Alexandra Tarantino

Alexandra Tarantino

Degree: 2014, Historic Preservation M.A.

Job Title: Architectural Historian for DelDot

Alexandra Tarantino is a University of Delaware Alumni who graduated from the Historic Preservation Master's program in 2014. Tarantino chose UD's program because of the assistantship opportunity offered to her by the Center for Historic Architecture and Design.

None of the schools offered the hands-on work experience UD promised with CHAD. 

David Ames and Rebecca Sheppard were two professors who sparked Tarantino's interest in studying and preserving architecture. "They helped nurture my interest in architecture and both have a wealth of knowledge," she said, "it was cool to be able to learn from people who knew so much about the surrounding area."

Tarantino is an Architectural Historian for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) where she works to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. An important aspect of her job is making sure the community is up to date with information about potential DelDOT project impacts to historic structures and explaining why something is historically significant.

One of the projects Tarantino and her team are currently working on is the removal of the railroad swing bridge over the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Lewes, DE. It's one of the last bridges of its kind in Delaware, however, needs to be removed because it is no longer safe. For the past two years, Tarantino has been working towards mitigating any concern and confusion over the removal. Now she is brainstorming ideas on historic interpretations of the bridge and creative ways to get the community interested in the process.

"It's easy to forget and not realize how history has a lot to do with your quality of life. Historical buildings and structures provide a sense of place and are part of the reason why you like living where you live and why you visit different places" said Tarantino.

As for any advice to the incoming and current students of the Biden Institute, she recommends that you ask your program and professors: "what can they offer you?" Undergraduates have a unique opportunity to discover their passions in life and turn them into a realistic job. Learn from your mentors and seek opportunities like CHAD, that will give you the hands-on experience you need to find success in your career.