Planted: Finding Your Roots in STEM Careers

Episode 9: Bridging Industries with Kim Shearer, Tree and Shrub Breeder at The Morton Arboretum. Nov 08, 2022

As a plant breeder, Kim Shearer bridges the worlds of nurseries, nonprofits, and academia as she works to bring Chicago-hardy, beautiful woody plants to market.

Episode 8: Publishing with Dr. Bennett Young, Managing Editor at Plants People Planet. Nov 01, 2022

From draft to print, Bennett Young discusses the scientific and intricate world of publication.

Episode 7: Legislation with Kathleen Kennedy, Senior Policy Analyst, Maryland General Assembly Oct 25, 2022

Kathleen Kennedy describes the difference between policy and law, the importance of math, and how she pursued her Law and Policy degrees. She also highlights the value that local government provides in protecting the environment.

Episode 6: Agriculture with Dr. Ronda Hamm, Global Academic Relations at Corteva Agriscience Oct 18, 2022

Ronda Hamm, If/Then Women in STEM ambassador, discusses the real-world science that she has used throughout her career, and how she makes decisions about her profession.

Episode 5: For-Profit Industry with Jeremy Poirier, Fiber Supply Certification & Sustainability Manager, International Paper Oct 11, 2022

Jeremy Poirier does a deep dive into the importance of sustainable forestry for wildlife and livelihoods.

Episode 4: Landscape Architecture with Susan Jacobson, Head of Site Planning and Design Oct 04, 2022

Susan Jacobson talks about all things landscape architecture including the installation of The Arboretum’s newest project the Centennial Grand Garden.

Episode 3: Higher Education with Dr. Tanisha Williams, Postdoc Fellow in Botany at Bucknell University Sep 27, 2022

Tanisha Williams discusses the ins and outs of a career in academia, the importance of representation, and how plants can connect us to people and places. In addition to her research, Tanisha is one of the recognized founders of Black Botanist Week, and a contributing author to a “Plant Love Story” about her grandmother and the African Violet.

Episode 2: Community Development with Colette Copic, Chicago Region Tree Initiative Sep 20, 2022

Colette Copic discusses the benefits of trees and how communities can promote urban greening. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [Grant #: ARPML-250622-OMLS-22]. www.imls.gov

Episode 1: Industry Overview with Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future Sep 13, 2022

Jazmin Albarran highlights the diverse and unique industries with career opportunities in horticulture and plant science.

Season 2: Episode 9: Adventure with Matt Lobdell Sep 24, 2019

Matt Lobdell, curator of living collections at The Morton Arboretum, highlights his interesting career path from anthropology to curating one of the largest collections of trees in North America. His sense of adventure serves him well as he travels to remote locations around the world to find rare or endangered trees for this outdoor living tree museum.

Bonus Content:

Matt Lobdell’s Profile and Favorite Plant Profile: bigleaf magnolia
Classroom Activity: S2 E9- Lesson Plan
Explore Lobdell’s Photo Profile