Meghan Donahoe ’20 has always had a seemingly contradictory passion for art and science. She came to URI from Braintree, Massachusetts, with a desire to somehow merge those two affinities — though what she wanted to do remained increasingly elusive. “I chose URI because I originally didn’t know what I wanted to major in,” Donahoe states. She knew URI had a variety of majors and thus would allow for exploration. Initially enrolling as a cell and molecular biology major, Donahoe made the shift shortly after to pursue landscape architecture. The reason? “I always really liked science and art, and I really wanted to combine both,” Donahoe explains, “I decided to try [landscape architecture] out and I really liked it.”

Donahoe has not regretted her decision to switch to landscape architecture, with many positive experiences with the program to recount. “One class I really enjoyed was the History of Landscape Architecture with [Professor] Angelo Simeoni,” Donahoe says, thinking back to her early college career. “It’s a small, very close department,” she adds, “Everyone is very caring and really wants to help you succeed.” She recalls one event in particular that truly inspired her to pursue the major. “There’s a lecture series throughout the year with speakers from all around the world who come and talk about their work,” Donahoe says, “Hearing them speak really inspired me to continue.”

Planning to graduate in May 2020, Donahoe continues to have high hopes for what she can accomplish with her degree. She expects to graduate with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) and a minor in community planning. She has big plans for the future, too, hoping to use her acquired skills from URI to assist the greater community. “I’m hopefully going into therapeutic design,” Donahoe states, “I want to help people mentally and physically through design.” Donahoe also seeks to help those from a more disenfranchised population. “I want to design sensory parks for people with autism,” she explains, “I originally wanted to go into healthcare, but I still want to use what I’ve learned to help people.” To new students, Donahoe has this advice: “The College of Arts and Sciences at URI really prepares students to not only make a living, but also to make a life. All the resources given to students are those they can use across their lifespan, whether that’s through critical thinking, communication, or other things. All the skills they teach are central to having a great career and living a great life.”

~Written by Chase Hoffman ’21, Writing & Rhetoric and Anthropology Double Major