Three times a year, Conway welcomes a panel of guest critics to campus to watch and critique the students’ project presentations. Presentations occur about 2/3 of the way through each Conway term, and critics give students valuable feedback to incorporate into their final designs. This spring, Conway welcomes back Denise Burchsted, Jonathan Fogelson, and Theresa Sprague ’08 as our guest critics.
This spring’s presentations take place on Friday, May 25. All are welcome, and guests will find they’re a great way to learn about ecological design and the Conway School.
Learn more and register here: Join Us for Student Presentations on May 25
Spring 2018 Student Project Presentation Critics
Denise Burchsted is a research scientist and professional engineer working at the intersection of aquatic ecology, water resources engineering, and fluvial geomorphology. An assistant professor of environmental studies at Keene State College, Denise is also the Chairperson of the New England Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration. Her research of rivers is funded by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation. She has designed dam removals and other fish passage projects, and salt marsh and freshwater wetlands restoration projects. She has evaluated restoration alternatives in the Everglades and led nonprofit watershed conservation planning efforts.
- PhD, Geoscience, The University of Connecticut
- MFS, Coastal and Watershed Systems, Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
- BS, Civil Engineering, University of Connecticut School of Engineering
Jonathan Fogelson is a multidisciplinary designer and planner with experiences ranging from mold making for glass slumping and hands-on construction to site planning and urban design. Since 2005 he’s been part of the collaborative Michael Singer Studio. Over the last few years he has led the Studio’s role in several projects involving research and design of spaces that serve individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, educators, care providers, and leading researchers. For the Northeast neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, he worked with community members, local nonprofits, and public health professionals to complete a neighborhood scale sustainability plan. One of Jonathan’s current projects is a collaboration with Connecticut Sea Grant on the development of a “regenerative seawall” that enhances habitat on previously impacted waterfronts. Since 2008 he has taught graduate-level Urban Design studios and core curriculum classes at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design.
- M Arch, University of Pennsylvania
- MCP, University of Pennsylvania
- BFA, Industrial Design, Rhode Island School of Design
Theresa Sprague (Conway School Class of 2008) is President of the Ecological Landscape Alliance, a membership organization dedicated to advocating for responsible stewardship of land and natural resources in landscaping and horticultural practices. She has been a key organizer of their annual conference, which draws participants from the entire Eastern seaboard and beyond. Her business, BlueFlax Design, merges science with the fine art of landscape design to create beautiful, ecologically sound, and sustainable gardens and landscapes, restoring ecological function and integrity to the built environment while thoughtfully creating habitat that supports the needs of both people and wildlife. Previously, Theresa was Senior Restoration Designer at Wilkinson Ecological Design Inc., where she coordinated all restoration, consulting and design projects, including the development of ecological restoration plans, drafting of land management plans, and coordination with other senior staff to successfully permit and implement projects.
- MALD, The Conway School
- BA, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth