Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
R. Charles Howe
“Landscape architecture is the perfect synthesis of my passions in ecology and the environment, visual arts, and social development.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Carlton, PA
- Hometown: Carlton, PA
- Age: 27
- Four-year College or University: Allegheny College
- Graduate School: Harvard University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Agriculture, Arts / Music / Performance, Environmental Scientist, International Economic Development, International NGO/Relations, Landscape Architecture, Public Services, Sciences, Social Science / Anthropology, Transportation, Urban Design / City Planner
- Other Interests: Design, Environmental Science, Foreign Languages / International Study, International Economic Development, International Relations / NGOs, Landscape Architecture, Languages, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Religion, Sciences, Social Science / Anthropology, Visual Arts, Beekeeping & Gardening
Biography
PROFILE: When he arrived at college, R. Charles Howe thought he might have to choose between hours in the science lab or the art studio. “Instead, I merged the two interests into what resulted in stronger artwork, and for me, more purposeful science.” In taking those interests to India for a college externship, he was struck by the contrast between his background and the poor neighborhoods of Jaipur.
Charles has great faith in the power of collaboration to restore degraded ecosystems and create more parkland. His earliest memories are of watching family and friends working together to build his childhood home; and he recently brought that spirit of collaboration with him to Paraguay, where he served for two years in the Peace Corps as an agroforestry technician. He also worked with the local community on a school garden, an HIV campaign, and raising honeybees. By specializing in community-integrated design, Charles looks forward to combining his passion for science and art in the wider laboratory of the world—and making open spaces easier for everyone to find.
INSPIRATION: As a teenager, Charles was struck by the harshness he saw in urban landscapes. “My goal, to design inviting public landscapes, is a result of my [own] interaction with the environment.”
ASPIRATION: Charles plans to become a landscape architect and hopes to join an innovative design firm active in public works and development with an international portfolio.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Charles was a leader in environmental activities at Allegheny College; interning in stream bank and island restorations. He was also active in the college’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development.
ACCOLADES: Awarded the Gilman International Scholarship by the US State Department, Charles received the Doane Prize in Sculpture & Ceramics at Allegheny College. His sculpture, Heart, was purchased for permanent display on campus.
INTERESTING FACT: Charles once traveled 86 hours on a bus across Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru to visit his family.
Other Scholars Like R. Charles
Mikal Brotnov
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Clark University
Shawna-Kaye Lester
Graduate Scholar
Columbia University
Cristina Toledo-Cornell
Graduate Scholar
Cornell University
Caitlin Cohen
Graduate Scholar
Brown University