Our Syracuse Architecture graduate ambassadors are current graduate students who play pivotal roles in leadership by building and facilitating a community within the graduate program. They engage with new and current graduate students, as well as participate in activities to encourage research awareness and innovation; They’re available to answer questions for prospective students about the curriculum, and, more importantly, to share their own personal experiences as Syracuse Architecture graduate students.
Incoming students are paired with our Graduate Ambassadors to provide peer mentoring throughout your experience in the Master’s program in the School of Architecture.
Master of Science in Design l Energy l Futures candidate, ’25
I am a licensed architect graduated from State University of Maringa in Brazil (2021), and I decided to go back to study and pursue my Master of Science in Architecture at Syracuse University. I am 25 years old, and I worked for two years in Brazil before coming to do this program. I believe this was a great choice of mine, since it allowed me to experience a bit of the market and how things work outside school, before coming back to study. My goal is to specialize in sustainable architecture and the Design l Energy l Futures program in the School of Architecture at SU fitted perfectly for what I was aiming for. A fun fact about my decision to come do this MS program in upstate New York was the great location and the weather - I really wanted to experience the cold and the snow since I don’t have that where I am from. Being here is definitely a dream coming true and Syracuse people welcomed me as one of theirs since my very first day here. Besides studying for my degree, I am currently a Teaching Assistant for two undergraduate courses, and I worked as a Research Intern during my first semester. I participate in the Future Professorate Program, and I am also a member of the WISE FPP program (Future Professionals Program in the Woman in Science and Engineering), both initiatives open to the whole community of SU and that are being a great contribution to my experience. My expected graduation is May 2025, and I plan to work with major companies with focus on sustainable solutions but being here also grew an interest in me to pursue a PHD and go into academia as my career. Excited to discover exactly where this master’s program at Syracuse University will take me.
Ruaa Alzahrani
I am an MS Arch student with a passion for innovative, sustainable design. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Jubail University College in Saudi Arabia, I began my career as a faculty member in the Architecture and Planning Department at Jubail Industrial College. This role deepened my commitment to teaching and mentoring while also igniting my interest in bridging the worlds of interior design and architecture. Recognizing the need to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor environments, I chose to pursue a Master of Science in Design, Energy, and Futures at Syracuse University.
At Syracuse University School of Architecture, I’ve found an intellectually vibrant community dedicated to redefining the role of architecture in addressing global challenges. The school’s emphasis on environmental design, innovative technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I’ve benefited immensely from engaging coursework, faculty mentorship, and peer collaboration, which have pushed my creative boundaries and refined my technical expertise. Additionally, my participation in the CASSE program has been transformative, broadening my understanding of sustainable enterprises and offering me the chance to work alongside students and faculty from the Maxwell School and the Whitman School of Management.
Beyond my studies, I enjoy escaping into the world of baking, particularly creating cakes, and experimenting with recipes from diverse cuisines such as Mexican, Italian, and Asian. The kitchen serves as a personal retreat and a source of creative inspiration. Shopping is another favorite activity; while I may shy away from the gym, I can spend an entire day browsing stores for clothes, perfumes, and makeup.
My future aspirations center on Sustainable Design Consulting, where I hope to develop and implement innovative sustainability strategies, focusing on green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM. Ultimately, my goal is to design environmentally responsible buildings that are resource-efficient, harmonious with their surroundings, and impactful in promoting a greener, more sustainable future.
Hi! My name is Matthew Gilbert, I am a current MArch student, Teaching Assistant, and president of the Graduate Students of Architecture (the graduate school of architecture’s student council). I completed my undergraduate studies at Middlebury College in Vermont, where I studied art history and architectural studies. After undergrad, I worked designing and building custom single family homes in my home town of Wakefield, Rhode Island. In my free time, I like to run, ski, I’m a road cyclist and I play soccer.
I was deciding between a few schools for my MArch, but ultimately chose Syracuse after visiting campus. It was clear that there was a great energy and passion to the school from students and professors alike. The architecture school has an entire building to ourselves, Slocum hall, which creates a cohesive community and mini campus within the larger university. There are a tremendous amount of resources and opportunities that the school offers: fantastic fabrication and woodshop spaces, weekend workshops, weekly guest lectures, affiliations with the business school, campuses and study abroad experiences around the world (NYC, Florence, Korea, LA), research internships with faculty, and much more. Overall, the community here is filled with dedicated and passionate faculty, students, and staff from around the world that combine to offer students an incredible breadth of knowledge and exposure.
I graduate this May and will be returning to Rhode Island to work for a small architecture firm that designs single family homes around New England. I’m very grateful for my time here at SU for the broad exposure it has given me to the world of architecture and the relationships I have gained.
Greetings! I am Victor Beomseung Jo, a graduate student in the Master of Architecture program here at Syracuse University. My academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kyonggi University in Seoul, South Korea, where I delved into the intricate world of architectural design.
Before pursuing my graduate studies, I gained invaluable experience working in the Korean architecture industry for five years. This hands-on experience allowed me to contribute to various architectural projects, deepening my understanding of the field and honing my skills. Additionally, I am proud to hold a Certificate of Registration of Architect from the Korea Institute of Registered Architects (KIRA), showcasing my dedication to the profession and continuous pursuit of excellence.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find solace and joy in the world of cinema. Whether I’m immersing myself in captivating stories on the silver screen or crafting my own movie scenarios, my passion for film knows no bounds. In my leisure time, you can often find me engrossed in writing scripts or bringing my creative ideas to life through short films.
The decision to join Syracuse University was influenced by its renowned School of Architecture, which offers a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes innovation and creativity. The opportunity to engage with cutting-edge concepts, such as artificial intelligence in architecture, further fueled my decision. Additionally, Syracuse’s vibrant community and diverse campus culture resonated with me, promising a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.
Looking ahead, I am eager to leverage the connections to New York City facilitated by Syracuse University. Armed with a comprehensive education and a passion for architecture, I aspire to make a meaningful impact in the field. Whether it’s collaborating on large-scale projects, exploring AI-driven design solutions, or pursuing further academic endeavors, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.
In essence, Syracuse University represents not just a destination for academic growth but a launchpad for my aspirations and ambitions in the world of architecture.
