DAAP Graduate Student Ambassadors

DAAP Graduate Student Ambassadors

Get to know some of our current DAAP Graduate Students!


Master of Architecture

Alissa Gonda, M.Arch

Program / Year:

M.Arch / 2nd Year

What are your research interests?

Signage and Technology Effects in City Centers.

Where did you Co-op?

I had 2 co-ops in Atlanta at RJTR, 1 in Tampa at Baker Barrios, and 1 in Youngstown at Strollo Architects.

Why DAAP?

DAAP has one of the most rigorous yet comprehensive M.Arch programs. The program provides both a strong academic curriculum and professional opportunities through co-op .

Headshot of Alissa Gonda

Alissa Gonda

Graduate Student, School of Architecture and Interior Design

she/her/hers

Master of Art in Art Education

Kelsey Thueneman | MA.AE

Program / Year:

MA.AE / 1st Year

What are your research interests?

Arts-Based Research, Psychology, Neuroscience and Philosophy: I am exploring the biological and neurological aspects of aesthetics and artistic creation and their affects on our cognition and behavior in educational settings.

Co-op or Professional Experience?

I have 10 years experience as an Art Educator in K-12 schools across the country.

Why DAAP?

I love the flexibility of the program. It allows me to pursue my own multidisciplinary projects and interests with connections across departments, colleges, and communities. The professors are genuinely involved, incredibly knowledgeable, and provide engaging courses.

Headshot of Kelsey Downie Thueneman

Kelsey Downie Thueneman

Graduate Student, School of Art

she/her/hers

Master of Community Planning

Final Bunch

Program / Year:

MCP / 2nd Year

What are your research interests?

Sustainable and Active Transportation: Complete Streets and Communities.

Co-op or Professional Experience?

I worked Summer '23 with an organization called Health By Design, working with communities throughout Indiana as they implemented active transportation (walkability and bikeability) and pedestrian safety efforts in their communities.

Why DAAP?

I came to DAAP because it was accessible to me as a Kentuckian. The graduate planning program is well-known and renowned, offers professional opportunities, renowned planning professors, and amazing scholarship offers.

Headshot of Olivia Tussey

Olivia Tussey

Graduate Student, School of Planning

she/her/hers

Master of Landscape Architecture 

Jessica Frazier, M.LA

Program / Year:

MLA / 2nd Year

What are your research interests?

I want to connect people and nature by designing a range of places that are inspiring and restorative: edible landscapes, nature playscapes, and public greenspaces that bring people in touch with native plants and wildlife.

Where did you Co-op?

McGill Smith Punshon.

Why DAAP?

I chose DAAP to be part of a large design college surrounded by creativity. There's a wide range of electives and certificates and access to fabrication labs that really enhance our education. These things, along with my program's mission to make a difference and its focus on urban environments, brought me here.  

Headshot of Jessica Frazier

Jessica Frazier

Graduate Student, School of Planning

she/her/hers

DAAP Graduate Programs

College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
7210 DAAP
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210016
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016

P 513-556-4933