The University of Washington Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects
Your 2023-2024 UWASLA Officers
Hunter Ottman
MLA Co-President
I am currently in my second year of the MLA-Track II & MUP concurrent degree program. I grew up in San Diego, got my BLA at Davis, and spend my free time outside doing landscape and wildlife photography, hiking, and skiing. Academically, I am focused on urban ecology, green infrastructure, and more broadly the planning and design of environments that foster functional human cohabitation with other living organisms.
This year, as part of my leadership role in UWASLA, I hope to expand this chapter’s support network for its members, strengthen our relationship with WASLA and student organizations/chapters within our college, as well as better connect students with the people, services, and opportunities that they need. While we do have a very engaged and supportive department, I feel as though there is always room for improvement, and UWALSA has a responsibility to support students with their academic, professional, and personal need; it will be the top priority in UWASLA’s decision making and we welcome your questions and concerns.
Yixuan (Eve) Wang (she/her)
BLA Co-President
Hi everyone, I am a fifth year undergraduate student in my BLA program. Over the past three years, with the global pandemic as a backdrop, I’ve come to realize the pressing need for creating more inclusive and vibrant public spaces where people can find solace, rejuvenate, and flourish. Besides class, you can see me collecting rubber ducks from CBE happy hour or strolling along the scenic Burke Gilman Trail.
This year, as part of my leadership role in UWASLA, I’m excited to contribute to fostering a warm and enjoyable design community. Together, let’s make this year an inspiring and collaborative journey for all of us.
Vasilisa Karp (she/they)
UWASLA Secretary
Hello! I am a second year BLA and am excited to be a part of the UWASLA team this year! I am passionate about design outreach and drawing really small. I hope to work hard and improve our program for all current and future students!
Liz Forelle (she / her)
PAC Liaison
I am currently in my second year of the MLA I program here at UW. Before starting the program, I worked in outdoor education, on an educational farm, and worked on a garden team that focused on maintenance of residential gardens. I’ve always found great value in mentors and connecting with people in the professional world, no matter what the field is. I’m excited to be one of the PAC Liaisons this year and connect the Landscape Architecture students with the professional community in a meaningful way.
Joanna Chen (she / her)
Mentor Committee Chair
Hello! My name is Joanna Chen and I am a second year MLA I student at UW. This will be my first year taking on the role of Mentor Committee Chair, and I could not be more excited for the year to come. I am originally from California, so moving to Seattle was a challenging but rewarding endeavor that I could not have navigated without the help of those around me. The support and guidance I received from these individuals made me realize the importance of developing a community in an area you may be unfamiliar with. Starting the program is no different, and this realization is what catalyzed me to apply for the Mentor Committee Chair position. I look forward to seeing how the peer mentorship program grows this year, and am grateful that I get to be a part of it.
Kiera Eason (she/her)
Events Chair/Mentor Committee Member
My name is Kiera Eason and I am in my second year of the MLA II program. I am originally from Colorado and got my bachelors in Sustainable Built Environments at the University of Arizona. I am very excited to be a part of the UWASLA leadership team this year. As an out of state student I realize how important it is to have a solid support system and strong community. I hope that I can help cultivate community within the program and connect people to one another. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from my fellow peers and make an impact this year.
Liz Forelle (she/her)
Youth Outreach Committee Chair
I am currently in my second year of the MLA I program here at UW. Before starting the program I worked in outdoor education and on an educational farm. I really enjoyed engaging with students of all ages in the outdoors and sharing my love for places with them. The most exciting part of working with students is encouraging and inspiring them to go after their goals. Everyone experiences places differently and I hope these students will one day be designers in their own communities. By designing their own spaces, communities have agency which is so powerful for fostering joy, community, and brings culture to a place. I’m so excited to share this role with Helen, and can’t wait to see the trajectory of this program.
Helen Arnold (she/her)
Youth Outreach Committee Chair
Hi! I’m in my third and final year of the BLA program. Community connections and engagement have always been a big focus in my studies. I started volunteering with Youths in the Built Environment, which is a student-started, student-developed, and student-led program focused on making these community connections between the College of Built Environments and local youth. Teaching kids about things like environmental justice in their own communities and the ways that professions through the CBE are working to solve real-world problems has been incredibly meaningful (and fun!). I’m looking forward to the development of this program as I take on this role with Liz!