M'Lis Bartlett

M'Lis Bartlett is pursuing a three-year master's Degree in Landscape Architecture. She plans to graduate in 2009. Originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, M'Lis earned her undergraduate degree in fine art in 1988 from Oberlin College (Ohio) and has spent the last 20 years working in New York City.

Name: M'Lis Bartlett            
Age: 41
Hometown: A NY'er with Midwestern roots. I grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio - my professional life for the last 20 years was in NYC.
SNRE degree sought: M.L.A.
Projected semester/year of graduation: 2009
Undergraduate degree: Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio. BA Fine Art ('88)

Why did you pick this particular field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?
I returned to school after 20 years of work in the not-for-profit sector first as art educator and most recently as the director of an environmental education not-for-profit that engaged young people of color in NYC environment issues. My hope in returning to school was to creatively combine my interests in community organizing, environment and art.

What do you like best so far about your program?
The people: my peers and the faculty, who have been enthusiastic and engaging. I knew when I started the program, I had an interest in public space and brownfield redevelopment. In my time here, I have become keenly interested in landscape as a human right - public participation in design and how to create sustainable, healthy public space. The faculty and staff of NRE have been extremely supportive of my interests assisting me with internships and masters projects that help me gain valuable field experience.

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
I have had two internships while at SNRE.  The first was with the Council on the Environment of NYC, where I built rainwater harvesting systems in NYC community gardens and designed an informational pamphlet teaching gardeners how to safely maintain their systems. This summer, I worked at the Matthaei Botanic Garden in the education department designing interpretive signage for the garden.

For my masters practicum, I will be working with my collegue Jenna Jones, under assistant professor Beth Diamond, for the Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park, Michigan. Using participatory design techniques, Jenna and I will be working with Temple members to create new garden design that is both reflective of cultural diversity of the community and environmentally sustainable.

What will you do after graduation?
Currently undecided. I am sure that I will return to public sector or not-for-profit work. I am very interested in the design of urban public space and ensuring access to that space for disenfranchised community members. I'm currently exploring issues of post-war landscapes and how gardens can heal communities emotionally, supply much needed food and help restore the local ecosystem.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
Ann Arbor has a ton of art and music events, both on and off campus. Take advantage of the incredibly inexpensive music and dance performance tickets available to students.

How do you relax when not studying?
I go to those cheap dance/music events! Wander through the arb; quilt ... and try and get some much needed sleep!