Planted: Finding Your Roots in STEM Careers

The Morton Arboretum: STEM Education

Welcome to ‘Planted: Finding your roots in STEM careers,’ we are here to introduce you to some professionals that have interesting and diverse careers and the journey they took to get there. These plant professionals do everything from teaching people about the natural world, unlocking the secrets of DNA, and traveling the world to save unique species. Explore the journey, by listening to the episode that matches your interest, or mirrors your journey towards a STEM career.

  • 32 minutes 5 seconds
    Episode 9: Bridging Industries with Kim Shearer, Tree and Shrub Breeder at The Morton Arboretum.

    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.

    8 November 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 37 minutes 31 seconds
    Episode 8: Publishing with Dr. Bennett Young, Managing Editor at Plants People Planet.

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

    1 November 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 39 minutes 57 seconds
    Episode 7: Legislation with Kathleen Kennedy, Senior Policy Analyst, Maryland General Assembly

    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.

    25 October 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 29 minutes 31 seconds
    Episode 6: Agriculture with Dr. Ronda Hamm, Global Academic Relations at Corteva Agriscience

    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.

    18 October 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 33 minutes 2 seconds
    Episode 5: For-Profit Industry with Jeremy Poirier, Fiber Supply Certification & Sustainability Manager, International Paper

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

    11 October 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 23 minutes 46 seconds
    Episode 4: Landscape Architecture with Susan Jacobson, Head of Site Planning and Design

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

    4 October 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 38 minutes 12 seconds
    Episode 3: Higher Education with Dr. Tanisha Williams, Postdoc Fellow in Botany at Bucknell University

    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.

    27 September 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 48 seconds
    Episode 2: Community Development with Colette Copic, Chicago Region Tree Initiative

    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

    20 September 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 35 seconds
    Episode 1: Industry Overview with Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future
    Jazmin Albarran highlights the diverse and unique industries with career opportunities in horticulture and plant science.
    13 September 2022, 12:00 pm
  • 40 minutes 2 seconds
    Season 2: Episode 9: Adventure with Matt Lobdell

    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:

    SHARE: Please tell us what you think. After you have listened to one (or several) episodes, we welcome your feedback.

    24 September 2019, 12:00 pm
  • 30 minutes 41 seconds
    Season 2: Episode 7: Leadership with Anna Ball

    Anna Ball, president and CEO of Ball Horticultural Company, discusses how leadership, business, and STEM can combine to make an exciting and vibrant career. Ball leads diverse teams to ensure that Ball Horticultural Company makes the world a more beautiful place by developing and selling disease and fungal-resistant plants.

    Bonus Content:

    SHARE: Please tell us what you think. After you have listened to one (or several) episodes, we welcome your feedback.

    17 September 2019, 12:00 pm
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