For Jung-Hwa Kim, who joined UNLV in fall 2022, the idea that landscape architecture combined art and science was of great significance in deciding what career field she chose to pursue.

“As a child, I enjoyed working with numbers in mathematics, even though I wouldn’t call myself a math whiz,” says Kim. “I also had a passion for drawing, although I wasn’t entirely confident in my artistic abilities. Additionally, I had a deep love for geography and history. So, I went on a quest to find something that would bridge these interests and stumbled upon landscape architecture, which turned out to be a truly interdisciplinary field.”

Kim is a historian and landscape architect in UNLV’s School of Architecture with an interest in 19th and 20th-century garden art and open spaces. Her studies have been funded by such distinguished institutions as the Korean Ministry of Education, the National Research Foundation in South Korea, the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh, and the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut. 

After receiving bachelor's, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from Seoul National University, Kim worked as a landscape architect in several design firms in Seoul. She also taught at Gachon University, the University of Seoul, and Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul.

What were some of your career experiences prior to coming to UNLV? 

Before joining UNLV, I had the privilege of spending time in Berlin, Germany, where I served as a postdoctoral fellow in the 4A_LAB, an interdisciplinary program with a “plants” theme, at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz (Max Planck Institute for Art History in Florence). During this period, I undertook a research project titled, “Invented Woods and Forests: The Tree Collections, Displays, and Networks of the First Korean Arboretum, 1922-1948.” This project delved into the historical foundations and ideals that influenced the concept of scientific forests, not only in 18th-century Germany but also in 19th-century Japan. It further examined how the first Korean arboretum conveyed the principles of scientific forestry through its landscape design.

Between 2008 and 2012, I worked for several design firms in Seoul, South Korea, as a landscape architect. Among the diverse range of projects I contributed to, one that particularly stands out is Seoul Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Here, I dedicated myself to crafting a well-balanced plan that incorporated both vernacular and universal landscape elements. This design aimed to create a space that resonated with both ethnic Koreans living in the post-Soviet states and the local Uzbekistani community.

Tell us about an object in your office and what it represents to you.

All the intriguing drawings surrounding me are from the Landscape Architecture Design studio for third-year students. For the fall 2023 semester, my students are working on the future development of the Northern Beltway Trail, which is currently undergoing the design process with an expected completion within the next five years. In collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation team of the City of North Las Vegas, they have completed site analysis and are now moving forward to the masterplan and detail design processes. Since I see them three times a week for the studio, their passion for design and their interest in the environment are so inspiring and help me discover research topics around Las Vegas.

What is the biggest misconception about your field/job?

While understanding of landscape architecture is growing, some people still view this field as solely technical, like garden maintenance. Landscape Architecture involves the planning, design, management, and history of the designed and natural environments. Additionally, it’s now designated as a STEM field, focusing on mitigating climate change, improving urban forests, reducing urban heat, and addressing water shortages. Once you learn more about landscape architecture, I’m sure you’ll become a big supporter of this field.

Is this what you thought you’d do when you grew up?

If you’re talking about a career in education, then yes, that was always my dream. I aspired to be an elementary school teacher, likely influenced by the many outstanding educators I was fortunate to encounter in my life. However, if you’re asking whether I saw myself becoming a professor, the answer is no! I used to think that professors were all eloquent and outgoing individuals, although I’ve come to realize that’s not always the case. Nonetheless, I considered a professor position because it often provides the most straightforward means of supporting research, even when that research doesn’t immediately translate into financial gain or the creation of tangible products.

When you’re out in the community or traveling, what’s the biggest misconception you encounter about UNLV?

There are two common misconceptions I encounter. First, many people tend to believe that Las Vegas is solely composed of casinos and entertainment businesses, with no prominent higher education institution like UNLV. Second, there’s a preconceived notion that I might face significant challenges in teaching and research at UNLV. However, people are consistently taken aback when they discover the incredible diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, and the substantial presence of international and Korean faculty members at UNLV.

Name someone on campus you’d like to thank.

Absolutely, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jeehee Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction. Dr. Lee played a pivotal role in helping me settle into campus life and adapt to the vibrant community of Las Vegas. When I initially had concerns about teaching during my first academic year, she reassured me by sharing her experiences of the welcoming, kind, and friendly nature of the students. During times when I struggled to navigate the new social systems here, she introduced me to beautiful and serene spots, helping me focus on the positive aspects of living here.

I am sincerely grateful for her invaluable support. Of course, she’s not the only one. If I had just one person [I could] thank on campus, I wouldn’t stay. I’d like to express my gratitude to the many wonderful individuals I’ve encountered at UNLV and say, “THANK YOU!”

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace the fact that you are an empiricist. Every one of your faults, missteps, and failures will ultimately serve as valuable lessons that will contribute to your personal growth. Keep your chin up and always anticipate the next chance to shine!