Rebekah Zhao '25
BA Environmental Design, Policy and Planning, BA Studio Art; minors in art history
and digital art
Where are you originally from?
Jilin, China! I immigrated to New York when I was seven years old and have lived in
Queens ever since!
On Stony Brook:
I heard about Stony Brook University from upperclassmen at my high school. They were
so happy about their admission to Stony Brook that it piqued my interest to apply
as well.
On her major:
I had an interest in environmental sciences and found the perfect major that combined
that with my passion for the arts. Here I was able to explore something so unfamiliar
but prevalent in our day-to-day.
Favorite class:
My favorite class has to be the Environmental Design Project class (EDP 404) with Donnovan Finn. Our class got the opportunity to work with the Faculty
Student Association (FSA) as a client to apply the skills we learned in a real-world
context of reimagining an outdoor patio space for West Side Dining and the Shore Club
at the Student Activities Center (SAC).
Interests and accomplishments:
- 2025 Presidential Student Art Award Recipient 25’
- Alumni Association’s Dean’s Choice Award Recipient 25’
- Presidential Academic Scholarship Recipient 21’ - 25
- SBF Trustee Scholarship Recipient 21’ - 25’
- Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Member 25’
- URECA Art Competition Winner 24’
- Artwork published in Nature State of Mind: SUNY Students Reflect on Our Environment 24’
Plans for post-graduation:
I will be pursuing an MA in Urban Planning at Hunter College, New York, to further
my education while continuing to develop my artistic practice.
Favorite SBU memory:
Final critique weeks at Staller are unforgettable. It’s a time when the art students
pull all-nighters together, working toward our final projects. We’d grab late-night
food, take midnight walks, and keep each other company through the final stretch of
the semester. I really felt connected to everyone, strengthening our bond and building
the art community at SBU.
Clubs and Organizations:
- Japanese Student Organization (JSO) Graphic Designer 22’ - 24’
- Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Lead Student Technician 23’ - 25’
- SBU Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC) Intern 24’ - 25’
- Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN) Extern at Canon 24’ - 25’
- College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Student Leadership and Advisory Council (CAS DSLAC) 24’ - 25’