Emmalyn Kukura
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Each semester I think I’ve had my favorite professor at Michigan, to find out I love the next just as much. They are all so caring and interested in putting your creative, academic, and mental health needs first.
Hometown
Grandview Heights, OH, United States
Degree Program(s)
B.S. Architecture
Expected Graduation Date
April 2024
Academic Areas of Interest
Architecture, Sustainability, Botany
Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Running, Photography, Graphic Design
What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
Taubman college is such a close, tight-knit community it feels like my family away from home. The staff are very personable and always make efforts to get to know their students in order to not only become a mentor but help them succeed to the best of their ability. With this, they pave the way for a kind and accepting community within the student body. Having nearly the same group of kids in all of your classes creates not only a great environment for helping one another but also an environment where we are all friends. I have found my “people” at Michigan within the architecture program and wouldn’t change it for anything!
If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
My roommate asked me yesterday what has been my favorite class that I’ve taken at Michigan. Much to her surprise, I said studio. Even though I have complained about the long, tedious hours, and come finals week, I rarely see her, it truly is my favorite class. It’s such a unique and niche collegiate experience to have class in a huge room with all of your friends where you are constantly inspired by the person behind, next to, or across from you. Nights leading up to final reviews when everyone is here are the most inspiring hours to me. Everyone is working so passionately on a project they have invested so much time into, and we are all chatting and laughing with each other. When I look back at my days at Michigan, those nights will certainly be some of my strongest memories.
Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Each semester I think I’ve had my favorite professor at Michigan, to find out I love the next just as much. They are all so caring and interested in putting your creative, academic, and mental health needs first. I couldn’t have asked for a better UG1 professor. She pushed me out of my comfort zone to test the limits of my creativity while allowing me to explore individual pursuits in my drawing style that others might not have allowed. Having a supportive professor that encourages different styles of design and development of ideas really solidified my love for architecture and drawing – which is all you can ask for when carving your way through your first studio. In the middle of the semester, I found myself in a huge creative block, feeling I was not cut out for this, and as I was panicking, I emailed her asking to meet outside of class to clear up my concerns.