Samantha Shortledge Email & Phone Number

In 2019, I graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Plant Science and minor in food and bio innovation entrepreneurship. In addition to my studies, I worked in vineyards at PSU’s research farm and Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, and gained valuable leadership experience as president of the Electronic Dance Music Club. Following graduation I worked with Bartlett Tree Experts performing tree work and later worked at Centre Hills Country Club balancing the roles of horticulturist and restaurant server. In 2020, I moved to Northern California and worked for 2.5 years in cannabis cultivation for Connected Cannabis, one of the world leaders in producing premium cannabis flower and cannabis breeding, production and market research. I gained extensive experience in irrigation management, clone care, nursery operations, and utilizing ag production technologies in smart irrigation control, environmental control, and climate, substrate and EC data monitoring.I moved to WA state in 2023 with the goal of pursuing a career path that aligns with my passions for improving sustainable land use practices to lessen human impact on our natural resources and wilderness, thereby ensuring their viability for generations to come. I want to utilize my diverse skill set, background in plant science and research, and passions pertaining to botany, sustainable practices, and love for the great outdoors to do fulfilling work that plays a role in combating the most important challenges that our society faces today.