Where are you from?
Carmel, Indiana
Where do you/did you attend school? Share with us the city/town, what you are majoring in, and what your academic interests are?
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, and my professional Master of Architecture from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. I completed my 3rd year in the architecture PhD program at the University of Cincinnati where I’m also working towards a historic preservation certificate.
My research interests are primarily focused on the built and natural environments of Ottoman Crete and the adaptations that took place during the late 19th century.
What are your career goals?
I plan to continue advocating for historic preservation through education and research, whether that’s in an academic, government, or NGO position.
Our nation has a rich cultural heritage and the built environment is a part of this heritage. We should continue to learn about the meaning and role of preservation, about how we can benefit from past knowledge, and how to work towards a sustainable and inclusive future.
Outside of school and work what are your hobbies and/or interests?
As a first generation American born to parents from Greece and Iran, I enjoy cooking and learning a variety of dishes from each background. When I’m not traveling or exploring new places, I can be found tending to the 30 plus plants in my apartment, reading, or watching NBA/college basketball games with my 23 pound Maine Coon cat.
What is your internship project focus? Explain what you will be doing, which parks will you be working with? Who is your mentor at the Olmsted Center?
I’ll be working as a digital media specialist to create a variety of cultural landscape profiles and GIS StoryMaps that highlight the unique historic landscapes of the Northeast. My mentor at the Olmsted Center is Jennifer Hanna.
Why did you choose to participate in a Designing the Parks Internship? How is your internship hosted?
As a PhD student and academic researcher, I utilize research as a means of sharing the often forgotten and sometimes untold stories of the past. I found that this position merged aspects of storytelling and representation – both of which can aid in stimulating the curiosity and generating excitement from the public. The past is not just an entry in a textbook, it is a source of relevant knowledge for today, a source of timeless information, and even a guide to the future. My internship is hosted by the nonprofit organization, the American Conservation Experience.
What are you looking forward to learning or exploring during your internship?
As someone with a predominately architecture background, I hope to gain a better understanding for the field of landscape architecture. I’m also looking forward to learning about the varying cultural landscapes in the Northeast, as well as becoming more exposed to the processes of how the NPS operates and the resources it has to offer to the public.
I’m also interested in implementing a variety of ways to communicate and encourage public engagement regarding historic preservation. I believe that the public needs to increase awareness and interest in preservation by understanding it’s reasons and benefits. Such engagement is foundational for preservation to succeed.
What types of opportunities will Designing the Parks provide you with?
The ability to be creative and explore different approaches, as well as to learn from established practitioners of preservation. There is also access to a variety of webinars and recourses that present useful information in preserving American heritage and culture. Lastly, there are so many opportunities that can be found just by learning from and collaborating with the diverse backgrounds of other interns and those working at the Olmsted Center and other NPS positions.
Designing the Parks 