between art and science, synthesizing them into a unified whole. They may hesitate to step on a wilted flower, yet they can also move mountains and reshape landscapes. This dichotomy shows the weight of landscape architects' decisions, as they navigate between a delicate respect for nature and their role in reshaping entire ecosystems. Therefore, she is still learning to deepen her understanding of nature's value and how to design with care within a larger cultural and social context. Being considered for this scholarship motivates her to explore her abilities while also reminding her to remain humble on this vast journey of learning.
Vincent Morelli: SALA Academic Award Co-Recipient
At first, Vincent was unsure of the career path he wanted to take, and then he came across landscape architecture. He was immediately intrigued by the field, primarily due to the combination of creativity and technicality that is required. After researching more about the field, he was inspired by the unique designs he had seen and knew that producing his own landscapes would provide him with a fulfilling career. Additionally, Vincent had been excited at the prospect of living in a different province, hence his decision to pursue a master’s degree in landscape architecture at UBC. Vincent would use the scholarship money towards paying for tuition, and since he will be moving to a city that is expensive to live in, additional funds are exceptionally helpful.
Cole Bisonnette: SALA Academic Award Co-Recipient
Growing up in a farming community, Cole has always been surrounded by a culture reliant on the health and production of the environment around us. He believes we live in a crucial point in history, with the pressures of climate change ever-present in our lives, and he wants to contribute to a positive shift in how we approach landscape design. The education Cole received in his Bachelors of Regional and Urban Planning degree exposed him to a newfound appreciation and interest in the natural world. The money this award is offering would help him sustain a healthy life away from home while attending school, and will provide him with peace of mind to focus on an education that will help further his professional career and improve his knowledge necessary to make substantial change in the world of landscape architecture
Sarah Wilkins: University of Calgary MLA Scholarship
After completing a course in placemaking and urban design in her undergraduate degree, Sarah knew she wanted to pursue a Master's program in design. Landscape architecture integrates her previous work experience in horticulture in her undergraduate studies in fine arts. Sarah moved from Ontario to pursue her degree at the University of Calgary because of the program’s studio-based structure. She greatly appreciates having the opportunity to work collaboratively with course instructors and other landscape students throughout the design process. Learning about our surrounding landscapes continues to excite her about the field of landscape architecture and its potential to impact both our natural environments and public spaces.
Claudia-Emma Farley-Dabis: Bourse d’étude du 50e anniversaire de l’AAPQ
After completing a bachelor's degree in environmental design, Claudia-Emma discovered landscape architecture through multidisciplinary projects, admiring its complexity and impact. By studying in this field, she hopes to contribute to meaningful conservations about the enhancement of landscapes by integrating cultural dimensions. She has also run design workshops, stimulating their creativity and my own. Currently in her master's program, her exchange at TUM is broadening her vision of the profession abroad. The AAPQ scholarship would support the continuation of her studies and her dissertation research focusing on the interaction between landscape and politics.
Nathan Waite: Peter Klynstra Memorial Scholarship
Nathan Waite is a third-year BLA student at the University of Guelph, originally from Prince Edward Island. Nathan is a strong student with the clear intent to be an ecologically minded landscape practitioner. His nine years of engagement with the landscape industry, work experience and Red Seal Certification in Landscape and Horticulture demonstrate his commitment to landscapes and his expert knowledge and skill. After graduation Nathan plans to pursue professional licensure and practice in the Maritimes.
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With a heart full of compassion, Tan is drawn to landscape architecture as a way to nurture communities and uplift lives. He envisions vibrant, inclusive spaces where people can breathe and relax with nature and each other. Inspired by the beauty and wonder of the natural world, Tan is committed to crafting sustainable, environmentally conscious designs that enrich our world. This scholarship would drive his momentum in creating transformative landscapes that bring joy, serenity, and a sense of belonging. It fuels his creativity, empowering him to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, one beautiful space at a time.
Vanessa dos Santos Martins Macedo Alfonso: Maglin/University of Manitoba Scholarship
Growing up in Brazil’s vibrant tropical landscape, Vanessa cultivated a deep connection to nature and her community. Now, as a mother in Winnipeg, she draws on that experience, recognizing the importance of fostering resilient communities that support the needs of growing children in a safe, high-quality, and climate-resilient urban environment. Pursuing landscape architecture allows her to merge her passion for nature, family, and inclusive design. This scholarship will empower Vanessa to continue developing innovative solutions to pressing urban and environmental challenges, instilling optimism and proving that dedication to family, community, and study can lead to transformative, long-lasting change.
Faustine Liu: Maglin/University of Guelph BLA Scholarship
Faustine is a third-year BLA student with a background in art. She was honoured with the 2021 Bowseat Ocean Awareness Art Award for advocating water protection. Her passion for landscape architecture stems from a desire to design eco-friendly spaces. Faustine actively engaged with the field through the 2024 CSLA Congress and Guelph’s Landscape Architecture Student Society. Her experience has grown through working with the Guelph Campus Master Plan Working Group and interning with the Town of Oakville. This scholarship would support her to continue excelling academically, with a GPA over 90, and create sustainable designs for the community.
Bryan Bruce: Maglin/University of Guelph MLA Scholarship
Bryan's experience as a partner in a residential design and marketing firm has made it evident that most of society desires a connection to the natural environment. The current land development industry obliterates everything the end user is looking for. His research interests are investigating approaches to land development that incorporate responsible land stewardship practices, intending to respectfully insert new environments for living into established living environments. Returning to school full-time after years of working was a big step, and this scholarship helps lessen the financial impact of his decision.
Becky Martin: Maglin/University of Toronto MLA Scholarship
Becky is a third year MLA student at the University of Toronto. She holds a BA in Fine Arts and English from Mount Allison University as well as an MA in Literature from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was an Associate Research Fellow at the Centre for Digital Humanities. In the future, Becky hopes to apply her background towards designing resilient urban landscapes that foster connection to place and joy. Scholarships such as this one not only provide financial assistance but also strengthen her confidence and commitment to engaging in the values-driven work that she cares so much about.
Didier Girard: Maglin/Université de Montréal Scholarship
Didier Girard is a master's student in landscape architecture at the Université de Montréal. He began his career in architecture at UdeM for his bachelor's degree and then at UBC for his master's degree. Although it is still in progress, this master's degree introduced him to landscape architecture and its importance. He also has a certificate in visual arts. He is confident that he's in the right place in his current program, which is in line with his interest in environmental and social issues. This scholarship would help him financially and enable him to continue his involvement in the student body and even get involved in research projects.
Ian Logan: Maglin/University of Dalhousie Scholarship
Ian Logan is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Technology-Landscape Architecture program at Dalhousie University. He grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick on the shore of the Bay of Fundy. He hopes to practice landscape architecture in Atlantic Canada and to focus on ecological restoration of urban spaces. Ian’s prior life experience includes work in eco-tourism, a botanical garden and as a research assistant for restoration and flood mitigation along the Sackville (NS) River. Along with an excellent academic record, Ian has made a big contribution to student life and extracurricular programming at Dalhousie.
Eakin Sawada-Tse: Maglin/University of British Columbia Scholarship
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Eakin is a mission-driven individual from Port Coquitlam with an undergraduate degree in Urban Forestry. Landscape architecture empowers him to respond to highly complex challenges, inspiring him to design livable, just, and sustainable spaces in a world continuously altered by urbanization, climate change, and environmental injustice. From runoff mitigation to food production, accessibility to unmaking harmful landscapes, Eakin pursues landscape architecture hoping to also empower others by creating places that support, respect, and grow their cultures and ecologies. The Maglin-LACF Scholarship would encourage him to continue his mission of empowerment, opening new avenues for expressing his curiosity and contribution.