Cameron Coronado

This is a photo of me taken at the annual “My Breast Friends” 5k race. Proceeds from the event go towards cancer research and support. My fiance and I are committed to giving back to our community in various ways, and this race was one of them. I am on the left, with my fiance our fur babies.

Degrees: Master of Community and Regional Planning and Master of Landscape Architecture

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025

Prior Degree
Bachelor of Environmental Science, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA

2023 Scholarships
Doug McClain Memorial Scholarship in Planning
Joseph M. Edney Memorial Scholarship
Marie and Arthur Berger Scholarship Fund
Oregon Chapter ASLA Student Aid Fund

I Am Originally From Walla Walla, WA

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose to attend the University of Oregon for multiple reasons. UO offers an accredited program in Landscape Architecture and I could pursue a dual master’s in Community and Regional Planning. I also have family in close driving distance and I liked the small-town vibe of Eugene. After living in Seattle for the past ten years, I was ready for a break from the busy city life. Eugene’s small-town atmosphere was intriguing.

Before returning to graduate school, I worked in the public sector implementing green stormwater infrastructure projects. Although I knew I was making a positive change in the communities I was serving, I wanted to increase the scope at which I was working. A degree in planning will allow me to work at a large masterplan scale, allowing me to make positive changes across entire communities. In addition to the planning aspect of community enhancements, I wanted to help cities become more sustainable and equitable. A design degree will help me create innovative design solutions to help communities become more sustainable and equitable for all.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I spent seven years working in the public sector before returning to graduate school. I have extensive experience conducting outreach and engagement with a wide variety of audiences on a plethora of subjects. I have performed project management duties for projects of various scales and have led numerous crews on a variety of projects. In addition to my environmental responsibilities, I am also a graduate of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity training program. This year-long intensive training gave me the tools and knowledge to dismantle systemic and institutionalized racist practices to create more equitable outcomes for all.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Jean Yang, a visiting fellow in  Design Spacial Justice in the Landscape Architecture department, has been particularly influential. She has taught me to lead with compassion and care when approaching design challenges. As someone who wants to be highly involved with community-led design practices, she has provided an exceptional example of putting the needs and desires of community members first.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Since starting the program, I immediately became a member of the landscape architecture’s DEI committee. During my second year in the program, I served as the liaison on the UO student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and as the co-chair of landscape architects DEI Committee. In addition to these positions, I also served as a student worker through the College of Design, leading affinity groups for BIPOC students. It’s important to me to always keep equity in the forefront of my mind and approach my studies and my life using an equity lens. Through these positions, we have created real change in our department, helping to change systems and structures within the university to create a more equitable and inclusive space for everyone involved. It is important for me to try to enact positive change in whatever space I am in. These positions have taught me valuable lessons that I will carry into my professional life.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
My greatest learning experience at UO has been working with Opportunity Village Eugene (OVE), which is is a transitional community providing a safe space for people experiencing homelessness. We spent all year working with villagers, staff, and partners of OVE, helping to create more trauma-informed spaces and layouts for transitional housing communities. I have learned how to connect with people to learn their values and how design practices can translate and strengthen those values.

AFTER GRADUATION
I plan to use my dual degrees to help plan and design equitable and sustainable communities. I want to make structural changes that can increase the quality of life for humans and animals for generations to come. Structural problems require structural changes, and I seek to gain the tools and knowledge necessary in my education to make these changes.

YOUR GIFT
These scholarships are important to me because they focus on public service. So far, my professional life has been centered on public service, and this education will only help me increase the scope and scale of positive impact. As an out-of-state student with no family support, this education comes at a significant cost. I will likely be in debt for decades to come. Having the support from this scholarship will help reduce my overall debt and stress levels, allowing me to focus on my studies.

I am humbled and grateful for your support. I give thanks from the bottom of my heart for seeing my potential to create lasting positive change. Thank you so much for your investment in my education and professional aspirations. With your help, we will make this world a better place for all!