SPOTLIGHT

Larine Y. Cowan
Make a Difference Award

The Larine Y. Cowan Make a Difference Award was presented to ESLARP Director Laura Lawson and FAA Dean Robert Graves earlier this month during the 24th Annual Celebration of Diversity breakfast on November 11, held at the I Hotel. Presenting the award to ESLARP was Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Robert Easter, and Menah Pratt-Clarke, Interim Assistant Chancellor and Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

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 ESLARP in Action Blog

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Abbilyn Harmon

Abbilyn Harmon

Graduate Student in Landscape Architecture
abbilyn@gmail.com
217.265.6341













Abbilyn Harmon is a PhD student in the Department of Landscape Architecture. She studies the intersections of urban spatial design, homelessness, and community, questioning how ideas of legitimacy shape our physical and social arenas for interaction.  At the heart of this work is a belief in action and a wedding of activism and scholarship. 

Abby works as a liaison with three service providers in East St. Louis.  Opal’s House is a prospective shelter for victims of domestic violence, and Abby is working with the executive director and board of directors to open the shelter in the near future.  The Eagle’s Nest is a prospective homeless veterans supportive housing center, and it will be opening this winter.  Second Chance Shelter is an operational emergency and transitional shelter for homeless families.  Currently, we are working to develop a new facility for the shelter in cooperation with the Emerson Park Development Corporation, another one of ESLARP’s partners in East St. Louis.  

In addition, Abby will be teaching an undergraduate action research course in the fall.  This course focuses on project-based experiential learning.  The students will work with The Eagle’s Nest to develop a community engagement program and physical site designs for the center.

Partners

• Eagle’s Nest
• Opal’s House
• Second Chance Shelter

Courses

Spring 2008 FAA 391