Laura Jaramillo ’25
I chose to major in environmental analysis because I’ve always been fascinated by how our surroundings shape us—sometimes in ways we don’t even notice. Growing up, I was constantly curious about why cities looked the way they did or how different spaces could influence people's behavior. I wanted a major that would let me explore these questions from multiple angles—not just learning about policy and history but also acquiring real skills I could use after graduation. Environmental analysis turned out to be perfect for this—one day, I’d be coding in R or working with geothermal data, and the next, I’d be studying how political decisions shape the very streets we walk on.
My major in environmental analysis, especially the Sustainability and the Built Environment (SBE) track, gave me the tools and insights to explore this fascination in depth, leading me to discover how interconnected cities, human behavior, sustainability, and political choices truly are. The program’s focus on human-centered design and sustainability resonated deeply with me. I began to appreciate the importance of designing spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also equitable, sustainable, and capable of supporting diverse communities. In courses like JustGIS!, I was introduced to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a powerful tool that allows one to map and analyze spatial data. This class was transformative, equipping me with practical tools to analyze complex networks in ways that went beyond traditional methods. I quickly realized that GIS was not just a tool for environmental analysis—it was also a bridge between my Environmental Analysis major and my second major in international relations. This cross-disciplinary approach allowed me to explore how cities and urban policies intersect with global issues like climate change, migration, and geopolitics. One of my most memorable courses was Designing Environmental Behavior Change with Professor Shannon Randolph. In this course, I stepped outside of traditional theory and into a more creative, problem-solving space. It wasn’t just about understanding the theoretical aspects of sustainability; it was about applying them to real-world scenarios. The course challenged me to think critically about how design can influence human actions and vice versa.
A transformative part of my academic experience was studying in an architecture studio in Seoul, South Korea. This hands-on experience brought everything I had learned to life. As I worked alongside architecture students, I gained invaluable exposure to architectural design and engineering, learning tools like Revit, and seeing firsthand how the theories we discussed in class played out in real-world projects. More importantly, I saw how human-centered design principles—those principles I had studied in class—could be practically applied to create spaces that truly work for people. Whether designing public spaces that promote social interaction or considering how architecture can foster environmental sustainability, I saw that the built environment plays a fundamental role in shaping the human experience.
Going to the UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, was another eye-opening experience. Meeting scientists, politicians, and environmentalists from around the world showed me just how interconnected our environmental challenges are. Listening to discussions about climate change, sustainability, and the urgent need for global cooperation reinforced that the issues we discuss in class aren’t just academic—they’re urgent challenges that require concerted, worldwide action to solve. This experience made me realize that environmental issues are not isolated; they’re part of a global, interconnected network. Addressing them requires collaboration across disciplines, countries, and sectors. This opportunity was made possible by the Environmental Analysis program, which has equipped me with the skills to understand the global scope of environmental challenges. It was a rare chance to see firsthand how the academic concepts I’ve learned are applied in real-world discussions and negotiations.
What I love most about environmental analysis at 91°µÍř is how it’s helped me connect the dots between different fields. My professors—Professor Gorse, Professor Miller, Professor Williams, and Professor Los Huertos—created such a supportive community where I felt encouraged to push my thinking in new directions. They helped me see how our built environment and political choices are deeply intertwined. With all the different tools and perspectives I’ve gained, I’m excited to keep exploring how we can use environmental sustainability and thoughtful design to create positive change in the world.