While working in London for an Internet hosting company, Courtney Cook Spearman was forever changed by the gardens of England and the pansies on her windowsill. She came to UVa to learn about Landscape Architecture and Architectural History, and is now in her fourth year of Masters' degree work for these two programs. She is interested in improving the quality of participation in small group discussions, and in helping new graduate students navigate the initially rocky terrain of graduate school. When not following academic pursuits, Courtney enjoys traveling with her husband Jim in search of delicious food and wine and pulling weeds from her neglected garden.