Congratulations to the
2024 Merit Scholarship Recipients

Christiana Kathleen Bevilacqua and Mohammad Valizadeh Alvan

The IESNYC announces the recipients of the 2024 IESNYC Merit Scholarship. This year, the selection process was exceptionally competitive, showcasing the outstanding talent and dedication of emerging professionals in the field of architectural lighting. After careful consideration, the committee has chosen two exceptional candidates to receive the IESNYC Merit Scholarship; each of them will receive $12,500 to support their educational pursuits.

Christiana Kathleen Bevilacqua, a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Science in Architectural Sciences with a concentration in Lighting. Christiana's passion for architectural lighting stems from her profound belief in the transformative power of light within architectural spaces. Inspired by the techniques that can be used to alter the user's experience and appreciation of architecture through the intricate manipulation of light, she aspires to integrate innovative lighting strategies into her future architectural designs, to enhance human experiences and promote sustainability.

Reflecting on her achievement, Christiana shared, "Receiving the IESNYC Merit Scholarship allows me to further my education in a manner that resonates with my specific passion for lighting design. This scholarship equips me with the essential resources to examine and showcase architecture in a manner deeply influenced and enhanced by its lighting."

Read about Christiana in LD+A's August 2024 special feature "Ask An EP"

Mohammad Valizadeh Alvan is an Iranian designer pursuing dual degrees, a Master of Architecture and an MFA in Lighting Design at The New School, Parsons School of Design. With a background in Architectural Engineering, Mohammad co-founded Navan Architecture Office, gaining leadership experience and demonstrating innovation. Inspired by the transformative potential of light, Mohammad explores luminaire design and interdisciplinary collaborations. He aspires to establish Iran's first architectural lighting design program, leveraging opportunities to advance the field globally. Committed to creating better-lit environments, Mohammad believes in the power of lighting to inspire and elevate human experiences. He views himself as a storyteller whose designs communicate, inspire, and facilitate learning for people from all walks of life.

Mohammad expressed his gratitude, stating, "Receiving the IESNYC scholarship is invaluable as it significantly reduces financial stress and allows for a more focused and less financially-driven thesis year. It also elevates my sense of responsibility as a representative of IESNYC and the lighting design community. Moreover, it validates my efforts, inspires me, and boosts my confidence in my future endeavors, motivating me to keep pursuing excellence in both my studies and career.”

Read about Mohammad in LD+A's July 2024 special feature "Ask An EP"

About the Scholarship
To recognize and support potential future leaders in the field of architectural lighting, the IESNYC Merit Scholarship awards a collective monetary value of $25,000 to full-time, first year, graduate degree candidates in the field of architectural lighting at an accredited college or university in New York State.