Elisia Alampi

This is a photo of me at the Brion Tomb and Sanctuary, which was a place we visited as part of the Vicenza study abroad trip. The architecture was designed by Carlo Scarpa, whose work we saw a lot of during the term.

Degree: Master of Architecture, specializing in Architectural Technology

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2024

Prior Degree
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

2023 Scholarship
Noma L. Hanlon Endowed Scholarship

I Am Originally From Madison, Alabama

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose the University of Oregon because of the emphasis placed here on sustainability. When I was looking at schools to attend, I was immediately impressed by the way the architecture curriculum focuses heavily on promoting sustainable practices, and I knew this is where I wanted to be. Since being in the College of Design, it has exceeded my expectations. I love being able to shape my curriculum to what excites me most, which have been the Advanced Technology courses here.

While studying engineering as an undergraduate student, I found myself drawn most to energy systems, and through my minor in Environmental Design, I found a love for the built environment. I chose to study architecture as a graduate student to combine these passions in hopes to make an impact in the realm of sustainable architecture once I graduate.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I believe my educational background in Mechanical Engineering is what makes me a unique student in architecture. I tend to examine problems with a very critical eye and look methodically at potential solutions. I love understanding why things work, so I tend to find myself more drawn to the technical side of architecture; however, these past few years of architecture school have helped me gain an appreciation for the human scale of our work, which I am truly enjoying learning about as well.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Professor Alexandra Rempel has been an influential professor to me in my studies. I took Passive Heating and Passive Cooling from her, and both classes have impacted me greatly. She has such a passion for the topic of energy-efficient buildings, and I gained so much knowledge from taking these courses with her.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I am a Graduate Employee of the school for the Structures courses. This has been such an important role to me because I have gained a love for teaching because of this opportunity. Helping students grow and reach their goals over the course of a term is a fulfilling experience and one I could see myself returning  to later in my career.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
My greatest learning experience at UO so far has been the opportunity to study abroad in Vicenza, Italy during Spring 2023. This program is truly incredible, and I am still in awe at the amount of places we saw during the trip. The professors hold a breadth of knowledge about all things Italy, urban design, and sketches, and I grew as a student in so many ways from this experience.

AFTER GRADUATION
My greatest hope is to impact the built world around me. I want to use my education to design buildings that will last and give back to the environment instead of taking from it. I also want these buildings to be places that people enjoy being in, which will help add to the longevity of the design. I hope my future career uses the skills I have developed in both engineering and architecture to design holistically.

YOUR GIFT
This scholarship is important to me because it is difficult to balance all of the finances of graduate school and life. With this aid, I can depend less on student loans, which relieves a lot of long-term stress and helps me focus on what is important: getting a high-quality education!

Thank you! Scholarships are one of the greatest gifts a student can receive, and I am so very thankful to be impacted by your generosity!