MEET HRI SCHOLARS

The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS), the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of one of MANTS’ founders and a respected leader within the horticulture industry. Carville Akehurst served for more than three decades as Executive Vice President of MANTS and held leadership roles with numerous state and national horticulture organizations, including the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association and the Maryland Greenhouse Growers’ Association.

Created in partnership with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), this scholarship reflects Mr. Akehurst’s belief that education creates opportunity and is essential to the future strength of the nursery and landscape profession. Through this fund, MANTS continues its commitment to supporting students pursuing horticulture careers and sustaining the industry Mr. Akehurst helped shape.

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Mona Jones

Cornell University


Mona is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences at Cornell University. Her academic studies focus on plant systems, greenhouse production, and landscape design, with an emphasis on understanding how plants perform in managed and production-oriented environments. Mona is interested in applying scientific principles to real-world horticultural challenges and supporting the success of greenhouse, nursery, and landscape operations through research-informed practices.

The Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship Fund

The Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1988 by the Bigelow family to support students from New England pursuing careers in horticulture. Originally dedicated to the family’s son, Timothy Bigelow, the scholarship later expanded to honor Palmer W. “Bill” Bigelow, reflecting the family’s deep and lasting connection to the green industry.

The Bigelow family has long believed that student scholarships represent one of the most important investments the horticulture industry can make. Through this fund, the family continues its commitment to education as a cornerstone for the growth and development of the nursery and landscape profession.

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Ella May 

University of Connecticut


Ella is studying sustainable plant and soil science at the University of Connecticut. Her coursework emphasizes plant health, soil systems, and sustainable production practices within greenhouse and controlled-environment agriculture. Ella’s career interests include greenhouse production and horticultural research, with the goal of contributing science-based solutions that support efficient, responsible plant production across the horticulture industry.

The Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Bryan Champion, president of Herman Losely & Son, Inc. and a fifth-generation nurseryman from Perry, Ohio. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Champion was actively involved in advancing the nursery and landscape industry through leadership, volunteer service, and peer-to-peer education.

Throughout his career, Champion understood the value of quality education and industry research, working closely with Ohio State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service to address real-world industry challenges. Following his passing in 2011, colleagues and peers established this scholarship to honor his passion for horticulture and commitment to industry advancement.

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Katelyn Boyce 

The Ohio State University


Katelyn is pursuing a master’s degree in horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University. Her academic work centers on greenhouse and woody plant production, with a focus on understanding plant growth, production systems, and applied horticultural research. Katelyn plans to build a career that connects research and production, helping translate scientific findings into practical applications for growers and nursery operations.

Cultivate the Future Scholarship

The Cultivate the Future Scholarship Fund celebrates the nearly 100-year legacy of the industry’s flagship trade show and education event, Cultivate. Established through the generosity of Cultivate exhibitors, attendees, and Women in Horticulture luncheon participants over several years, the fund reflects the green industry’s collective commitment to education and workforce development.

By supporting students pursuing horticulture degrees and green industry careers, the Cultivate the Future Scholarship Fund connects the success of today’s industry gathering with the professionals who will shape its future.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Kathryn Huether

Stephen F. Austin State University 


Kathryn is enrolled in a master’s program in horticultural science at Stephen F. Austin State University. Her studies emphasize greenhouse and nursery production, with a focus on plant performance and production systems. Kathryn is interested in applying her graduate education to support commercial horticulture operations and contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient growing practices.

Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship

Created in partnership with the Horticultural Research Institute, the Imagine More Scholarship reflects Danziger’s commitment to investing in education and future industry leaders. Through this fund, Danziger supports students pursuing horticulture careers and encourages them to bring curiosity, fresh thinking, and passion to the green industry, helping ensure its continued growth and vitality.

Established in 2019 by friends and family, this scholarship supports students who aspire to the same qualities that defined Mecking’s career: hard work, honesty, and a deep commitment to the horticulture industry.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Layne Krug 

Purdue University


Layne is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in horticulture at Purdue University. Her academic interests include greenhouse production and horticultural management, with an emphasis on plant systems and production practices. Layne is preparing for a career in the horticulture industry that combines hands-on production experience with leadership and management responsibilities.

The Mugget Scholarship

The Mugget Scholarship grew out of the Mugget Growers of America (MGA), an informal group formed in 1981 as a social, educational, and fundraising network within the green industry. MGA members meet annually to discuss plant development and industry issues while supporting research and scholarship initiatives through the Horticultural Research Institute.

Recognizing the importance of well-prepared professionals, MGA members chose to direct proceeds from their activities toward student scholarships. The Mugget Scholarship reflects the group’s commitment to collaboration, education, and supporting aspiring horticulture professionals nationwide.

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Luke Duncan 

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona


Luke is pursuing a master’s degree in landscape architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His academic focus includes horticultural sales and marketing, landscape development, and the connection between plant production and market demand. Luke is interested in career opportunities that bridge horticulture, business, and design, supporting the commercial plant industry through customer-focused and market-driven approaches.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Freddy Mendez Urbano 

The Ohio State University


Freddy is pursuing a master’s degree in horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University. His academic interests focus on greenhouse and nursery production, plant health, and sustainable growing practices. Freddy’s career goals include working in commercial horticulture systems where he can apply research-informed strategies to improve plant quality, production efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

The Spring Meadow—Proven Winners Scholarship Fund

The Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship was established in 1999 by Dale and Liz Deppe with the belief that bright, well-trained professionals are essential to the nursery industry. Recognizing the mentors and opportunities that shaped their own careers, the Spring Meadow team created this fund as a way to give back to the industry.l-prepared professionals, MGA members chose to direct proceeds from their activities toward student scholarships. The Mugget Scholarship reflects the group’s commitment to collaboration, education, and supporting aspiring horticulture professionals nationwide.

The scholarship supports students from across the country interested in careers related to woody plant production, propagation, breeding, and horticultural sales and marketing, reflecting Spring Meadow and Proven Winners®’ commitment to innovation, quality, and leadership in horticulture.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Tanner Hamerling 

University of Georgia


Tanner is pursuing a master’s degree in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics at the University of Georgia. His academic work focuses on greenhouse and nursery crops, with an interest in developing improved plant varieties. Tanner’s studies support innovation in plant development and contribute to the advancement of horticultural production systems.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Jenna Hoffman  

Iowa State University


Jenna is studying horticultural research at Iowa State University. Her academic interests include woody plant production, propagation, and applied research that supports commercial horticulture. Jenna is preparing for a career that applies research findings to real-world production challenges within the nursery and landscape sectors.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Greg Marshall 

NC State University


Greg is pursuing a degree in plant breeding and biotechnology at NC State University. His academic focus includes woody plant production and applied breeding strategies that support commercial horticulture. Greg is interested in a career that combines research and innovation with practical industry application.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Jesse Potts

University of Florida


Jesse is a PhD student in horticultural science at the University of Florida. His academic and research interests include greenhouse and woody plant production, with an emphasis on applied science that supports industry needs. Jesse is preparing for a career that connects research, production, and industry engagement.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Ryan Joseph Rey

University of Florida


Ryan is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in plant science at the University of Florida. His academic interests include greenhouse and nursery production, with a focus on plant growth and production practices. Ryan is preparing for a career in commercial horticulture where he can apply his education directly within production environments.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Joseph Romano

University of Delaware


Joseph is studying plant science at the University of Delaware. His coursework emphasizes greenhouse and nursery production, plant systems, and applied horticulture. Joseph plans to pursue a career working directly in production systems and supporting horticulture businesses through hands-on expertise.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Nathan Sims
University of Rhode Island


Nathan is pursuing a degree in landscape architecture at the University of Rhode Island. His academic interests include greenhouse production, horticultural design, and sustainable practices. Nathan is interested in integrating plant production with thoughtful design and environmental responsibility.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Stacey Thorne
Lake Washington Institute of Technology



Stacey is enrolled in an environmental horticulture program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Her studies focus on greenhouse production and applied horticultural systems. Stacey is preparing for a career centered on hands-on plant care and practical horticulture skills.

The Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship Fund

Established in 2009 by Susie and Bruce Usrey of Monrovia Growers, Inc., the Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship reflects a deep belief that horticulture graduates are the lifeblood of the green industry. The Usreys’ commitment to education mirrors Monrovia’s dedication to quality, innovation, and leadership within horticulture.

Through this scholarship, the Usrey family supports students pursuing horticulture degrees and encourages the next generation of professionals to contribute to the beauty, value, and sustainability of landscapes across North America.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Paul Crocker
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Paul is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His academic interests include horticultural sales, marketing, and landscape development. Paul’s career goals include supporting horticulture businesses through business strategy, customer engagement, and market-focused solutions.

The Usrey Family Scholarship Fund

The Usrey Family Scholarship reflects a multigenerational commitment to horticulture and industry leadership. Established by the Usrey family, the fund supports students pursuing green industry careers and encourages long-term engagement within the profession.

This scholarship continues the family’s tradition of supporting education, opportunity, and professional growth as essential elements of a strong and sustainable horticulture industry.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Luke Duncan 

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona


Luke is pursuing a master’s degree in landscape architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His academic focus includes horticultural sales and marketing, landscape development, and the connection between plant production and market demand. Luke is interested in career opportunities that bridge horticulture, business, and design, supporting the commercial plant industry through customer-focused and market-driven approaches.

Dennis & Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship

The Dennis & Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a family whose values of hard work, integrity, and industry involvement left a lasting mark on horticulture. Established in their memory, the fund reflects a belief in investing in people who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the green industry.

Through this scholarship, the Walters family’s commitment to education and professional growth continues, supporting students who will carry forward the principles that helped sustain and strengthen the horticulture profession.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

Landon Erbrick

Auburn University


Landon is pursuing a master’s degree in horticulture at Auburn University. His academic interests include greenhouse and nursery production, plant growth, and production management. Landon is preparing for a career in commercial horticulture where he can apply technical knowledge to support efficient and high-quality plant production systems.

John B. & Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship 

The John B. & Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship was established by Todd Ellefson of Windmill Nursery in memory of his grandparents, John B. and Elizabeth “Beth” Wight, longtime supporters of the Horticultural Research Institute and the green industry. The Wights demonstrated their commitment to horticulture by establishing research funds in their names and in honor of Wight’s Nursery’s centennial year.

Following the passing of Mrs. Wight in 2023, the family chose to honor Johnny and Beth’s legacy by establishing a named scholarship fund to support promising horticulture students. The fund reflects their enduring belief in education, research, and investing in people to ensure the continued strength of the horticulture industry.

a woman is holding a potted plant in front of a sign that says `` take over '' .

James Hines, IV
Tennessee Tech University


James is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in horticulture at Tennessee Tech University. His academic focus includes nursery and woody plant production, with an emphasis on practical growing techniques. James is preparing for a career in nursery production, applying horticultural knowledge directly to commercial growing operations.

Scholarship Alumni

Charlotte Simmons - Tennessee Technological University

Charlotte Simmons is currently a senior at Tennessee Technological University where she is majoring in horticulture. Charlotte's lifelong passion for plants has led her to work as a grower for multiple flower farms and greenhouse operations in middle Tennessee and as a greenhouse production intern for Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Simmons has been active as an officer in her university's Plant Science Club and strives to share her love for all things plants with her campus community. Upon graduation Charlotte hopes to immediately enter the greenhouse production industry as a full-time grower.

Jack Bobo - University of Georgia

Jack Bobo, originally from Dallas, Texas, earned his BS in Horticultural Science at Texas A&M University in 2019 and an MS from the University of Georgia. Following his graduation in 2022, Jack embarked on his doctoral journey at NC State University, joining Brian Jackson’s Horticultural Substrates Laboratory. His doctoral research focuses on mitigating phytotoxicity linked to engineered wood fiber substrates and cultivating annual crops in peat-free and peat-reduced growing media within greenhouse environments. Scheduled to complete his PhD in May 2025, Jack aspires to continue advancing sustainable growing media and greenhouse production in the green industry.

Jemima Essien - Stephen F. Austin State University

I am Jemima Essien, a Master’s student in Agriculture, specializing in Horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas. With a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Horticulture) from KNUST, Ghana, and experience in various horticulture industries in Ghana and at SFA Gardens in the U.S., I have built a strong foundation in ornamental propagation and sustainable practices. I am a member of Horticulture Club (SFASU) and have participated in conferences such Grow Pro Webinars by the American Floral Endowment. My goal is to contribute to the nursery sector, advancing propagation and disease control methods for ornamental and woody plants.

Mary “Keen” Maher - Hendrix College

Mary “Keen” Maher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hendrix College and a Master’s degree in Agriculture from California Polytechnic State University. After earning her MS, she worked as a grower and manager for a small hydroponic vegetable farm startup and as a Breeder Assistant for Ball Horticultural in central California. She is currently in the second year of her PhD program in Horticulture at Oregon State University, with a specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics. Her research focuses on evaluation drought stress tolerance in a variety of induced polyploid forms of common ornamental plants. After graduating, Keen hopes to pursue a career in plant breeding.

Greta Gallina - University of Georgia

Greta Gallina is pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticulture at the University of Georgia. She received her bachelor’s degree in plant science from the University of Florida and her master’s in Horticulture from Michigan State University. Her Ph.D. area of research is ornamental plant breeding and genetics, specifically hibiscus. Her research focuses on traditional breeding, mutagenesis, and biotechnology. Greta’s future goal is to be an ornamental plant breeder and bring more advanced breeding methods to ornamental plants.

Evan Villani - NC State University

Evan Villani is a Senior at NC State University studying Horticultural Science. His passion for plants began in high school, when he started working alongside gardeners. He was inspired by attending conferences such as the International Plant Propagator’s Society and Southeastern Plant Symposium, where he was blessed to meet kind and incredible professors and industry professionals. After spending time with NCSU’s own Sweet Potato Genetics program, Mountain Horticultural Crops program, and the JC Raulston Arboretum, Evan has completely fallen in love with plants. He is currently developing his skills in landscaping and gardening.

Elliot Kenney - University of Maryland

Elliott is a third-year landscape architecture graduate student at University of Maryland and Treasurer of the Maryland student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Driven by her duel passions for nature and justice, she comes to landscape architecture after ten years working in non-profit advocacy and training/technical assistance focused on ending homelessness. Elliott’s master’s thesis project draws from her experience as a late diagnosed neurodivergent to explore centering disability in the design of public parks to create spaces of beauty and belonging. She is additionally assisting in research focused on using VR technology to model urban flooding.

Ernesto Sandoval - University of California, Davis

Ernesto Sandoval obtained his BS degree in Botany from UC Davis but has always practiced horticulture. It started with working for his father’s landscaping business, then as a student employee, and then becoming a staff person managing one of the most diverse teaching collections in the country at the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory. His passion has been helping people understand, in practical terms, the science of horticulture. To further pursue his personal and professional educational and teaching goals he’s currently working on soils (media) and succulents as a Master’s student in the UC Davis graduate program in Horticulture and Agronomy and will likely pursue the PhD.

Abbie Wade - Ohio State University ATI

My name is Abbie Wade. I am pursuing my degree in Greenhouse and Nursery Management at Ohio State ATI. My career goal of working in a nursery started when I was in elementary school when I became a member of the Dirt Don't Hurt Club with the Erie Metroparks. After receiving my degree is to become a full-time employee at the City of Sandusky Greenhouse with the hopes of one day becoming the greenhouse manager. My overall dream is to start a camp with Sandusky City Schools to educate others about the importance of horticulture and its careers.

Dante Filadoro - Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst

My name is Dante Filadoro, and I’m a junior at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst, originally from Lynnfield, Massachusetts. After graduating with an associate’s degree in Landscape Contracting, I’m now majoring in Turfgrass Science and Management. I love working outdoors and enjoy combining my education with hands-on experience, constantly learning both in the classroom and out in the field.

Landon Erbrick - Auburn University

Landon is a junior at Auburn University majoring in Horticulture. His interest in horticulture began when he started with his grandfather. Over time, Landon grew both his skills and industry interest while working for a local landscape company. Landon is the President of Auburn University’s Landscape and Nursery Association, where he works to connect his peers with those in the industry. Landon is an undergraduate research assistant and has presented research at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences (ASHS) conference. Landon is keenly interested in nursery and greenhouse production and looks forward to one day involving the community through agritourism.

Carolyn Krauss - University of Tennessee

Carolyn Krauss is a master’s student in Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee. Her research aims to improve irrigation efficiency in container grown nursery production. Carolyn earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Georgia, her Bachelor’s Degree in Horticultural Science from the University of Georgia, and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Data Analytics, from Louisiana State University. Before starting graduate school, Carolyn worked as a greenhouse and garden center manager. Her interests focus on improving nursery and greenhouse production efficiency, and on improving profitability on the business side of horticultural businesses.

Jacob Letmanski - Iowa State University

Jacob Letmanski is an undergraduate student studying Agronomy and Horticulture at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He hopes to go to another university after graduating in 2024 for graduate school, where he will pursue plant breeding. He hopes to eventually work as a plant breeder focusing on woody plants and perennials.

John “Jack” Schaeffer - University of Cincinnati

Jack Schaefer has obtained landscape horticulture associate's degrees from Cincinnati State and is currently pursuing a bachelor's in horticulture from the University of Cincinnati. He is employed at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden where he applies his love of trees and shrubs. Jack believes that plants benefit everyone in the community, and he enjoys improving the lives of those around him with horticultural outreach projects. His favorite part about working at the CZBG is seeing the latest and greatest plant cultivars come in from plant breeders and experimenting with their landscape functionality.

Sophie Schmidt - Iowa State University

Sophie Schmidt is a sophomore in Horticulture Research at Iowa State University. Her research interests lie in increasing our understanding of plant genomics and leveraging that knowledge to improve plant breeding, specifically in horticultural crops. Sophie grew up in the Minneapolis area, started her own lawn care business there, and recently completed an internship in plant health at Bachman’s Nursery. Her future educational and research goals include pursuing a master’s and, eventually, Ph.D. in plant breeding or plant genomics.

Javiera Diaz-Ortiz - University of Maryland

Javiera is a senior at the University of Maryland pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a minor in Sustainability Studies. She is the President of UMD’s SASLA, which is the student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Javiera entered the field of landscape architecture through an interest in environmental conservation, and she has held internships at Patapsco Heritage Greenway, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Sun Nurseries, and Norton Land Design. After graduation, she wishes to pursue landscape architecture with a focus on community engagement and environmental restoration.

Miguel Soto - Cal Poly Pomona

Miguel Soto was selected as the Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship Fund recipient for 2022-2023. Miguel is currently and undergraduate student attending Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Agricultural Science. Miguel enjoys working and gaining experience at Altman's Specialty Plants. Following graduation, Miguel would like to continue his studies and work on a master’s degree. His ultimate desire is to become a professor, teaching the next generation of horticulturalists.

Omar Abulghanam - California State University

Omar Abulghanam was selected to receive the 2022-2023 Usrey Family Scholarship Fund. Omar is an Agricultural Science Technician for both the USDA-ARS and University of California Cooperative Extension in Fresno, California. Omar will receive his B.S. from California State University, Fresno in Fall 2022 and enroll in their master’s program for the Spring 2023 continuing to study soil microbiology. As an agricultural technician, he has played a role in assisting researcher’s study regenerative practices that can benefit the agriculture industry for years to come. Specifically, his interests lie within proper soil management.

Juan Quijia Pillajo - The Ohio State University

Juan is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University. Juan's path in ornamental horticulture began while he was growing ornamental and tropical flowers at his family's greenhouse in Ecuador. In his last position, he conducted field validations of microbial-based products for cut flower production. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Michelle Jones. His research project focuses on the use of beneficial microbes and biostimulants for floriculture crop production.

Madison Jones - University of Maine

Madison Jones is a junior, studying Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Maine. Madison started her flower farm (Seal Point Farm) in 2019, when she was still in high school. Upon graduation, she will be working full time at her farm. She started working at a flower farm in high school—working there sparked the idea to start her own flower farm. Madison hopes to give back to the community by exposing school kids to agriculture and holding informative workshops.

Katherine Nelson - Auburn University

Katherine Nelsen is a junior at Auburn University pursuing a double major in Horticulture and hospitality. She is a member of the Horticulture Club and the Alabama Landscape and Nursery Association. Katherine hopes to one day open a botanical themed event venue in her hometown.

Johnathan Hampton - Auburn University

Johnathan Hampton is a senior at Auburn University majoring in Horticulture with a track in Pre-Landscape Architecture, along with minors in both business and Spanish. Johnathan’s fascination for the world of horticulture began at an early age while he tried growing anything he could get his hands on. Johnathan operated his own landscaping business and worked at a plant nursery throughout high school. Johnathan plans to continue graduate studies in Landscape Architecture. He is committed to serving as an advocate for environmental outreach across all educational levels, especially so with respect to African American and other minority communities. Johnathan hopes to create ways to bring horticulture, along with related disciplines such as landscape architecture back to children and adolescents in order to reconnect them to an underappreciated and fascinating world.

Luke Owen, North Carolina State Univeristy

Luke Owen is a first year Master's student studying Horticultural Science at NC State University. Luke grew up on a small family farm where he raised cattle. His intereste in Horticulture and Agriculture was developed while helping his grandparents sell flowers at local farmers markets. Luke hopes to give back to his community by helping local producers and homeowners by working in the Cooperative Extension service as a Horticulture agent.

John Nix, North Carolina State University

John Nix is a graduate student at North Carolina State University where he is working to complete his Master of Science degree in Horticultural Science. His interest in plants began with his high school's horticulture program and time spent in the southern Appalachians. He completed his bachelors degree in horticultural science and plant biology at NCSU where he was able to study with the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab. Before starting graduate school he worked as a research and conservation intern at Longwood Gardens and spent time studying British horticulture as the Royal Horticulture Society-Garden Club of America Interchange Fellow.

Yuvraj Khamare - University of Florida

Yuvraj Khamare is a PhD candidate at the Department of Environmental Horticulture in University of Florida. His study is mainly focused at weed management in container grown plants. Khamare’s research focuses on developing new methods of weed control by strategically improving the cultural practices used by nursery growers. The goal of his research is to find effective, economical and environment-friendly weed management options.

Runshi Xie - Texas A&M University

Runshi Xie received his master's degree in Plant Breeding at Texas A&M University, where he is working towards a doctoral-level degree in Horticulture. He is currently working on a multi-state multi-disciplinary project to combat crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS), an invasive insect attacking crapemyrtle and other woody plant species in the United States. He has a great interest in plant breeding and the study of plant-insect interaction. His works involve developing insect-resistant crapemyrtle cultivars and insect biology-based IPM strategies such as mating behavior for CMBS, leading to innovative and sustainable pest control and management methods for the horticulture industry.

Meghan Bundick - West Virginia University

Meghan Bundick is a junior at West Virginia University pursuing a major in Horticulture. She is the President of the Horticulture Club and has worked at the campus greenhouse previously. Meghan has had internships working at Altman Plants in CO, the WVU Organic Farm, and a tree and shrub nursery in her hometown. Meghan hopes to either attend grad school to research sustainability in horticulture or become a grower at a floriculture greenhouse.

Kiara Benavides - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Kiara Benavides is a fourth year undergraduate student attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in Agriculture Science, minoring in Agribusiness, and emphasizing in Ornamental Horticulture. Upon graduation, Kiara will be undergoing the Masters of Agriculture Education program at Cal Poly in hopes of becoming a high school level agriculture teacher. Kiara aspires to teach horticulture and floral related classes. At school, Kiara works at the Poly Plant Shop as a student florist, and interns at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center where she helps conduct research on the effects of different strawberry plant pathogens.

Priscilla Yoon - California State University

Priscilla Yoon received the Usrey Family Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year. She is pursuing a Bachelor's in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at California State University, Northridge. Currently, she is establishing CSUN's first-ever garden club and studying the interactions between plants and animals. After graduation, she plans to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants into her landscape designs.

Juan Quijia Pillajo - The Ohio State University

The 2021 Bryan Champion Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Juan Quijia Pillajo. Juan's path in ornamental horticulture began growing ornamental and tropical flowers at his family's greenhouse in Ecuador. In his last position, he worked running field validations of microbial-based products for cut flower production. He is now working on his Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Michelle Jones at The Ohio State University. His current research project focuses on the use of beneficial microbes and biostimulants for floriculture crop production.

Ankit Sing - University of Connecticut

Ankit Singh is a doctoral candidate at the University of Connecticut (UConn) studying the technical and financial feasibility of the novel GREENBOX technology (USDA funded). Through Ankit’s research with GREENBOX, he aims to further the knowledge of large-scale urban horticulture that reduces the food transportation network’s strain and provides fresh, nutritious produce to the urban populous. Ankit enjoys teaching environmental science and scientific writing to college students and being a graduate mentor to high school students on environmental projects at UConn. Ankit hopes to have a career in sustainability or teaching, and enjoys kayaking, visiting museums, and engaging with the arts in his spare time.

Brandan Shur - North Carolina State University

Brandan Shur is a senior undergraduate student at North Carolina State University, she he transferred to during his junior year. From being raised on a peach and apple orchard, to studying Viticulture and Enology for his first degree, horticulture production systems are no stranger to him. Currently, he is doing everything he can to learn and pursue his passion for horticulture and bettering the production of plants. With this, he is working for the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory and completing undergraduate research projects and anticipates to begin graduate school in this program in the fall of 2022. Through these experiences Brandan would like to find solutions to better production systems in our industry and go forward to be a professor in the trade, combining the old school knowledge acquired from his family farm, and the modern science he is currently studying.

Erin Pfarr, Rutgers University

Maria Caplinger, Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Lauren Murtagh, University of Connecticut

Jenna Evans, University of Maryland

Hunter Hall, University of Mount Olive

Danielle Ellsworth, Michigan State University

Corina Klein, Cal Poly

Davis Harmon, North Carolina State University

Sage Drohan, Orange Coast College

Nicholas Dzurenda, Virginia Tech

Felicia Millett, University of Connecticut

Coralie Farinas, Ohio State University

Annika Kohler, Michigan State University

Amber Lancaster, University of Arkansas

Jacklyn Stupienski, Naugatuck Valley Community College

Mary Tuski, Michigan State University

Noah Brown, North Carolina State University

Ricardo Camargo, University of California

Katherine Brafford, University of California

Isabelle Emanual, Ohio State University
The 2019 Akehurst Scholarship has been awarded to Isabel Emanuel, a second-year graduate research associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University. Her research at the ornamental pathology lab focuses on the molecular interactions that occur between deciduous holly (Ilex spp.) and a newly emerging fruit rot pathogen, Diaporthe ilicicola.

Soleil Kurowski-LaBelle, University of Rhode Island
The recipient of the 2019 Bigelow Scholarship is Soleil Kurowski-LaBelle. She is attending the University of Rhode Island where she is the Vice President of the Horticulture club and works in the university greenhouse and gardens to get more hands-on experience with ornamental horticulture.

Rebecca DeMoss, Ohio State University
This year’s winner of the Champion Scholarship is Rebecca DeMoss. She is a highly motivated student majoring in horticulture at The Ohio State University and aspires to someday start her own landscape design business.

Melinda Knuth, Texas A&M University
Some of you may have met Melinda Knuth at Cultivate’18 where she served as AmericanHort’s Coordinator wrangling that year’s HortScholars. Melinda got hooked on horticulture through her participation in FFA. She graduated from University of Nebraska with a degree in horticultural entrepreneurship and completed two horticultural internships at the most magical place on earth—Disney World! She’s currently enrolled as a PhD student at Texas A&M as part of Dr. Charlie Hall’s research team.

Aaron Sledge, Penn State University
Started his junior year at Penn State University, however, is no stranger to horticulture. He’s already completed internships in arboriculture, interior plantscaping, and conservatory and historic landscape management—in addition to on-campus opportunities working in the greenhouse and as head propagator for the horticulture club. A well-rounded plant production student, Aaron is especially interested in woody plant propagation. He notes that his copy of Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants is dog-eared from all the times he’s referenced it! Aaron was also selected as an AmericanHort Scholar for Cultivate’18, and I can personally attest to his work ethic and his enthusiasm for our industry.

William Lewis, Virginia Tech
He has been working for his family nursery since he was 14 years old. Currently, he is an undergraduate at Virginia Tech working towards a bachelor's degree in Environmental Horticulture and, ultimately, plans on taking over the family nursery business. He has worked in every aspect of the nursery - from leading the team at trade shows, to mechanics, to everyday operations. Not only is he a full-time student, but he drives two hours home every weekend to work at the nursery Friday through Sunday. William is steadfastly committed to his family nursery and the horticulture industry.

Yufei Qian, University of California, Davis
A graduate student at the University of California—Davis where she is doing everything she can to learn and pursue her passion for plants. Yufei notes that she’s benefitted from a series of internships while at UC-Davis, including stints in UC’s Teaching Nursery working on plant propagation of ornamental plants and two lab internships learning and working on plant genetics and molecular level breeding. All of these experiences, Yufei says, are pointing her to a future career in woody plant breeding.

Jose Guadalupe Gutierrez, Cal Poly
Jose Guadalupe Gutierrez, the recipient of the 2019 Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship, attends California State Polytechnic University, Pomona pursuing his Master's in Landscape Architecture with the admirable goal to improve the quality of life of California residents’ living near a freeway by creating green spaces.

Christopher Chen, University of California - Davis
Christopher Chen received the 2019 Usrey Family Scholarship. He is passionate about viticulture and is pursuing his PhD at University of California Davis. After graduating, he is planning to continue to research grape vines with the objective of improving the lives of growers, wine makers, and consumers.

Nathan Nordstedt, Ohio State University

Brandon Miller, Cornell University

Mary Tuski, Michigan State University

Madeline Olberg, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Leala Machesney, University of Maine

Kristin Neill, Oregon State University

Melissa Eggleston, Michigan State University

Dustin Trychta, West Virginia University,

Allen Vizcarra, California State University, Fresno

Daniel Loera, California State University, Fresno

Brian Malin, Clark State Community College

Georgia Hann, Connecticut College

Marissa Aurelio, UC Riverside

Brandon Miller, Iowa State University

Carisa Lolmaugh, Sierra College

Nicholas Robinson, University of Connecticut

Melissa Eggleston, Michigan State University

Justin Schulze, Oregon State University

Mark Dennis, University of Maryland