Juntao Gao (MLA/MSI ’24) graduated with a dual degree from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the U-M School of Information (UMSI) in 2024. He now works as a junior landscape designer in the landscape planning department of Volkert Inc., where he is focused on integrating sustainable principles into projects while remaining attentive to how policy and regulation shape the broader urban and environmental context.

 “I used to think landscape design was simply about placing a park within a city block, but in reality, creating truly impactful designs is far more complex,” he says. 

Gao, who completed his undergraduate degree in environmental design in China, spent a year at a design studio where he was introduced to the field of landscape architecture. “I became increasingly drawn to landscape architecture because it offers the opportunity to shape and improve the environments in which people live. The ability to meaningfully influence built and natural systems has continued to motivate my academic and professional path,” says Gao. 

As Gao was researching landscape architecture schools, SEAS’ Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program stood out. Many landscape architecture programs are housed in architecture or design schools, says Gao, but at U-M, the MLA program is part of SEAS and incorporates ecology, sustainability and environmental justice. This distinction resonated with his values. He was drawn to the emphasis on sustainability and systems thinking. “While SEAS was not my only option, it was my strongest offer,” he says. “I have always believed that landscape architecture and sustainability are inseparable, so SEAS offered a perspective that matched the direction I wanted to grow.” 

In addition to landscape architecture, Gao also was interested in technology, data and user-centered design. He imagined a career at the intersection of these fields. This led him to pursue a dual degree with UMSI where he focused on the User Experience (UX) Research and Design pathway. 

As a dual-degree student, UMSI classes gave him tools for understanding user needs, structuring public engagement and creating accessible interfaces for community input. These classes complemented the design training and skills he was learning at SEAS and have proved to be a valuable asset in his work now. 

While at SEAS, Gao appreciated the collaborative approach to master’s projects, which allowed him to work together with students from other disciplines. His master’s project focused on geographic information systems-based land usage analysis. 

“I found this [integrated] approach very exciting,” he says. “Working on an MLA project felt like participating in an extended, large-scale studio, while the cross-disciplinary collaboration closely mirrored real-world professional environments.”

During his three years in the MLA program, Gao completed two summer internships that provided a diverse set of experiences and a broader understanding of how landscape architecture operates across different contexts. His second internship, at Volkert Inc., led to a full-time job after graduation. 

Reflecting on being an international student at SEAS, Gao says he understands the challenges of living, studying and working in the United States. His advice to other international students is to make the most of the resources available to them. “Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. U-M offers resources such as legal aid, the International Student Center and dedicated SEAS offices to assist with various issues,” he says. “Participate in any career fairs you can, leverage the vast U-M alumni network for coffee chats and focus your time on meaningful opportunities.”