Alumni Spotlight: Phillip Fernberg

Research, Landscape Architecture, Alumni, Alumni Profiles, ,

Dr. Phillip Fernberg speaking at podium

Dr. Phillip Fernberg presenting at Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF).

 

Phillip Fernberg is a researcher, educator, and technology strategist. He earned a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree from the LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture (LSU RRSLA) in 2019, and has gone on to a multidisciplinary career exploring the intersections of technology and the built environment.

“I have a habit of just following my nose,” he said. His nose has led him to the field of landscape architecture, to innovate in design practice, to exploring emerging technologies changing the world.

“I’ve always kind of lived at the boundaries of disciplines. It’s always been hard for me to box myself into a hyper specificity of any given profession,” he said.

Design Meets Technology

Now an incoming faculty member at Utah State University, Fernberg’s research interests explore the intersection of technology and landscape architecture. Part of the landscape architecture & environmental planning department, he also teaches and conducts research with the Institute for Land, Water, and Air, a policy think tank affiliated with the university and the state of Utah. Additionally, he has a role in the Center for Anticipatory Intelligence, an interdisciplinary multi-domain lab that aims to solve global issues, including geopolitics, biosecurity, climate change, the emergent threat of using technology for conflict, and more.

“I work with a cross-disciplinary team of experts working to explore, anticipate, and solve the world’s most wicked problems,” Fernberg said.

Fernberg also works with the Visualization, Instrumentation, and Virtual Interaction Design (VIVID) Design Laboratory, which aims to bring “the best in class of technology” to spatial design and planning research.

“It’s fun to be able to work in a place with access to AI computing, geospatial modeling, drones and UAVs, and VR headsets, and to put these tools in people’s hands from all across the university,” he said.

His career path has taken him from professional practice to higher education, exploring a range of fields. After he graduated from LSU he moved to San Francisco to work at RHAA Landscape Architecture + Planning firm, where numerous fellow LSU landscape architecture graduates practice.

He decided to advance his research and pursue a PhD at Utah State University, studying in the landscape architecture and environmental planning department. He met his PhD advisor Brent Chamberlain through Mark Boyer, former director of the LSU RRSLA. (Chamberlain is a computational environmental planner)

“Since my time at LSU, I was really interested in the intersection between technology and landscape,” Fernberg said. “While I was working at different firms – engineering, architecture, landscape and planning firms – I was seeing this increasing role of new technologies. And so I had that bug [of interest] in me while in practice, and when I went back to get my PhD.”

During his PhD, Fernberg quickly became interested in the fast-evolving applications of AI and “delved in” to the emerging field of study. He was awarded the 2023 Landscape Architecture Foundation Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership, to study AI in landscape architecture.

Next, he took a position as Director of Digital Innovation at OJB Landscape Architecture (Office of Jim Burnett) in San Diego, where he helped the firm advance technological aspirations. Fernberg is now helping to cofound a tech startup for the nursery industry called Bloomlogic, trying to help problems with supply chain, logistics, and upstream management of one of the main design mediums of landscape architecture: plants.

Rooted in Landscape Architecture

Fernberg’s start in the field of landscape architecture began “in the real late stage” of his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University, he said. “Right before I was finishing undergrad, I had figured out that urban design was very interesting to me,” he said.

He had learned this “largely due to one of my past lives as an entertainer on cruise ships (I’ve worked random jobs ranging from Disney performer to librarian assistant in the Library of Congress). On ships, I would wake up each day in a new city, immersed in a new set of streets and public spaces and would be inspired by the many different ways they were laid out,” he shared. “At some point, I made the realization that there were people who made decisions about those layouts, whether formally or informally. It took a lot of searching through majors and specialities until the urban design class finally made things click.”

Interested in coastal studies, he came across the LSU MLA program basically “Googling,” he said with a laugh. “I read about the Coastal Sustainability Studio (now called the Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio) affiliated with the LSU College of Art & Design, which is what originally drew me to do my MLA at LSU.”

So he came to campus. “I visited [the LSU RRSLA] and there was this sense that you’re able to get an education on par with any of the other big great schools that you hear about, but also really grounded in the practice of landscape architecture and the fundamentals of design. It has both a rigorous structure and there’s this freedom to define your own path there, if you choose.”

“I knew I would get both the bread and butter of what the profession is, but you also have opportunities to explore and be able to reinvent whatever it is you do in your career.”

The LSU RRSLA has a warm and supportive community, he said. “Throughout my whole time in my MLA, I always felt that at the core of it, the faculty wanted my success – they wanted me to do well. I went deep, gained an understanding of what landscape architecture is and has been, but I could also see places where I could go with it. And I gained a skill set that has been transferrable across fields.”

LSU’s landscape architecture program trains students with a solid foundation in the principles of design, all the way through the progression of history and theories of design, he said. “At LSU you learn all the important procedural skills that you need to be a landscape architect,” he said. “You learn how to use CAD and all the relevant design programs, and of course the fundamental principles of drawing that were taught in foundation studios. So right away in practice, you can show up to the office and if someone asks you, ‘can you do this kind of thing?’ – and the answer is yes, easy.”

At the same time, learning how to think more critically about the relationship between design and place, and the framework of being in “dialogue with a landscape has a huge impact on the way I approach practice, the way I approach my research and teaching and pretty much everything I do,” Fernberg said.
“And it goes beyond landscape architecture.”

Where Stately Oaks and Broad Magnolias Shade Inspiring Halls

Originally from Southern California, Fernberg was instantly drawn to LSU’s dappled campus. “Under the shade of these massive live oak trees, it is a cool place,” he said. “And the people are super warm and welcoming, and have no problem just delving right into the heart of a good, meaty conversation with you, in a genuine way. I always appreciated those things, being a part of the community there.”

Inspirational professors, transformative studios, and opportunities to travel are among the most memorable aspects of his time at LSU.

“I have so many great memories of my time at LSU,” Fernberg said. “I remember my first year, first semester studio with Professor Emeritus Van Cox, which was completely unforgettable. It was at once the greatest orientation to landscape architecture and also the greatest orientation to Louisiana and life in Baton Rouge.”

“Another fond memory from over the years was our final year’s studio with my cohort, when we traveled with Professor Bruce Sharky to Portugal. That was amongst the last trips that Bruce led, and it was so special. It was the embodiment of Bruce’s ideal studio: travel, culture and design. How do those things all fit together? It was incredible. We were all just walking around southern Portugal sketching it, talking about it, identifying potential projects. Then he took us through a completely freeform studio where the main theme was: how can you apply all the skills you’ve come up with over the past 2 1/2 years together and apply them to interesting issues and problems, and how can you grow as a person because of it?”

See photos.

Professor Sharky passed away in 2023 and left a profound impact on the generations of LSU students that he taught. “I really miss Bruce deeply,” Fernberg said. “He’s a wonderful, incredible human being, and he had a huge impact on our education.”

Sharky’s enduring legacy lives on, in the many landscape architects that he taught, now practicing across the globe.

For the Future

For future aspiring landscape architects and students deciding whether to pursue graduate education, Fernberg advises, “When you pick your master’s degree, ask yourself, ‘what are possible trajectories I could see myself on, and does this potential program seem to equip me with the skills needed for any of those trajectories?’ Do you want to help design the biggest, most interesting, transformational public park of the century – or pen the public policy of the century? Or perhaps represent fantastical landscapes for a movie studio? Or make science documentaries about our changing planet?”

“Ask yourself, what do you want to do, or what could you possibly do?”

For lifelong learners like Phillip Fernberg, the possibilities are endless.

 

Learn more about the LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture.

 

 

LSU Faculty Work Featured in LSU Museum of Art Exhibition In Focus

Art & Design, Research, Landscape Architecture, Art, Ceramics, Digital Art, Graphic Design, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Exhibitions, Faculty, Faculty Emeritus

The LSU Museum of Art exhibition In Focus features art by LSU College of Art & Design faculty, showcasing the vast range of talent in areas such as digital technology, painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and printmaking. In Focus is on view April 24–August 3, 2025.

“Their work sets the standard for students and demonstrates the University’s commitment to training the next generation of artists, providing them with the skills, vision, and understanding needed to succeed in a world of accelerating cultural and social change, innovation, and rapid globalization,” according to the LSU Museum of Art.

Participating LSU faculty include: professor of painting/drawing Ed Smith, professor of painting/drawing Kelli Scott Kelley, associate professor of photography Johanna Warwick, professor of photography Jeremiah Ariaz, associate professor of art Denyce Celentano, associate professor of art Scott Andresen, associate professor of sculpture Loren Schwerd, associate professor of ceramics Michaelene Walsh, associate professor of photography Kristine Thompson, assistant professor of printmaking Lauren Graciela Cardenás, assistant professor of graphic design Andrew Shurtz, professor of graphic design Courtney Barr, associate professor of digital art Derick Ostrenko, professor of printmaking Leslie Koptcho, professor of graphic design Lynne Joddrell Baggett, and assistant professor of graphic design Luisa Fernanda Restrepo Pérez. The exhibition also includes a special presentation of work by LSU professor emeritus Edward Pramuk, The XYZ Collective (Brendan Harmon, LSU associate professor of landscape architecture, Hye Yeon Nam, associate professor of digital art, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Annicia Streete, LSU assistant professor of architecture, Nicholas Serrano, assistant professor of landscape architecture, University of Florida), and LSU assistant professor of professional practice William Maxen. The Pen Test is a collaboration between LSU associate professor of digital art Derick Ostrenko, LSU associate professor of experimental music & digital media Jesse Allison, and artist Vincent Cellucci, TU Delft Library.

“I’m excited to see my work at the LSU Museum among the work of my colleagues,” Kelley said. “In my work subconscious worlds, populated by hybrid beings, are woven into dreamlike tales. Figures, animals, and objects appear in metaphorical narratives which explore humankind’s connection, disconnection and impact on the natural world.” Her piece Female Sutler (2025), acrylic on a vintage quilt, is featured in the exhibition entrance.

The School of Art continues to thrive as a center for innovation, artistic expression, and creative exploration. One of the largest and most comprehensive art schools in the region, the program employs dozens of accomplished professional artists, designers, and researchers, working in a wide range of media. The School of Art collaborates with the LSU Museum of Art as a forum that offers opportunities for LSU art students to learn about art in a modern museum setting located in downtown Baton Rouge.

Learn more about In Focus.

Learn more about the LSU Museum of Art.

 

LSU School of Art seeks entries for its 2025 Juried Summer Contemporary: FELT

Art & Design, Exhibitions

The LSU School of Art and LSU College of Art & Design are pleased to invite contemporary local and regional artists and culture bearers to submit work to this year’s summer show—an open call, juried exhibition entitled FELT, which will be on view in Glassell Gallery located in downtown Baton Rouge’s Shaw Center for the Arts.

Taking an expansive approach to feel, feeling, felt, Glassell Gallery is seeking artists whose work addresses emotional states and embodiment—to the shifts felt when we tune into our senses. We seek work that embraces the sensuous—touch, temperature, vibration, aura—and connects the haptic, emotional, and somatic.

The call for entries is open April 22–June 10, 2024; entries are accepted via artcall.org at the following link Home | FELT | LSU School of Art Summer Contemporary. Please review the full submission guidelines and important dates at this link, where you may also submit your work. There is a $10 fee for entry. The exhibition will be on view from July 12–August 23, 2025, at Glassell Gallery.

About the Juror

Emily Wilkerson is the founder and director of Other Plans, a contemporary art gallery in New Orleans that presents solo and two-person exhibitions by an inter-generational group of artists. Wilkerson’s writing has been featured in Artforum.com, Art in America, Pelican Bomb, Art Papers, Burnaway, and multiple exhibition catalogs, and she has worked on exhibitions and projects with Prospect New Orleans, the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, the Chinati Foundation, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, among others. Wilkerson completed her master’s at the University of Southern California in Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere in 2012 and holds a B.A. from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Submission Deadlines

The call will be open from April 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m. CT through June 10, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

Awards

First $750 / Second $500 / Third $250

Eligibility & Guidelines

Contemporary visual artists and culture bearers who live, work, study in–or are connected to– Louisiana are eligible to apply. We especially encourage local and college/university student-artists from across the Greater Baton Rouge area to apply. Artists must be 18 years and older.

There is a $10 entry fee.

Full details and guidelines can be found at https://felt-summercontemporary.artcall.org

Important Dates  

Open Call: April 22–June 10, 2025 – Entries accepted through artcall.org

Juror Review: June 11–22, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: June 23, 2025

Mail or Delivery of Artwork: Glassell Gallery June 29–July 2 / July 7

Exhibition Dates: July 12–August 23, 2025

Reception & Awards: Saturday, August 23, 6–8 p.m.

Learn more about LSU College of Art & Design

Angelina Nguyen Selected for 2025 Metropolis Future100

Art & Design, Students, Architecture

Angelina NguyenAngelina Nguyen, an undergraduate architecture student, was selected for the 2025 METROPOLIS Future100. Each year, METROPOLIS magazine recognizes the top graduating architecture and interior design students across the United States and Canada through its prestigious Future100 program.

Angelina was nominated by Fabio Capra-Ribeiro, assistant professor of architecture, for her demonstrated excellence as a future architect.

“Angelina’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and innovative thinking exemplifies the kind of talent that will shape the future of architecture,” he said. “She has also received the prestigious O.J. Baker Portfolio Award, which highlights her ability to communicate her ideas effectively and with artistic clarity – skills crucial for any emerging architect.”

A fifth-year (May 2025 graduate) in the LSU School of Architecture, Angelina is a Bachelor of Architecture major with a minor in architectural history, and an LSU Honors College student. She was the 2024 first place winner of the O.J. Baker Award, a 2024 LSU Discover Summer Research Grant Recipient, and an LSU CxC Certified Communicator.

“I am so honored to have been recognized by LSU and by Metropolis Magazine!” Angelina shared.

A design researcher, Angelina has presented at a number of conferences while still an undergraduate student. In March 2025 she presented her research at the Penn State University 2025 Biophilia Symposium: Designing for Animals.

She presented her research “Integrating Non-Human Habitats into Architectural Design: The Case Study of Bird Nest Facades in Louisiana” in front of numerous professionals, educators, and graduate students from a variety of professions, ranging from landscape architecture, ecology, and archeology.

“As the only undergraduate presenting their research at this conference, I had much to learn about this important topic that has not yet been acknowledged by most architecture curriculums,” she said. “This conference gave me valuable insight into the growing conversations in multi-disciplinary design, and I hope to participate in more events soon!”

During her time at the LSU School of Architecture, Angelina has worked as a student worker on campus. She has also gained design skills in the field as an intern at Didier Architecture from 2022-2024. Read more about internships/externships at the LSU College of Art & Design.

After graduation, she plans to find work in Chicago or Boston.

Read more about the LSU School of Architecture.

 

 

Graduate Student Spotlight: Meet Safiyeh Niknami, MFA 2025

Art & Design, Students, Research, Galleries, Events, Art, Graphic Design, Exhibitions, Doctor of Design, , , ,

Designer of the World

Niknami by designs on wall

For Freedom Typography project, by Safiyeh Niknami (MFA 2025).

Safiyeh Niknami is an artist and designer born and nurtured in the rich cultural heritage of Iran. She graduates with an MFA in graphic design at LSU in 2025, and also plans to embark on a journey as a Doctor of Design candidate.

Her journey into graphic design began “in the warmth of my childhood home, where I was drawn to art, from it was doodling in my books to creating collages with old newspapers. I cherish memories of sitting beside my mother as she sewed, using leftover pieces of fabric to create colorful patterns and pictures.”

“Design is never just a hobby for me, it is a style of life.”

Choosing graphic design was more than a career decision; it was a natural path that allowed her to combine creativity with purpose. “I chose graphic design because it allows me to speak visually on a global scale, breaking language barriers and telling stories that resonate with people everywhere,” she said.

Her international worldview profoundly influences her art, Safiyeh said. “The experiences I’ve had and the cultures I’ve been exposed to shape the themes and subjects I explore in my art and design practice,” she said. “Growing up in a cultural environment and moving to a foreign country has led me to incorporate various cultural elements into my work, celebrating the beauty of multiculturalism.”

“My personal beliefs and values inform my artistic choices,” she said. “Whether addressing human issues, exploring identity, or reflecting on nature, my art often reflects my hopes, concerns, and aspirations for the world. I find that my perspective on humanity, life, and the environment drives the emotions I want to convey, pushing me to create pieces that resonate on a deeper level.”

“My worldview influences the mediums and techniques I choose in my work. For instance, if I feel a connection to a product, I may incorporate cultural and historical elements and blend them with modern design to create a deeper meaning in my design. Ultimately, my design serves as a visual representation of how I perceive the world, inviting viewers to engage with my perspective and perhaps reconsider their own.”

Safa Thesis exhibition
After graduating from Alzahra University in Tehran, she worked as a freelance designer, collaborating with various companies both in Iran and internationally. Over the years, she wanted to continue her personal and professional growth. She decided to pursue an MFA degree, aiming to deepen her understanding and enhance her skills in a more structured academic environment.

A Welcoming Art & Design Community

“I chose LSU because it felt like the right place for me to grow,” Safiyeh said. “Among several options, LSU stood out with its supportive community and a teaching style that really clicked with my learning preferences. The environment at LSU is nurturing and dynamic, perfect for achieving my educational aspirations. Plus, as an Iranian female artist, I felt particularly welcomed and valued here. Over the past three years, LSU has provided some of the most enriching and memorable moments of my academic journey.”

“Some of my best moments at LSU revolve around the inspiring guidance I received from esteemed graphic design faculty like Professor Courtney Barr and Assistant Professor Luisa Restrepo,” she shared. “Their support was crucial in helping me reach new heights in both my academic and professional life. Participating in prestigious competitions like the American Advertising Federation Awards and coming away with several awards stands out as particularly rewarding. These achievements underscore the nurturing and encouraging atmosphere at the LSU School of Art, which has been pivotal in my growth and development.”

While completing her MFA degree, Safa worked in the Graphic Design Student Office (GDSO), a professional graphic design office at the LSU College of Art & Design.

As a GDSO designer, she provided professional design services for local community organizations and university departments, engaging in a wide array of projects that showcased commitment to impactful design. She had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, including creating brochures, catalogs, annual reports, art exhibition cards, posters, and logos.

“Each project offered unique challenges and the chance to immerse myself in the creative process,” she said. “Working at GDSO was not only about gaining invaluable real-world experience; it was also about honing my skills in graphic design, expanding my network, and building a comprehensive portfolio that reflects my abilities and style.”

Safa Niknami by thesis exhibit

Thesis Time: Design Meets Technology

Her MFA thesis exhibition SAFIYEH NIKNAMI: From Roses to Pixels: Design for Kashan’s Golab Festival showcased the Golabgiri Festival in Kashan, Iran, an annual rose water festival, through the lens of graphic design and digital experiences. This project was a valuable opportunity to push her design and research skills while engaging visitors in a cultural dialogue, Safiyeh said.

“I developed a destination branding strategy that reflects the deep cultural richness of Kashan, bringing its traditions to life in a modern context. At the heart of my exhibition was a prototype of the Golab App, a travel guide powered by AI to help visitors and tourists navigate Kashan and fully immerse themselves in its cultural events, particularly the Golab Festival. This exhibition allowed me to share a piece of Iranian art and heritage with an American audience, presenting it through innovative design solutions that bridge tradition and technology.”

In the future, she hopes to continue to blend her love for graphic design with my passion for cultural preservation. “I aim to be recognized as an international artist who uses graphic design as a powerful tool to bridge cultures and communicate meaningful messages across global platforms. Specifically, I wish to deepen my exploration of Iranian art and culture, bringing its rich heritage to a broader audience through my professional work and ongoing research.”

As a Doctor of Design candidate, she will continue my research focusing on cultural preservation, exploring how design and visual arts can significantly impact the conservation and enhancement of cultures that are fading into obscurity. “I look forward to further developing my skills and knowledge as a Doctor of Design candidate, focusing on innovative solutions that make heritage art forms relevant and preserved in the modern world.”

“My research will specifically address the culture and arts of Iran, investigating how these elements can be effectively showcased on a global scale through innovative design practices. This study aims to demonstrate how strategic design interventions can promote and maintain cultural heritage, making it accessible and relevant to a worldwide audience. The goal is to help heritage artworks stay alive and preserved in the modern world. To achieve this, I am analyzing historical Persian motifs and their unique features, creating a bridge between tradition and modernity in forms, mediums, and design strategies.”

Advice for Future Students

“For students interested in graphic design or considering graduate school, it’s crucial to immerse yourself deeply in both practical and theoretical aspects of the field,” she advises. “Always be curious and willing to explore new technologies and design methodologies. For international students, it’s particularly important to engage actively with the broader community, not just within your field but also in diverse cultural settings. This engagement can provide unique perspectives and opportunities, enhancing your creative output and helping you build a supportive network.”

“It’s vital to approach your studies and projects with curiosity and an open mind,” she said. “The field of graphic design is constantly evolving, so staying innovative and proactive in learning new skills is key. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles and mediums. Remember, every project is a chance to refine your skills and define your voice as a designer.”

“The challenges you face will build your resilience and expand your creative horizons, preparing you for a successful career in any part of the world.”

Learn more about the MFA in graphic design program.

Learn more about the Doctor of Design program.

LSU College of Art & Design Announces Damien Mitchell and Nicholas Roberts as 2025 Open Experimental Studio resident artists

Visiting Artists, Galleries, Events, Art, Printmaking, ,
LSU College of Art & Design has selected two resident artists for the second year of its Open Experimental Studio. Designer and Assistant Professor of Industrial Design Damien Mitchell and LSU School of Art MFA ‘26 printmaker Nicholas Roberts will set up open studios in Glassell Gallery, located in the Shaw Center for the Arts, throughout the month of June. The artists will kick off their residency during Free First Sunday on June 1, 2025. Both artists will spend three days a week in Glassell Gallery making their own work and inviting visitors to make with them June 1–28.  
  
Damien Mitchell artist at work

Damien Mitchell

Damien Mitchell is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. He is a native of Louisiana who has worked as a multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur in the fields of industrial design and graphic design. He obtained a Bachelor of Industrial Design from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and later a Master of Fine Arts degree from The University of California – Davis. His current work explores the intersection of craft and design technology in an effort to increase the accessibility and sustainability of product making. He is dedicated to empowering individuals to become designers by using craft as a tool for creativity and innovation. Learn more about the Damien Mitchell 
Nick Roberts

Nick Roberts

Nicholas Roberts is a visual artist and educator currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking at Louisiana State University. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Studio Art and Art Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Originally from southeastern Pennsylvania, Roberts was raised in a working-class family where identity and home were closely tied to labor. This foundation continues to inform his artistic practice, which explores themes of work, memory, and the construction of self-created spaces. Through intaglio printmaking, oil painting, and sculptural installation, Roberts investigates home as both a physical space and an emotional concept. 
 
 
 
 
 
The Open Experimental Studio seeks not only to activate the gallery but to activate creative expression. It offers visitors the opportunity to experiment with artmaking, community building, and contributing their work to the experimental space. The Open Experimental Studio values process over product, experience over outcome, and communing over consuming. It seeks to create a supportive, open space for playful expression through artmaking that is open and welcoming to all.  
  
In addition to the artists’ studios, the gallery will offer open studio space for visitors to create, scheduled workshops, and collaborative projects that will be facilitated by the artists over their month-long residency. The Open Experimental Studio will host an opening event with both artists Sunday June 1, from 2–5 p.m. All Open Experimental Studio hours, workshops, and events are free and open to all.  More details about projects and workshops will be released in early May, including more about a closing event planned for June 28, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. The 2025 Open Experimental Studio is supported by the Charles Lamar Family Foundation. 
Learn more about LSU College of Art & Design 

Art & Design Students Attend LSU Disney Leadership Experience

Students, Interior Design, Art, , , ,

Designers Experience the Magic of Disney

This spring break, Aubrey Sorrells Landaiche, Bachelor of Art & Design junior, and Kylee Obermeyer, Bachelor of Interior Design senior, were among the LSU students who traveled to the Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Students across a range of majors (including nutrition, engineering, art) had the opportunity to participate in the LSU Disney Leadership Experience due to their leadership roles on campus. Kylee and Aubrey qualified because they are officers of Tiger TPED (Theme Park Engineering and Design). 

“The best part of the experience was getting to see behind the scenes of the parks and get a deeper understanding of the daily environment of cast members and all the cogs that keep Disney World running,” Kylee said. “The experience tied to my major as my thesis is theme park design and being able to see the behind the scenes was informative.”

“The experience allowed me to spend time in the parks to appreciate the art and design that goes into themed entertainment,” Aubrey said.

“I hope to work in the themed entertainment industry as an artist, so seeing the product of such creative and artistic jobs was very rewarding. Similarly, it was fascinating to see the animations throughout the rides and queues. Because I am making a short film for my animation class, I made sure to grab lots of reference and inspiration photos! It was amazing to see so many different art styles around the parks!”

Smiling LSU students at Disneyworld

LSU students at Disney Animation Campus

Inspiring Future Leaders

“It was super empowering to be given time by Disney to improve our leadership skills,” Kylee said.

Aubrey said she gained new leadership skills from the experience. She was chosen to serve as a small group manager as we completed a series of mock assignments for a mock company. The students were assigned puzzles and riddles that they had to complete for our “clients.”

“As a manager, I got hands-on experience on how to assign roles, check in on employees, and help struggling groups complete their challenge. I really enjoyed the experience, so I am thinking of pursuing project management within the artistic field after graduation.”

On the way to Florida, the students stopped to complete a service project through The Mustard Seed of Central Florida. They helped organize clothes, housewares, and mattresses for local veterans and underserved communities. “It was incredibly rewarding,” they shared.

“For me, the best part was learning how to better lead my club in the future,” Aubrey said. “I now feel much more confident in assuming a higher leadership role next year. What better place to learn about how to lead a theme park club than at Disney World?”

Students by Disney castle

Pictured: Disney roommates Aubrey, Kylee, Julia Hoppmeyer (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2028), Lauren Gillio (Nutrition, Class of 2027)

Soo Jeong Jo Awarded Innovative C-I Teacher Award

Honors & Awards, Architecture, Communication across the Curriculum, Faculty, ,

Soo Jeong JoSoo Jeong Jo, assistant professor of architecture, was awarded the Lillian Bridwell-Bowles Innovative C-I Teacher Award. LSU’s Faculty Awards honor faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. 

“This honor exemplifies Professor Soo Jeong Jo’s commitment to teaching architecture students, and her innovative approach to teaching design studios,” said Rod Parker, interim dean of the LSU College of Art & Design.

A licensed architect in France and South Korea, Jo is also a member of the Society of Building Science Educators (SBSE). Her research focuses on high-performance design based on building performance simulations (BPS) specifically for the early stages of architectural design.

Prior to her research and teaching, Jo was a practicing architect in Paris, New York City, and Seoul. During this time, she participated in various award-winning projects, both in architecture and urban planning, including sites in Korea, China, Virginia, USA. Her professional experience sparked her research interest in sustainability and building performance, which finally led her to academia. Combining her backgrounds in research, teaching, and design, she explores the interactions between science and architectural design.

Additionally, Jo recently received the AIAS/ACSA New Faculty Teaching Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).

Lillian Bridwell-Bowles Innovative C-I Teacher Award honors the late Lillian Bridwell-Bowles, LSU CxC’s founding director.

View the 2025 University Faculty Awards.

Read more:

Luisa Restrepo Pérez Named 2023–24 C-I Teaching Fellow | COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

Marsha Cuddeback Receives Inaugural CxC Outstanding Faculty Award | COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

Allison Young Awarded 2025 LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award

Art & Design, Research, Honors & Awards, Art History, Art, Faculty

Allison YoungAllison Young, assistant professor of art history, has been honored with the 2025 LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates Young’s exceptional contributions to the field of art history and acknowledges her innovative research.

A Scholar of Distinction

Dr. Allison Young’s research spans a wide array of topics within the discipline of art history, with a particular focus on the intersections of visual culture, history, and social movements. Throughout her career, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional art history, seeking to understand the ways in which art functions within and reflects the broader contexts of race, gender, politics, and identity. Her scholarship has been widely praised for its depth, rigor, and interdisciplinary approach, making her one of the leading scholars in her field.

Young is assistant professor of contemporary art history at LSU, and an affiliate faculty member in the department of African and African American Studies (AAAS) at LSU. A specialist in postcolonial and contemporary art of the Global South, her scholarship centers primarily on African and African-Diasporic artists and art histories, with focus on questions surrounding migration, transnationalism, and political engagement in contemporary art. She has a book project on the work of South African artist Gavin Jantjes, and is engaged in research on the intersection of contemporary art, environmentalism, and social justice in Louisiana. She has published scholarly articles on contemporary artists, and has also contributed writing to numerous exhibition catalogues and books.

Her research projects often examine works of art in ways that go beyond the traditional aesthetic analysis, considering how they shape, and are shaped by, their cultural and political environments. Her recent projects have explored the role of art in social justice movements, and she is particularly known for her investigations into the ways that artists engage with issues of race and representation.

The LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award

The LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award is given to faculty members who are in the early stages of their careers but have already demonstrated exceptional promise and achievement in their research. This award not only honors Young’s accomplishments but also recognizes her potential for future contributions to the field. The accolade celebrates the work of faculty members who are shaping the future of their disciplines and bringing fresh insights to their areas of expertise.

As part of the award, Young will receive a monetary prize and will be recognized during the LSU Alumni Association’s annual Faculty Awards ceremony. The award provides support for Young’s ongoing research initiatives and underscores the LSU Alumni Association’s commitment to advancing the intellectual excellence of the university’s faculty.

In addition to her research achievements, Young is also recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentorship. At LSU, she has worked to inspire and guide the next generation of art historians, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to think critically about the role of art in society.

A Bright Future Ahead

“The LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award is a testament to the outstanding work that Professor Young has already accomplished in her academic career,” said Rod Parker, interim Dean of the LSU College of Art & Design and director of the School of Art. “As she continues to make meaningful contributions to the field of art history, there is no doubt that her work will continue to inspire and influence scholars and students alike. This award not only recognizes her past achievements, but also highlights the bright future that lies ahead for this dynamic researcher.” 

Young’s art history research not only enriches the field but also plays a crucial role in promoting a more inclusive and socially conscious understanding of art. As LSU celebrates her success, Young’s contributions will continue to shape the future of art history for years to come.

Read more:

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Allison Young Receives 2023 ATLAS Grant for Book on South African Artist

LSU Art & Design Field Trips

Art Addressing Cybersecurity Intrigues LSU Expert Who Served as Judge

 

Learn more about the LSU School of Art.

Learn more about the LSU art history program.

Landscape Architecture Students Propose Mini Farms for Baton Rouge Urban Agriculture

Students, Landscape Architecture, Community Outreach,

LSU students with models on table

Urban farming plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable, resilient communities by reconnecting people to the land, promoting local food production, and reducing the environmental impact of industrial agriculture. As cities grow, innovative solutions like micro-farms offer a unique opportunity to transform underutilized spaces into productive, green areas that contribute to food security, community engagement, and ecological health. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a group of landscape architecture students has harnessed the power of design to create micro-farm design proposals that not only serve as a model for urban agriculture but also highlight the potential of transforming landscapes to support both the environment and the people who call these cities home.

student by plans on tableLA 2002: Site Design Studio, a second-year studio project, co-taught by Fabiana Trindade da Silva, assistant professor of landscape architecture, and professional-in-residence Brian Goad, engaged 25 landscape architecture students in designing a micro-farm for the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden Museum and Gardens.

The project focused on developing a space that integrates educational opportunities with sustainable agricultural practices, including edible gardens, small-scale farming, poultry and livestock, and honey production. Students worked in teams to conduct site analysis, develop design concepts, and create site plans that balance functionality, aesthetics, and historical context.

“This project allowed students to navigate the complexities of site design while collaborating with a real client,” da Silva said. “It was exciting to see how they integrated historical landscape elements with contemporary agricultural practices to create thoughtful and innovative proposals.”

“The site design studio has really allowed our creativity to foster while developing our skills as landscape architects,” Bachelor of Landscape Architecture candidate Luka Hernandez said. “It has been a great experience, as we are given real site locations and clients for each of the projects we have done so far.”

For the Burden Micro Farm Project, students were presented with a host of different constraints and challenging program items that truly tested everyone in the class, Luka said. They were tasked with designing a space that educates users on how to grow their own food in an urban environment, such as backyards or apartment balconies.
The LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture provides opportunities for design students to collaborate with local communities in meaningful ways. A key aspect of this project was engaging with the client (LSU Burden Botanic Gardens team) not only during the briefing and final review, but also throughout the early design process, providing students with a deeper understanding of real-world collaboration, da Silva said.

designers in discussion

“We were extremely pleased with the results of the mini-farm designs created by the LSU landscape architecture students,” said Keith Lewis from the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. “Their ability to integrate modern agricultural concepts with Steele Burden’s classic landscape style truly honored the legacy of the site. The students’ designs will help us further our mission of connecting people with agriculture, nature, and education.”

The final review was evaluated by a jury that included:
Bridget LaBorde – Director of Development, LSU AgCenter Burden Botanic Gardens
Kaylee Deynzer – Instructor of Horticulture, LSU
Albert Hammett – Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, East Baton Rouge Parishbr> Joe LeBlanc – Research Farm Specialist, LSU AgCenter Burden Botanic Gardens
Keith Lewis – Research Associate Coordinator, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

The LSU landscape architecture students’ micro farm project in Baton Rouge exemplifies how thoughtful design and community-driven solutions can transform urban spaces into sustainable, productive environments that benefit both the local ecosystem and residents.

View Project Design: