The Plant Growth Facility is a controlled environment research facility at CSU. I manage all business aspects and oversee all operational aspects of the greenhouses, growth chambers & BSL2 space. My objective is to ensure research continuity, efficiency and success, while maintaining a safe and secure research facility.

Manage all aspects of the Plant Growth Facilties at CSU, including Unviersity Greenhouse complex, growth chambers and and research needs. A position that fits me perfectly!

Objective: Provide technical greenhouse support with the sugar beet breeding program, participate in research process to reach project goals, assign and oversee greenhouse spaces, growth chambers and related facilities. Technical Responsibilities: Manage all aspects of research/ breeding greenhouse activities including propagation, cultivation, selection, sex identification, pollen management, fertilization, soil preparation, harvesting, seed cleaning, pest management and environmental control. Follow research protocols on crossing methods, data collection, germination tests and vernalization requirements. Assist in implementation of field trials, pathology testing, data collection and analysis. New Methodologies: Improve operational plans for research on Sugar beet to maximize germination rate, bolting percentage, flowering time, seed yield, reduce pest infestation, speed flowering times and meet research goals in greenhouse environments. Research and develop new production methods for agricultural plants not commonly grown in greenhouse environment (i.e. Sugar beet, Cacao, Lesquerella, Hops, bean and Black African Mustard). Develop greenhouse and plant propagation schedules to meet breeding and pathology experimental objectives, facility availability and seasonal temperature fluctuations.Additional Responsibilities: Assist in research fields with layout, preparation, planting, monitoring, scoring and harvesting of research materials. Train students, technicians and visiting scientists on greenhouse operation and safety. Coordinate with facilities with maintenance and repair activities. Operate greenhouse, growth chamber and research equipment. My interested lie in Integrated Pest Management and reducing pesticide resistance through a variety of pest management strategies.