The world is an ever-changing place. The Ross Lab seeks to situate itself between the conceptual/theoretical imaginings of contemporary design culture and the ‘dirty fingernails’ of applied projects. Through continual application of design trials, research, and engagement we seek to make impactful advances on applied biodiverse, ecosystems driven, experientially rich design.
The Ross Lab embraces the liminal space between landscape architecture, plant sciences, urban ecology, and ecological restoration. This provides a unique and impactful experience for educating the future practitioners and thinkers in these disciplines. Through site work, garden design, outdoor education spaces, green roof research, service and experiential learning projects students gain confidence, proficiency, and professional practice skills that they will carry with them into their future endeavors.
We love the energy and creativity that comes from working with talented, hardworking folks. Paid positions are few and highly competitive. Volunteers are always welcome.
Students interested in working in the Living Systems Design Group and Ross Lab must have or be willing to develop proficiency in Plant ID, ecological design, 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, Excel, etc.
Graduate students interested in participating in our work should first apply and be accepted to The Graduate School at the University of Tennessee and the School of Landscape Architecture, or to the programs run by our aligned faculty contributors. After they have been accepted into the programs then funding is not guaranteed. Much of the work we do is gratis.
Floating Wetlands
UT Arboretum
Aligned Faculty Contributors:
Dr. Michael McKinney – Professor – Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
Rana Abudayyeh – Associate Professor – Robin Klehr Avia Professor of Interior Architecture, School of Interior Architecture, College of Architecture + Design
Andrea Ludwig – Professor + Extension Specialist – Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science