Help Thazin Complete Her Landscape Architecture Degree

My name is Khin Thazin Kyaw, but my friends and colleagues call me Thazin. I am an international student from Myanmar pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia, USA. After spending years in the healthcare industry in the Netherlands, I decided to follow back my passion for landscape architecture, focusing on creating sustainable and flood-resilient environments in communities like in the Netherlands and my home country, Myanmar.

Growing up in Myanmar, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of flooding and environmental degradation on vulnerable communities. Even though I graduated in electronics engineering from Myanmar, I believe Myanmar needs more professionals who are concerned with sustainability and climate change problems. My experiences inspired me to dedicate my career to designing solutions that protect people and the planet. This led me to work with Arcadia, a Dutch environmental firm, where I contributed to a flooding project as coordinator for Myanmar. Besides, I also worked on new urban planning projects in Thanlyin Star City in the Yangon Division as a landscape design executive, where I applied all my knowledge to create sustainable and green city projects. The project achieved the Myanmar Green Property Award in 2016. Moreover, I also worked as a volunteer in the TU-Delft Botanical Garden and Dragon Garden in Leiden Community Garden in the Netherlands.

Today, I’m working hard to acquire the academic knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact. I also achieved awards while I was studying for my master of landscape architecture currently, such as the International Student Instate Award, the Benson Family Fellowship Award, and the Lawrie E. Jordan 3rd Graduate Award. My studies at UGA have opened new doors, but funding them remains a significant challenge to finish my studies in the last two semesters in Athens, UGA. The graduate student life is very challenging financially, and my program is longer than other programs that take 3 years because it is a STEM subject, especially a career change program. Therefore, I am facing difficulties in continuing the rest of the study program.

My research will be based in The Hauge (Den Haag), where I am resident. My focus is on mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect in urban areas during the summer. Additionally, I aspire to use my landscape architecture expertise to help address climate change challenges in my home country, Myanmar. This includes improving strategies for preserving cultural landscapes that have suffered from improper management and damage. I am also passionate about empowering local communities by sharing knowledge through workshops and educational initiatives.

Your support will help me complete my education earlier than expected and bring me closer to my dream of designing spaces that protect communities from climate disasters and foster sustainable development. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to making a difference—not only for my future but for communities in need.