Isabella Blauert

What is your major? Landscape architecture

Expected graduation: May 2027

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I grew up in a rural area that was the intersection of wetlands and expanding farms. Growing up, I developed a strong passion for the environment that was passed down to me from my dad. Both of my parents grew up on family-owned dairy farms that eventually shut down because of the competition from nearby, larger farms. So, my dad and his siblings converted their farmland into forest. I was lucky to have grown up surrounded by nature and want to take part in creating accessible green spaces for all people.

My interest in community is a more recent interest. As I got deeper into the landscape architecture program, I realized that community was central to any project and deeply affects the environment. Many groups are often affected by just one project. I have so much learning left on how to understand, respect, and let communities’ voices be heard.