Meet the Team
Who is Depave Chicago
Student Research Assistants
Ian Dilla Mora
Surface Design Research Assistant
Ian Dilla Mora is a Master of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and Research Assistant for Depave Chicago since January 2026. Ian is contributing to landscape architecture design research and publications through cross-case analysis of ground plane design operations and technologies. Ian has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Florida and is currently pursuing research interests in landscape and cultural preservation in Costa Rica’s tourism landscapes.
Mari Sato
Depaving Research Assistant
Mari Sato is a Master of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and Research Assistant for Depave Chicago since September 2026. Mari is contributing to the LAF Deb Mitchell research grant “Depaving: Interventions & Innovations to Scale a Critical Climate Practice,” working alongside our partner Ted Labbe from Depave.org. Mari has a Bachelor of Art in Art and Visual Culture from Bates College. She previously held positions with National Park Service in Alaska and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
We’re hiring!
We’re hiring two hourly Research Assistants to support a new research project funded by the Landscape Architecture Foundation. Students must be enrolled in a Landscape Architecture progam or Graphic Design program at University of Illinois.
Further information on the positions will be posted by September 30th!
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Depaving: Interventions & Innovations to Scale a Critical Climate Practice
2026 Deb Mitchell Research Grant, Landscape Architecture Foundation Beginning fall 2026.