What is your role at Waterman Lab/CFAES?
Chadwick Arboretum is under the umbrella of Waterman/CFAES, and I am Chadwick's operations horticulture manager.
Do you have any current research?
We partnered with ODNR on a Chesnut Tree project in 2024. We planted 20 saplings at Arboretum North. There are four species: American Chestnut, a Hybrid Chestnut, Chinese and Japanese Chestnut. It will be exciting to see which ones and to what degree the Hybrid and Asian Species are resistant to Chestnut Blight over time.
What brought you to The Ohio State University?
I was looking for a new opportunity and wanted to get back to my horticulture roots working in an Arboretum.
Why work for The Ohio State University?
Coming back to Ohio State as a Faculty is like coming back home. I'm looking forward to making a difference for the next generation.
What is your favorite part of the Ohio State Community?
I love the focus on education and mentoring students.
Where is your hometown?
Lancaster, Ohio
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have a huge soft spot for animals. We currently have over 40 animals on my farm in Delaware.