Congratulations to Renee Watson on receiving the 2025 CFAES Distinguished Senior Award! Renee's a Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) major with a Horticulture specialization + she's just a few weeks away from graduating.
The Distinguished Senior Award honors top graduating seniors on the Ohio State Columbus campus who exemplify the CFAES mission in areas such as academics and scholarship, research and innovation, service and involvement, and influence and leadership. Only 24 Seniors were selected for this honor - what a great way to cap off her time as an undergrad!
Luckily, Renee had a moment to share a bit about her experiences as an undergrad here at Ohio State...
HOW'D YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN Horticulture?
I became interested in horticulture as a child. My mother had a small vegetable garden in our backyard, and I loved helping her every year with the planting, care, and harvesting. In high school, I also loved biology, and the botany unit was my favorite. Going to Ohio State, I knew I wanted to pursue a plant-science related degree, and when I read the description for horticulture, it perfectly encapsulated my interests, and I really love this major and program.
COULD YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE majoring in SPS: Horticulture?
Being an SPS – Horticulture major has been amazing. I’ve taken so many interesting classes taught by passionate professors that have been applicable to internships I’ve had.
There are so many wide-ranging classes to choose from, that I feel my knowledge is well-rounded. My peers in this program are kind and passionate, and they all have such different interests and goals within horticulture. I enjoy learning more about what my peers want to pursue and sharing a love of plants.
What's next after GRADUATION?
Post-graduation I will be an intern at Longwood Gardens. I was accepted for their year-long internship program with my position in their outdoor landscapes. I am really elated about this opportunity because public gardens and horticulture is my passion. I am so honored to begin my career at Longwood Gardens, and I am excited to see where it will take me in the future.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING BECOMING An sps MAJOR?
My advice to potential students considering becoming an SPS major is to take time and consider what brings you joy. When I began in this program, I was set on going to graduate school and doing research, four years later and that’s the last thing I’d want to do.
When I really considered why I love plants, I was reminded of my home garden and all the botanical gardens I visit, and knew that’s what would bring me the most joy. If you know that plants are something that fascinate you and something you truly are passionate about, I couldn’t recommend the SPS major more. As you continue in college, you will be exposed to so many different career paths, that one will stick out to you.
From all of us here in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science we wish you the best as you become an alumnus + begin your career!
P.S.
If you're feeling inspired to begin your own undergraduate journey with us, we have a wide variety of academic paths for you to choose from to help you grow your career…