Krystel Jacinto
Scholar since:
2025-08-01
Scholarship received:
Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
Education:
University of California, Berkeley
Hometown:
Makawao, Hawai'i
Krystel Jacinto is a master’s student at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, where she is interested in exploring resiliency, sustainable architecture, and material innovation. Born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawai‘i, Krystel draws inspiration from her deep connection to nature and her community, which fuels her commitment to designing spaces that are environmentally responsible and serve as places of healing and restoration.
She completed her undergraduate degree in architecture with a minor in architectural engineering, where she researched cob as an alternative building material and wrote her research thesis on using bamboo for post-disaster reconstruction and affordable housing following the devastating Lahaina wildfires. At Berkeley, she is continuing this path by working on a research project related to modular housing systems, exploring how structural design, material use, and sustainability intersect to improve housing outcomes.
Outside of her academic work, Krystel enjoys being outside, film and photography, using visual storytelling to capture the places and narratives that shape her design approach. She has also trained in martial arts—including boxing, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai—and is currently a member of the Cal Judo team. Krystel aspires to become a licensed architect and advance resilient, community-centered design that reflects her island roots, dedication to sustainability, and vision for creating spaces that continue to heal both people and place.
She completed her undergraduate degree in architecture with a minor in architectural engineering, where she researched cob as an alternative building material and wrote her research thesis on using bamboo for post-disaster reconstruction and affordable housing following the devastating Lahaina wildfires. At Berkeley, she is continuing this path by working on a research project related to modular housing systems, exploring how structural design, material use, and sustainability intersect to improve housing outcomes.
Outside of her academic work, Krystel enjoys being outside, film and photography, using visual storytelling to capture the places and narratives that shape her design approach. She has also trained in martial arts—including boxing, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai—and is currently a member of the Cal Judo team. Krystel aspires to become a licensed architect and advance resilient, community-centered design that reflects her island roots, dedication to sustainability, and vision for creating spaces that continue to heal both people and place.