Dawn Kooyumjian’s approach to teaching is both holistic and dynamic.  Her energy, enthusiasm and passion inspire students to explore and delve deeply and widely into the subject at hand.   Learning about plants in design is not merely about learning the plants as objects.  Key is understanding how the plants operate as a dynamic and living system. Her students hone their observational skills while learning to think critically.

Ms. Kooyumjian is also a horticulturist at Blake Garden, the teaching and research garden for the Landscape Architecture Department, where she tends, observes, and documents the plant collection. Her teaching and knowledge is firmly rooted in practical experience.

Additionally, she is fascinated by the intersection of the visual and musical arts, actively exploring how these different disciplines influence and inspire each other.

Maintains and develops diverse environments of Blake Garden: planting, design, propagation, maintenance, hardscapes and curation of the plant collections in these areas. Shares knowledge with volunteers, students and garden visitors.