Jake Miller's one of the Department of Horticulture & Crop Science's (HCS) newest alums having just graduated with his bachelor's degree this spring (2025). While here Jake studied, Turfgrass Science and he's recently kicked-off a one-year opportunity known as "Turf Across America".
Each year, we host a Spring Soiree to recognize the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends; this year Jake received the 2025 HCS Outstanding Senior Award for demonstrating academic excellence and being highly engaged in service and activities as an undergrad student majoring in SPS: Turfgrass Science.
See what life as a recent grad is like...
What were some highlights of undergrad for you?
Some highlights during my time as an undergrad included going to all of the football and basketball games throughout the year. I enjoyed getting to spend time in Palm Springs, CA for the Sports Field Management Association conference and trade show, along with going to San Diego, CA for the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America conference and trade show. I also got to meet a lot of new people during my time in Columbus that led to friendships that will last a lifetime along with resources of people that I can potentially use in the future.
What were your thoughts on winning the HCS Outstanding Senior Award?
I am very honored. There are a lot of intelligent students who have worked tremendously hard in the classroom that I met in the department. To be recognized as one of those top students is very humbling. I take a lot of pride in everything I do, and I always try to be the best that I can be whether it was in the classroom or it's on the job.
What advice would you give students considering plant science related careers?
There is a lot to learn when studying plant sciences, especially with turfgrasses. You can only learn so much about turf in a classroom. To better understand the plant and the science behind what you are dealing with, you have to be able to see it or do it yourself in the field. I learn something new every day while on the golf course and that it is one of the things that I love most about the job.
There are so many ins and outs to maintaining high quality turf that most people would not even think of. Being able to understand the why and how behind what is being done is so important. Some of the best advice that I can give someone pursuing a degree or career in plant science is to ask as many questions as possible and be a sponge, take in all the information that you can.
Could you tell us a bit more about “Turf Across America” and what you're most looking forward to about this next chapter of your career?
I'm currently part of a one-year job opportunity called "Turf Across America". I am currently working at Union League National in New Jersey under the direction of Scott Bordner and Patrick Haughey for the next six months. Once finished, I will drive from New Jersey to California, where I will be working under Brian Sullivan and his team at PGA West for another six months.
During my drive, I will be stopping at some world-renowned golf courses to visit and meet the different superintendents. I am excited to see the differences in agronomic practices, learning to maintain quality turf in two different climate zones across the country. This unique experience will give me the opportunity to grow professionally as well, as I expand my network in the turf industry and look for future employment opportunities.
Eager for more news from our Spring Soiree? You're in luck - check out all the articles here.