OFA Scholars Program - Current & Past Scholars

2011 OFA Scholars
Jared Barnes
North Carolina State University

Then: Jared was raised in a family that loved gardening and the outdoors, and that environment encouraged him to develop a love of horticulture.  With that passion he pursued a bachelor’s in environmental biology from the University of Tennessee at Martin.  Jared continued on to graduate school at North Carolina State University where he completed a master’s degree and is currently working on a doctorate.  Jared aspires to be a college professor, transferring his enthusiasm into the classroom to cultivate a love for horticulture within students. 

Now: Jared is continuing his studies and research at North Carolina State University.

Quote: "It was wonderful to meet so many people who have so much experience and insight to share! It helped me to see the horticulture industry more clearly and completely" 

Jennifer Evans
Michigan State University

Then: Jenn decided to major in horticulture because she wanted to build a career around something she was genuinely passionate about. Over the course of her undergraduate career she has sought out new experiences and projects that have led her into greenhouses, high tunnels, public gardens, and the floriculture laboratory. After a genetics internship at Ball Horticultural Company in 2010, she has decided to pursue graduate school and contribute to the horticulture industry through research.

Now: Jenn's career goal is to keep people interested in horticulture by developing not only plant asthetics, but also the way they smell or taste. She is persuing a Master's degree with Dr. Ryan Warner at Michigan State University.

Quote: "The OFA Short Course demonstrates the breadth of the industry, something that is not typically explained or experienced in the classroom."

   
Jennifer Hatalski
College of Western Idaho

Then: Jen completed her Associates Degree of Applied Science of Horticulture at the College of Western Idaho. She has been in the industry for many years, developing her passion for the “green” industry at a young age.  As a student Jen was a student ambassador member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. .

Now: Jen is the General Manager of Varsity Garden Center in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania.
 
Quote: "Networking and talking to people from all aspects of the industry is truly eye opening! I learned more about the industry at Short Course than I ever did in a class."
        

Allison Justice
Clemson University

Then: Allison has been fortunate to be involved in the green industry ever since she can remember. As a child, she grew up on an ornamental tree farm which led her to pursue a degree in horticulture at Clemson University. Post graduation, Allison returned to manage the family farm for two years. Wanting to get back into research Allison returned to Clemson to work on her PhD. 

Now: Allison's PhD work focuses on the effects of certain mycorrhizae on unrooted cuttings for adventitious root formation.

Quote: "Spending time one-on-one with industry professionals like Mark Wilson from Syngenta was invaluable! Being an OFA Scholar solidified my committment to the horticulture industry."
        

Lori Moshman
Cornell University

Then: Lori is a plant science and entomology senior at Cornell University. She is interested in IPM of field and greenhouse crops. She spent her junior spring semester as an exchange student in Melbourne, Australia, where she enjoyed walking amongst the native tropical plants and animals of the southern hemisphere.  Lori has served as greenhouse manager for Hortus Forum, Cornell's undergraduate horticulture club, and is involved in lab research on pollination by native bees in New York.

Now: Lori is continuing her studies at Cornell and is looking forward to graduation in 2012.
Quote: "As an OFA Scholar I was able to meet people from all aspects of the industry, from breeding and growing to shipping, labeling, and selling. It was a one-of-a-kind experience!"
        
Nicole Rud
University of Toledo

Then: While taking a plant propagation class as an undergraduate, Nicole discovered her passion for horticulture and was immediately hooked. Nicole’s career goals include the use of fundamental horticultural science to improve the industry, as well as imparting this knowledge to current and future horticulturists through teaching and outreach programs.
Now: Nicole is a PhD candidate studying stress physiology of floricultural plants. She is looking forward to graduating in 2013.
 
Quote: "I really enjoyed the exposure to so many different aspects of the industry - marketing, container gardens, new PGR uses and supplemental lighting. The one-on-one meetings were very beneficial to me and my future career aspirations!"


2010 OFA Scholars

Thomas Baker
Clemson University

Then: Thomas Baker’s part-time grass cutting job turned into a full-time obsession and lead him to pursue a degree at Clemson University. He focused on greenhouse production, completed an internship with Skagit Gardens, and graduated in 2010. Thomas is looking forward to a career that is “just as much about people as plants” and aspires to someday teach at the university level.

Now: Thomas is currently in the Netherlands and is exploring graduate school opportunities.

Quote: "I enjoyed the opportunity to meet 'the big shakers' of our industry, such as Allan Armitage, Anna Ball, Rick Schoellhorn, Jack Williams, and many others."

 

Chris Currey
Purdue University

Then: Chris Currey is a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University. Chris believes that horticulture is truly “a science and an art” that enriches lives and connects individuals. He has a varied background in the industry including public garden, native plant nursery, orchid production, floriculture physiology, and breeding experience. Chris enjoys teaching, has served as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate horticulture courses, and looks forward to a career as an educator.

Now: Chris continues his studies and research at Purdue and spoke at 2011 OFA Short Course.

Quote: "This experience allowed me to interact with industry professional on a level I thought would never be possible at this stage in my career."
   

Chris D'Angelo
Cornell University

Then: Chris D’Angelo is a junior at Cornell University. His interest in plants started at a very young age while growing up in his family’s garden center. Chris loves how dynamic working in horticulture can be and the variety of challenges the business presents. As a student he has been involved in Hortus Forum, Cornell’s horticulture club, and lab research on bacterial speck disease.

Now: Chris recently become certified in Cornell's student medical technician program and was an intern at Monsanto.

Quote: "Being an OFA Scholar helped me make contacts that will absolutely help me in my future career. I was interested in an internship and feel confident that I can obtain one as a result of the networking."
        
Morgan Jenkins
Kansas State University

Then: Morgan Jenkins is a M.S. student at Kansas State University where her research focuses on consumer preferences of floral products and florist usage of floral preservatives. Morgan’s ultimate career goal is to own a retail florist design firm where she can create, design, and inspire and would like to explore opportunities in horticultural therapy.

Now: Morgan is the retail manager at Floral Art in Los Angeles.

Quote: "I loved being an OFA Scholar. It was an amazing journey that allowed me to meet other floral designers,  learn about different aspects of the industry, and acquire new design skills."
        
Jim "Chip" Moylan
Michigan State University

Then: Through his involvement with MSU’s Horticulture Club, of which he has served as president and webmaster, Jim traveled to New Orleans to help restore a city park, placed 1st in PLANET’s Student Career Days irrigation design competition, and placed 1st overall in the MACHS competition. Jim’s ultimate career goal is to own and operate a high-end nursery and garden center.

Now:  Jim started working at Weigand's Nursery & Garden Center in Macomb, Michigan as a teenager and continues to work there today as the Annual/Perennial Buyer.

Quote: "The OFA Scholars program gave me an amazing insight on what the industry has to offer. It will be valuable in the future when opening my own business."
        

Heather Pariso
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Then: Heather Pariso majored in greenhouse production and graduated from Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute. Heather’s interest is getting people up off the couch and into gardening, especially the younger generations. Heather’s career goal is to grow the horticulture business and believes in educating and marketing to the non-gardening population.

Now: Heather is working at a garden center in Florida that she connected with as an OFA Scholar.

Quote: "Being an OFA Scholar opened my eyes to several aspects of the industry and gave me the opportunity to meet several possible employers."

 

2009 OFA Scholars

Alicain Carlson
North Carolina State University

Then: Alicain is a graduate student at North Carolina State University where she focuses on the development of new cut flowers, including researching new species for high tunnel production. She plans to pursue a career in education and practical industry research, with grower education being a top priority.

Now: Alicain is still in graduate school working toward a PhD and is anticipating graduation in 2013.

Quote: "I learned so much from talking to people and learning about the diversity of the industry. I will use this information to make a career decision and continue to network and use my new contacts."

QiuXia Chen
Kansas State University

Then: QiuXia enrolled in Kansas State University’s horticultural therapy program and aspires to develop hands-on community gardening programs, specifically geared toward third-world countries.

Now: QiuXia completed a study abroad in Costa Rica and is currently interning at The Scotts Company.

Quote: "Meeting with industry professionals on a one-on-one basis was invaluable. I learned a lot from them sharing their personal experiences with me and I was able to get a better understanding of a variety of jobs within different segments of the industry."
   

Carola De La Torre
The Ohio State University

Then: A plant pathology student Carola’s research focuses on the biology and resistance of Hosta Virus X. Upon graduation she aspires to remain in the industry as a researcher, where she can combine her interest in research with her need to solve problems and help people. Carola’s ultimate goal is to own a horticulture operation.

Now: Carola is still working on her degree at The Ohio State University.

Quote: "The best experience was meeting with industry professionals and learning about their jobs, companies, and their previous experiences. It was helpful to learn the different paths traveled to obtain the job they really wanted."
        
Gretchen Giles
Michigan State University

Then: Gretchen is pursuing horticulture as a second career. She enjoys all aspects of the greenhouse and nursery industries.

Now: Gretchen is continuing to work full-time and take classes to fulfill her degree program.

Quote: "I never knew there were so many different types of jobs in this industry. I am now very confident in the direction of my career! "
        
Ka Yeon Jeong
North Carolina State University

Then: Kay's research focuses on the development of a system to stabilize substrate pH during crop production. After graduation her goal is to support and educate growers and helping connect the dots between growers, consumers, and the floriculture industry.

Now: Kay is a Senior Scientist at the Scott's Company.

Quote: "My best experience as an OFA Scholar was meeting successful people. Everyone was so kind and supportive in providing me with good direction for my next steps. The awakening messages from the people whom I met in this program beat my heart and made my eyes sparkle. I really appreciate everyone being so welcoming and willing to share their stories and experiences. That was light, fertilizer, and water to grow my dream in floriculture world."
        

Jongyun Kim
University of Georgia

Then: Jong's PhD research focused on improving plant-water relations and irrigation management, ultimately helping growers reduce inputs and maintain profits. He has presented his research and won awards at the Southern Nursery Association’s research conference and the American Society for Horticultural Science conference.

Now: Jong is a Research Associate at the University of Maryland working on plant-water relations and irrigation technology.

Quote: "Being an OFA Scholar opened my eyes to the real industry and to the importance of networking."

2008 OFA Scholars
Gladys Anguti
The Ohio State University

Then: Gladys worked with Dr. Claudio Pasian on using controlled release fertilizer to reduce environmental contamination from greenhouse runoff. Gladys has extensive international experience studying and working in the Netherlands, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and her native Uganda.

Now: Gladys is a grower for Shenandoah Growers in Harrisonburg, Virgina.

Quote: "I loved the experience! I would have never met people like Anna Ball, Susie Raker, Dr. Marvin Miller, and several others if it was not for being an OFA Scholar."
   
Aubrey Ballinger
Cincinnati State Technical College

Then: Aubrey completed nine-month internships at Diefenbacher Greenhouse and the horticulture department at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Now: Aubrey is the Greenhouse Manager at Wasson Nursery's Union City, Indiana location.

Quote: "I had a blast! I loved meeting all the different people in the industry, especially the other young professionals at Unplugged. I made several contacts that I will follow-up with regarding employment opportunities."
    
Jenny Barnett
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Then: Jenny is co-majoring in greenhouse and nursery production and is involved with the greenhouse club and nursery club. Prior to enrolling in the horticulture program Jenny was a preschool teacher.

Now: Jenny is working in the research labs at OARDC.

Quote: "Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! I am pretty new to the industry and this experience helped me open my eyes to the career possibilities available."
    
James Cooley
The Ohio State University

Then: His interest in horticulture was piqued by a summer job at a local nursery and landscaping business, and he quickly became interested in propagation and cultivation. James is involved with the Landscape and Floriculture Forum, Pi Alpha Xi, and volunteers at OSU's Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens.

Now: James pursuing a degree molecular genetics and looking forward to graduation in 2012.

Quote: "My best experience was the Unplugged networking event which put me in a position to speak and represent myself to potential employers in an environment that was inviting and just FUN overall!"
    

Christy Dudgeon
The Ohio State University

Then: Christy served as president of Pi Alpha Xi, a national horticulture honors society. Christy and her husband own and operate a wholesale nursery and landscape business in Circleville, Ohio.

Now: Christy is an Account Manager for the Columbus Region of the Brickman Landscaping Group.

Quote: "The OFA Scholars Program was a wonderful experience! The networking and meetings with industry professionals was priceless!"
    

Tim Sauner
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Then: Tim co-majored in the greenhouse and nursery production programs and served as president for ATI's Nursery Club, vice-president of Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of the Greenhouse Club. Tim completed two internship programs, one at Raker and one at Willoway Nurseries.

Now: Tim is the sole proprietor of a nursery and landscaping business in Rootstown, Ohio.

Quote: "The OFA Scholars Program helped me gain a better understanding of the floriculture industry."

2007 OFA Scholars
Cassandra Kerr
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Then: Cassi co-majored in Greenhouse and Nursery Production. Cassi was involved with the ATI Greenhouse Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Now: Cassi works in DR. Michelle Jones' lab at OARDC as a Research Assistant. 

Quote: "Being an OFA Scholar helped me learn of many other jobs I could have other than a grower. I used to think that was all I could do, now I know differently!"
    
Rachel Rossler South, OCF
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Then: Rachel's career focus was on floral design and marketing, and she completed a floral internship with Disney. As a result of her OFA Scholars experience Rachel landed a job right after graduation with a reputable florist she admired as a student.

Now: Rachel is a floral assistant at MGM Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas.

Quote: "The possibilities in the floriculture industry are endless. Being an OFA Scholar gave me a better understanding of what careers are out there."
   
Douglas Schuster
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Then:  Doug was raised in his family's greenhouse and a love for plants was instilled upon him at a young age. As a result Doug pursued a degree in greenhouse production and management.

Now: Doug is the Greenhouse Coordinator of the OSU ATI teaching greenhouses where he oversees all aspects of the greenhouse and works with students in group settings and one-on-one in producing crops.

Quote: "The OFA Scholars Program helped me meet a lot of industry people and make connections. I feel that I now have more options and job opportunities."
    

Nicole Waterland, PhD
The Ohio State University

Then: Nicole came from Iowa where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State University. She is completed her PhD at the Ohio State University under the guidence of Dr. Michelle Jones.

Now: Nicole is currently an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at West Virginia University.

Quote: "Being an OFA Scholar was great! I met with industry leaders one-on-one. Being new to the industry and not really knowing anyone it would be difficult to meet these people on my own."
 
 
 
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