HCS grad student, Ty Rich, recently published one of his thesis research chapters entitled "Ethephon Substrate Drenches Control Stem Elongation of Containerized Herbaceous Perennials" in HortScience. Ty is currently finishing up his master's degree focused on containerized floriculture crops under the advisement of Dr. Garrett Owen.
We're elated to see the positive impact Ty will have on the horticulture industry post-graduation and fortunately he had a minute to share some further insight into his research and experiences in grad school...
What's your reserach focused on?
For my research I investigated ethephon substrate drenches and factors that influence drench efficacy. I specifically looked at the responses of 35 taxa of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials to see how each taxa responded to increasing concentrations of ethephon substrate drenches.
What got you interested in working with containerized herbaceous perennials?
I have always loved herbaceous perennials because of the unique ways that they can be used in the landscape. Being able to help growers in Ohio better produce herbaceous perennial plants has been a great part of my thesis work and has motivated me throughout my time as a graduate student.
What’s a normal day in grad school like for you?
Throughout my research, the average day revolved around checking plants in the greenhouse and making sure that everything in the greenhouse was functioning properly. Now, I am mostly writing so I spend most of my days in the office working on my thesis chapters. I have conducted follow up studies to my thesis work that allow me the opportunity to break up writing with sometime in the greenhouse!
what would you like to do post graduation?
I love teaching so after graduation I would love to find a role with a teaching capacity, either in the classroom or through extension!
Closing thoughts?
I would just like to thank Dr. Owen for guiding me through research and writing as well as the members of the Owen Lab that helped me throughout my research!
Feeling inspired to start your own graduate school journey? We have you covered.