09/07/2021
Meet the APAS 2021-2022 Board!
Sara Kohles, President
Sara is a MURP student and former marketing strategist. She pivoted her career to focus on building resilient communities through urban planning and sustainable infrastructure. Originally from the Nebraska plains, you can find Sara ogling at prairie grasses and pollinator gardens while simultaneously shaking her head at irrigated lawns. If you want to geek out over ecosystem services, Sara is here for you. Proudly existing as a Type A personality since 1991.
Luna Hoopes, Vice President
Luna Hoopes is a dual degree student studying urban planning and urban design. She absolutely loves school and would prefer to be a student forever, but when she does have to grow up and get a real job, she’d love to run her own design consulting company. If money were no object she would grow vegetables and sew and knit clothing all year round. Ask her about compost and flat-felled seams and she’ll be your friend for life!
Lindsay Gips, Secretary
Lindsay Gips is an urban planning student who, perhaps quixotically, wants to make the world a better place. While her interest in food systems led her to this program, it turns out that she finds herself engaged by an exhaustive list of planning topics. She enjoys cooking, hiking, caring for her vegetable garden, and hanging out with her many pets. If you see her around the building, ask her for her favorite joke (it’s clean!).
Alex Blanco Castano, Treasurer
APAS treasurer Alex Blanco-Castano is a lifelong student of cities, places, and the human cultures that spring from the interaction between people and space. As treasurer in a pandemic year, he wants to expand MURP student opportunities for safe interaction, networking, and social and professional development by providing a solid fiscal framework for the organization.
Alyssa White, Student Body Representative
Hailing from Louisiana, our Student Body Representative Alyssa White is pursuing a dual degree in Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional planning. She loves any and everything to do with food access, food security and food systems but is rooted in community development, emergency management and mitigation. When Alyssa isn’t sketching or studying she’s cooking and/or eating. She loves to learn about different cultures, especially through food. Alyssa is always down for good food and amazing adventures. Whatever you need, she’s your advocate!
Lauren Platman, APA Colorado Representative
Lauren Platman (she/her) is a second-year MURP student, and in her former life worked in the nonprofit sector. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Lauren has a deep love of lush forests, constant drizzles, and the coastline. Lauren is always ready to nerd out over environmental policy or graphic design (let’s talk fonts!). On her days off, she enjoys exploring thoors, cuddling her cats, or baking a sweet treat.
