COURSEWORK

Research

The goal of this project was to capture an ecological survey of pollinators and other insects that are present in an experimental plot. The plot, a graduate student's research project, was testing two specific treatments of companion plantings, one consisting of annual plants and the other were perennial plants, during spring and summer vegetable crop production. Collection times were early bloom (April 17th -May 15th), mid bloom (May 20th - June 16th) and late bloom (June 20th - July 14th). Following collection and identification, pollinators were mounted in a wooden display box to be used as a reference for future research, education, and extension purposes.

HORT 328

Wild Edible, Cultivated and Poisonous Herbs

I was lucky enough to be in the first semester that this class was offered. In this experimental stage we talked about many culinarily important herbs, herbs used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as well as medicinally important plants. We also spoke about how essential oils and tinctures are made and what they are used for. Topics about poisonous plants and how to identify them were covered as well. The class was extremely informative and learning about the plants was quite enjoyable. The professor, Dr. King, is side splitting funny and very knowledgeable. He made it fun and engaging.

HORT 335

Sociohorticulture

In Sociohorticulture we learned about how society interacts with plants. Some of the important topics discussed were plant blindness, biophilia and green infrastructure. Plant blindness is a person’s inability to notice the examples of nature that surround them. Biophilia is a way to describe the instinctual, psychological link humans have to nature. Green infrastructure which involves the use of plants and structures in a nature-mimicking way that will help to prevent or mitigate the damaging effects of storm runoff. The class was fascinating and a real eye opening experience. The professor, Dr. Hall, is a true inspiration and makes learning a wonderful experience!

HORT 201

Horticultural Science and Practices

This is the introductory class for all of Horticulture. Some of the many concepts covered are different types of horticulture, plant physiology, plant biology, plant propagation and pest control. HORT 201 is taught by the famous and hysterically funny Dr. David Reed. He is known for his over-the-top demonstrations and endearing teaching style. This class was the learning foundation of everything I love about plants, and I had an absolute blast!