The Landscape Architecture + Environmental and Urban Design Industry Advisory Board convened on May 6, 2026, at FIU for its Spring Board Meeting. Chair Ebru Ozer, along with Associate Deans John Stuart and Marilys Nepomechie, warmly welcomed board members and expressed sincere gratitude for their commitment to advancing the department. They emphasized the tremendous value the board brings through its guidance, insight, and unwavering support of the department, college, and institution.
Chair Ebru Ozer shared exciting news regarding award-winning students, faculty, and alumni, as well as the department’s significant scholarly and creative accomplishments and continued program growth. She also presented updates on curriculum development, student and faculty activities, end-of-semester celebrations, and recent achievements across the department.
The board meets three times annually in person and three times virtually, ensuring consistent engagement and meaningful input throughout the year. Its thoughtful recommendations continue to play a vital role in strengthening the curriculum and informing key departmental initiatives and priorities.
Members and representatives in attendance included Ben Hutchens ’06 (ArquitectonicaGEO), Carolina Monteiro ’10 (CLAD), George Puig (Kimley-Horn), Jennie Rogers ’07 (Curtis + Rogers Design Studio), Justine Velez (Urban Robot), Laura Reyes (EDSA, Inc.), and Patricia Matamoros ’19, representing Barry Miller and Savino and Miller Design Studio.
A special thank you to Helen Cohen for joining the board meeting and graciously moderating the deliberation and voting process for the six LAEUD students who presented their work to the board for the ASLA Student Honor and Merit Awards. As part of this national initiative, faculty nominate students and external professionals evaluate and judge the submissions.
Congratulations to our outstanding students:
• Brittney Silva, Cesar Deschamps, and Maya Alawa — ASLA Student Honor Award Certificate recipients
• Andres Beltran, Joseph Andrew Higgins, and Manuel Echeverri — ASLA Student Merit Award Certificate recipients
Cesar Deschamps and Maya Alawa will present their work at the upcoming ASLA Florida Annual Conference in Orlando this July, contributing to continuing education sessions for licensed landscape architects. All award-winning students will receive their certificates during the conference’s business meeting.
We are deeply grateful to our board members and ASLA leaders for their steadfast support and invaluable contributions to the continued growth and success of our department.
