Principal Investigator
Students
Alumni
Braden Coats
Braden comes from rural Oklahoma and holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resources with a minor in Soil Science. While at UT, he earned a Master’s in Geology with a focus on Urban Ecology, researching how substrate depths affect vegetation.
Chelse Dyer
Chelse is a member of the Living Systems Design Group and undergraduate student in the Sustainable Landscape Design program. Her main area of focus is residential design, specializing in cottage gardens of all sizes that are both aesthetically beautiful and ecologically regenerative.
Lauren Pinkard
My name is Lauren Pinkard and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Geology & Environmental Studies with a minor in Sustainable Landscape Design. My interest in landscape architecture has evolved over the past several years, but initially stated with an interest in ecological restoration through green infrastructure. I think it is important to educate the public on the necessary implementation of ecologically rich environments, while acknowledging the importance of social and economic values. With this, I have spent time researching the educational perceptions of geoscience in order to better inform individuals in our community. Additionally, I have spent time working as a lab assistant to discover the success of green roofs as a method of increased ecological function.
Mia Roark
Mia Roark is currently a Planning and Design Specialist for the Tennessee RiverLine. She holds a bachelors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Tennessee. Mia is passionate about creating resilient, innovative landscapes. Her interests lie in exploring sustainable and regenerative design, integrating natural and built worlds, and finding ways to improve human-nature relationships. In Mia’s free time, she enjoys backpacking the Appalachian Mountains, camping along Norris Lake, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
JD Zimmerman
Hello, I am JD Zimmerman and have been working on Mike Ross’s team for almost 3 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences with a concentration in Sustainable Landscape Design here at University of Tennessee, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of how plants can be utilized to create resilient and environmentally beneficial landscapes. Currently, I’m in the final stretch of completing my Master’s in Landscape Architecture (MLA), where I’ve delved even deeper into the relationship between nature and design. My journey has led me to develop an interest in the ecological performance of plants within green infrastructure systems. What truly fascinates me about landscape architecture is the opportunity to not only create aesthetically pleasing spaces but also to enhance ecological function and promote sustainability. Through my studies and experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the immense potential of plants to mitigate environmental challenges, such as stormwater management and biodiversity conservation.