Finding a Place in Landscape Architecture: How MLA Student Veronica Cancio Found Her Passion for Shaping Resilient Landscapes
Landscape architecture wasn’t on Veronica Cancio’s radar when she started working as a research assistant and project coordinator for the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA). The nonprofit, which is dedicated to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, originally took her on as an intern after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2021. She eventually worked full-time at the nonprofit for two years, leading various projects focused on coastal resilience, buffered shorelines, and water pollution.
“I started out in the medical field before moving to biology, and really became interested in marine biology after getting my scuba certification,” said Cancio. “A lot of people don’t see these ecosystems under the water and so they don’t think about protecting them. I ended up interning with ORCA, then working full-time as a research assistant figuring out how to protect these fragile underwater ecosystems.”
Now entering her second year of the Master’s in Landscape Architecture program, Cancio’s path to the present day really began when she led ORCA’s “Land to Sea” initiative, a project focused on building buffered and living shorelines for coastal communities using native Florida plants and vegetation.
“At one point during the project, we were working with five homeowners on a large stretch of shoreline, and due to the large scope, we had to bring in Meg Whitmer, a landscape architect,” said Cancio. “At the time, I didn’t know anything about the field, but because she was remote, I did all of the hands-on implementation, so I learned fast. She saw my interest and decided to be a mentor to me, and that’s how I started learning about landscape architecture.”
Veronica Cancio (left) worked with ORCA as a research assistant and project coordinator.
Cancio soon became fascinated with all the different ways she could have an impact through the field, from improving the health of waterways to creating sustainable and functional public spaces. Eager to explore this path further, she reached out to Dr. Jules Bruck, director of the UF School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, who was impressed with her research background in coastal restoration and resilience. After joining the department, Veronica found several ways to expand her knowledge base with research opportunities under the guidance of Dr. Bruck and Professor Michael Volk, Associate Director for the UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning.
“Veronica approaches design with a strong, process-oriented perspective,” said Dr. Bruck. “Her training in the scientific method makes our conversations about design both clear and productive, and she is leveraging that background to conduct innovative research on coastal community engagement.”
With guidance from Dr. Bruck, Cancio’s research explores the use of buffered and living shorelines, emphasizing the role of community participation in the design process. This ensures local perspectives are reflected while also fostering broader awareness of sustainable, nature-based infrastructure solutions.
Cancio and her team work to install native Florida plants along shoreline properties.
With the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, which is at the forefront of land use sustainability efforts throughout the state, Cancio conducts research on green infrastructure and stormwater management.
“Veronica has been a significant asset to the Center this past year,” said Professor Volk. “Through her work she has expanded the Center’s work on green stormwater infrastructure and partnerships with other centers, including the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, with research focused on the role of green infrastructure in resilient affordable housing”.
Beyond her coursework and academic research, Cancio also part of the UF Landscape Sustainability Collective, a group that brings together landscape architecture students to work on sustainability-focused projects. The group recently worked on creating a buffered shoreline in Sebastian, Florida, where students led an effort to mitigate harmful runoff and boost shoreline defenses using native plants that increase biodiversity. The project was a partnership between the Sustainability Collective, the City of Sebastian, and ORCA.
In July, Cancio and her fellow students were honored for their efforts at the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Florida Annual Conference, where they received awards for their work.
“Being recognized by ASLA for this project was truly an honor,” said Cancio. “Having the chance to work with ORCA again, but this time as a landscape architecture student, felt like a full-circle moment for me.”