Dons' Summer Highlights - Julia Lopatka '23

Julia Lopatka '23 spent a few weeks this summer in Washington, DC at Catholic University of America's Experiences in Architecture (EiA) Summer Program! Julia hopes to pursue a career in architecture and shares that her time at Cathedral Catholic prepared her well for this real-world glance into the field:

"Cathedral Catholic has encouraged me to cultivate my gifts and passion for architecture and design. The skills that I have gained in the CCHS Engineering Program, AP Science Program, and Science National Honor Society have given me the confidence I needed to thrive in the Experiences in Architecture (EiA) Summer Program at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. During my time at the summer program, I was able to use my knowledge of CAD modeling I gained from our school’s engineering program. In addition, taking AP Biology gave me the confidence to push myself beyond my comfort zone and ultimately, by being a member of our school’s Science National Honor Society, I was encouraged and supported to seek out programs such as Experiences in Architecture. I am truly grateful for my experience the past few years at Cathedral Catholic and the opportunities it has afforded me in order to seek out my calling."

As part of the EiA Summer Program, Julia was in charge of designing a 16x16 ft pavilion that would be located on Catholic University of America's campus.

Renderings of her pavilion on the campus that she created through CAD modeling

Elevation view of her model on CAD.

Julia presented the prototype of her model to the judges (graduates from the School of Architecture and Planning at CUA).

In addition to being involved in the Engineering Program and Science National Honor Society at Cathedral Catholic, Julia is also involved in California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society, and she is a senior company member with the Southern California Ballet.