Tiffany Fong

About Tiffany
- Field of study: Landscape Architecture
- Hometown: Hong Kong
- Fun fact: I get paid for writing food reviews!
- View Tiffany's LinkedIn profile
Why did you choose to pursue the CALS MLA degree?
I chose to attend Cornell because of its unique approach to landscape architecture education. Unlike traditional architecture schools, Cornell's landscape architecture program is a part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The focus of this college is on environmental sustainability and natural resource management. This means that students who study landscape architecture at Cornell receive a more comprehensive education that considers the impact of their work on the environment and the surrounding community.
What are the strengths of the CALS MLA degree program?
One of the major strengths is the Student-Formulated Concentrations in our program which means you can be adventurous and take any classes from other schools and departments that align with your personal interest. I had a lot of fun exploring knowledge out of the realm of landscape architecture.
What words would you use to describe the CALS MLA degree program?
Versatile, holistic, interdisciplinary, extensive.
What do you enjoy most about Ithaca?
All kinds of outdoor activities! Fishing in Cayuga lake, cross-country skiing at Cornell golf course, and hiking to all kinds of waterfalls. There are too many outdoor activities waiting for me to explore!
What are the biggest challenges you want to tackle in the world?
I want to explore solutions through design to address as many complex and interconnected environmental and climate justice issues as possible. These are often referred to as 'wicked problems' because of their complexity and the difficulty of finding effective solutions. With landscape architecture, I hope to contribute to creating a more sustainable and just world for all.
Describe your education / career path and how that led you to pursue a Cornell MLA degree program.
I majored in Geography and Environmental Design in undergrad. My passion for landscape architecture was sparked when I encountered a project that deeply resonated with me. In a Landscape Architecture course, I was introduced to a wildlife corridor project that enabled safe crossing for both animals and humans across a highway. I was amazed by the idea of an occupation that prioritized creating spaces that benefit both nature and people. Given my fervor for environmental issues and nature, I envisioned a career in landscape architecture as a means to improve people's lives by connecting them to the world and nature through design, and this eventually led me to pursue the MLA program at Cornell.
What Cornell / MLA resources have been most helpful?
The research opportunities available at Cornell’s is one of the most amazing resources. I can take advantage of research opportunities in fields such as ecology, human ecology and information science to broaden my understanding of how these disciplines intersect with landscape architecture, which helped me to develop a more holistic approach to problem-solving and expand my knowledge in areas beyond my primary field.