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Environmental Finance Center News

Biography:Michael C. Abrams is a Puerto Rican architect and Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland-College Park. Mr. Abrams is the author of two best-selling books: The Art of City Sketching: A Field Manual—2nd ed. (Routledge, 2021) and Metaphoric Architecture: Transforming Ideas into 3D form (Routledge, 2025).

Biography:Zachrey Sims is the program coordinator for the ARCH program. Zach previously worked as the academic program coordinator in the American University School of International Service, and as Project Associate of Search Services at the Association of Community College Trustees.

Biography:Design thinking is my focus as a researcher and educator. While the scientific method is a way of discovering what is, design thinking is a method for envisioning what ought to be. I put design thinking into practice to envision better futures for people and communities.

Biography:Aric joined UMD in 2016 after serving as President and CEO of a children's education company for fifteen years. As MAPP's Payroll & HR Program Manager, he assists the school with hiring, compensation, employee relations and labor compliance.

Biography:Marcus A. Cross, AIA, NOMA, is a lecturer at the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. With over twenty years of experience, including managing a mid-sized architecture firm in Washington, DC, he founded M. Cross Architecture in 2024 to allow him to return to being “hands-on” throughout all phases of his projects.

Biography:My cross-disciplinary research sits at the nexus of urban studies, planning, and public education. I ask questions about how public schools and planning at the neighborhood, city, and regional levels interact and contribute to the perpetuation of inequality.

Biography:Jen has dedicated 24 years to the University of Maryland, contributing her expertise across various departments. Her extensive experience and diverse background enable her to provide invaluable support to MAPP.

Biography:Maria Day-Marshall, Esq. joined the University of Maryland's Real Estate Development Program in 2017, serving as Director until 2025, and currently directs the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development. She led efforts in curriculum development, faculty management, student advising, and course scheduling.

Biography:Carrie Chard is the Assistant Director of the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Her primary role is to promote and provide outreach, marketing and promotion for the Masters in Real Estate Development program.

Biography:Margaret McFarland has over two decades of experience in real estate development, starting as an urban planner in Ohio. After earning her law degree, she joined O'Melveny & Myers in Washington, DC, assisting clients with financing for commercial properties, including those seeking historic preservation designation.

Biography:Marty Koelsch is the Shop Technician in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation where she maintains the Woodshop and the Digital Fabrication Lab, administers shop safety, maintains equipment, and provides instruction in the craft of model making.