University of Pennsylvania, Landscape Architecture, 1992, Master of Landscape Architecture

Iowa State University, Landscape Architecture, 1986, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture; Minor in Horticulture

Lori Catalano is a dedicated educator and licensed landscape architect whose teaching fosters an environment that inspires students to think critically and creatively about the world around them by making complex concepts relevant to the student’s individual experiences. Two principles are at the heart of her teaching philosophy: (1) providing meaningful experiences through experiential learning and (2) helping students translate theory into application.

Lori holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. As a graduate student, her aspiration to be a global citizen was ignited when she received the prestigious Van Alen Travel Scholarship, which enabled her to travel, study, and draw gardens and cities throughout Europe. Before transitioning to academia, Lori worked for nationally recognized landscape architecture firms, where she designed and managed projects ranging from small private spaces to large-scale master plans for parks and college campuses.

Her career is driven by a deep commitment to creating a more sustainable, ethical, and beautiful world. Her research focuses on two key areas: helping students overcome their resistance in the design process and addressing the challenges of designing water-conserving landscapes in the semi-arid West. Lori’s contributions have earned recognition from her peers, including awards for both her design work and her excellence in teaching.