Landscape Architecture Students Named Undergraduate Finalist and Graduate Scholar in Landscape Architecture Foundation 2025 Olmsted Scholars Program
Two students from the University of Florida’s Department of Landscape Architecture were recognized in the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s (LAF) 2025 Olmsted Scholars Program, which recognizes students in the field who exhibit exceptional leadership qualities.
Megan Laffey was selected as an LAF National Olmsted Scholar Undergraduate Finalist, and Marc Grossberg was selected as a 2025 LAF Olmsted Graduate Scholar. In total, 53 graduate and 38 undergraduate students from across the US were nominated for this year’s program.
This is the second year in a row that the department has had a student named as a finalist in the program, with Juan Perez being named a 2024 LAF undergraduate finalist.
Dr. Jules Bruck, Director of the UF School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, said Megan Laffey’s dedication to her work is what makes her naming as a finalist no surprise.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the jury’s decision to honor Megan as an Olmsted finalist,” said Bruck. “Her exceptional talent and commitment to conservation planning and design are evident in her ambitious studio projects and research efforts. This award will empower her to pursue additional projects that benefit wildlife and significantly improve habitat corridors throughout Florida.”
Laffey’s research focuses on the expansion of conservation lands through the colocation of wildlife corridors and nature-based recreation. She hopes that concepts like colocation will show lawmakers that the best way forward in a world of inevitable development is to connect with and protect the natural environment all species share and to coexist within that space.
“I’m excited about the impact that colocation could have. Recent shifting dynamics have threatened not only conservation lands but also species that depend on stable ecosystems in America,” said Laffey. “I’m hoping that my work—and this award—will begin to show people and lawmakers the benefits of connecting with and protecting our natural environment.”
In response to one of the questions on the scholarship application asking how she would use scholarship funds to contribute to the discipline and help further the foundation’s goals, she suggested continuing the work she had done on her capstone.
“I suggested partnering with the UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning to explore a collaboration with the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative. Their work offers valuable insights that could help us advance the development of wildlife corridors throughout our state,” said Laffey. “After my presentation on the nuances of colocation at a nearby site, I began to sense the impact this work was having on my audience. It was shifting perceptions of what recreation areas can look like and how coexistence can be achieved. I believe this award is a reflection of that.”
Laffey was sure to thank her instructors who she says have been crucial to her development as a landscape architect.
“I would never have applied to this scholarship if it wasn’t for my advisor Michael Volk, whose unwavering support throughout the application process was invaluable,” said Laffey. “I would also like to thank Nick Serrano, Dr. Yi Luo, Andrea Galinski, and Dr. Jules Bruck for all their help guiding me through my projects, reviewing my work, and pushing me to keep sharing my findings at conferences and events.”
Check out Megan Laffey’s latest project.
In addition to winners and finalists, the graduate nominees from applying universities are recognized as 2025 LAF Olmsted Scholars, which denotes distinguished student leadership in landscape architecture. Graduate student Marc Grossberg received this distinction for his exceptional skills as a leader.
Grossberg came to the field of landscape architecture with a background in agronomy, anthropology, and ecology after studying Plant Science for his undergraduate degree at UF. This background has pushed him to take a stance with his work, using his knowledge of plants and biodiversity in his designs in the pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient world.
“To be recognized as an Olmsted scholar is a tremendous honor,” said Grossberg. “I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many other rising leaders in the field of landscape architecture. In the face of climate change adaptation and mitigation, loss of biodiversity, and environmental injustice, leadership in sustainable practices is desperately needed, and needed in Florida particularly. Everyone who is contributing to that is fighting the good fight.”
By receiving this distinction, Grossberg sees it as a jumping off point for increased impact in his career.
“I am driven to bring about positive changes with respect to the way we use land and embed ourselves within the environment,” said Grossberg. I feel that receiving this honor will help me form partnerships with firms and professionals who share the same values and ambitions.”
Grossberg also credits faculty with supporting his work, and thanks them for not stifling his desire to think beyond the bounds of traditional design interventions. Finally, he extends his congratulations to the other scholars, finalists, and winners for their incredible work.
“All in all, it’s really an honor to be recognized, and I look forward to seeing the paths unfold for Megan and all of the other scholars.”
Learn more about the LAF’s Olmsted Scholars Program.
Check out the latest in undergraduate research from the department.