NDSU landscape architecture student wins national research scholarship and travel fellowship

NDSU Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) student, Shima Goodarzi, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Kenneth R. Brooks MLA Research Scholarship and CELA Conference Travel Fellowship.

Awarded by the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), this is a competitive, national scholarship that recognizes a continuing MLA student for an outstanding proposal for thesis or capstone research that advances the body of knowledge needed to progress the practice of landscape architecture.

Goodarzi earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in architecture in Tehran, Iran, where she developed a deep interest in how built environments shape social interaction, community engagement and human well-being. Her professional experience includes large-scale urban and rural development projects that integrate ecological considerations with social and infrastructural needs. At NDSU, she is focusing on urban design, ecological systems and sustainable planning.

Her current research explores digital twins and performance modeling to enhance social and ecological outcomes in urban landscapes. Goodarzi is committed to designing resilient, equitable and environmentally responsible urban spaces through an interdisciplinary perspective that bridges architecture, ecology and community-centered design.

“Ms. Goodarzi impressed our faculty and committee in a short period of time … Her ability to think critically, harness ideas and analyze with her sketchbook shows the skills necessary for visionary leadership deserving of support,” said Dominic L. Fischer, PLA, MLA, ASLA, chair and associate professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Disaster Resilience and Emergency Management.