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Alumni at UMass LARP

Our alumni are building a more sustainable world for future generations.

 

Welcome to the UMass Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning alumni circle. You are part of an amazing group of people who are using their degrees in landscape architecture, regional planning, and sustainable community development to make the world a better place. Some of you are designing inclusive outdoor spaces like public parks, playgrounds, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. Many are leading green infrastructure projects to help cities become more resilient to climate change. Others are developing the plans and policies that will guide local decision-making on affordable housing, public transportation, sustainable land use, and more. 

As a UMass LARP alum, you benefit from being a part of a large, powerful, and collaborative alumni network. You'll find that faculty and peer support will extend far beyond your days in the Olver Design Building. You can tap in to this network for career opportunities and advice, drawing from the experiences of talented and successful alumni and professors. You'll also find numerous ways to support current students by getting involved in the department's alumni mentoring sessions, career fairs, and alumni board.

We hope you'll keep in touch! Tell us about your news and accomplishments so we can inspire the next generation of change-makers. We regularly spotlight alumni in the department's monthly newsletter and on social media. Email the LARP Communications Manager, Caitlyn Dittmeier (@email), or submit this form to share your story!

Community Stories

Environmental Scientist/Landscape Architect (MLA '24)

Mike Riccio at a desk
Mike Riccio earned a master's degree in landscape architecture in 2024 from UMass Amherst. Currently, Mike works as an Environmental Scientist/Landscape Architect with CDM Smith in Boston, Massachusetts, where he assists in the planning, designing and permitting of various public infrastructure projects, such as playgrounds, campuses, stormwater infrastructure, streetscapes and ecosystem restoration.
Mike Riccio at a desk

Project Assistant (BSLA/BSSCD '23)

Lucía Peña-Banda
As a Project Assistant for the City of Boston Planning Department, Lucía Peña-Banda supports the review of urban development projects across Boston—from mid-sized affordable housing to large-scale master plans.
Lucía Peña-Banda

Project Manager (MLA '25)

Latoya Smith
As a Project Manager for the City of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), Latoya Smith integrates sustainable design principles with urban planning initiatives, ensuring that projects prioritize community well-being, ecological resilience, and social equity.
Latoya Smith

Transportation Planner & Geographer (MRP & MS Geography '24)

Drew Thomas
Drew Thomas, AICP, is a transportation planner and geographer currently working at the Connecticut Transportation Institute. At CTI, Drew works with the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center team developing tools for managing transportation assets and safety across the state.
Drew Thomas

Transportation Planner (MLA/MRP '20)

Ben Breger
Ben Breger, AICP is a Transportation Planner with Bowman Consulting Group, where he supports local, regional, and state planning efforts across Southern New England. His work focuses on roadway safety, bike/ped and recreation plans, community master plans, public engagement, grant writing, and feasibility studies.
Ben Breger

Landscape Architectural Designer (BSLA '22)

Andrew Carrano
Andrew Carrano designs animal habitats in zoos all over the country as a landscape architectural designer at CLR Design
Andrew Carrano