ctm25@cornell.edu
Advisor: Dr. Bill Miller
Degree Program: Masters/Ph.D in Floriculture
Resume [.pdf]
Education
- Bachelors of Science in Horticulture; 2002 University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- Masters of Science in Horticulure; 2004 Cornell University
Biographical Sketch
I grew up in Amery, a small town in northwest Wisconsin. My interest for horticulture began when I was about twelve years old, when a neighbor lady gave me some flowering bulbs. From that summer on, my interest, with flower bulbs and plants continued to grow. I enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, in the horticulture program, under the guidance of Dr. Terry Ferriss, who was highly influential in my further horticulture aspirations. Upon graduation from River Falls, I enrolled at Cornell University to work with Dr. Mark Bridgen. I completed my Masters degree in the fall of 2004. Immediately afterwards, upon receiving a Dreer Award from the Cornell Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Departments, I embarked on a yearlong floriculture research experience in the Netherlands. After the research experience in the Netherlands, I returned to Cornell to begin my doctoral studies, with Dr. Bill Miller.
In my spare time I enjoy many things including cooking, doing art work, catching a movie, gardening, catching a museum, photography, tennis, racquetball, spending time with friends and so on. I love to travel and experience new cultures. I like fishing, including ice fishing in the winter. It was a regular winter pastime growing up, not to mention sledding and snowmobiling. Cooking is another interest and I enjoy serving up a good dish now and then. If my future in floriculture doesn't go far, you may just find me at a restaurant near you…
Masters research
 Achimenes |
The topic of my Masters research investigated several aspects of Achimenes (right). Achimenes is member of the Gesneriaceae and has the potential to be a useful floricultural crop. However, one of the drawbacks limiting the production of Achimenes is their dormancy. The plants will flower profusely until the end of the summer, but then due to an unknown stimulus, rhizomes enter into dormancy and remain dormant for an extended period of time, often 3 to 5 months, depending on the cultivar. Several studies were conducted including the following: growth chamber experiments in which various photoperiods were evaluated; leaf cutting propagation using various ages of tissue and photoperiods treatments; evaluation of various storage periods and subsequent rhizome growth and development; and the effects of various concentrations of ethephon on growth and development of Achimenes plants.
Netherlands Research
In the Netherlands I conducted research at Plant Research International (PRI) and Wageningen University, with Dr. Jaap van Tuyl. My research at PRI involved breeding projects with tulip (Tulipa) and lily (Lilium), concentrating on restoring fertility by the development and use of 2n gametes in order to perform interspecific crosses.
 Lilly breeding research |
I also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Henk Gude at the PPO bulb research center in Lisse, The Netherlands. Research at PPO included investigation into the use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and respiration of various perennial and bulb crops, including dahlia (Dahlia sp.), Calla Lily (Zantedeschia sp.), Daylily (Hemerocallis sp.), Phlox (Phlox sp.), and Hosta (Hosta sp.). The respiration research with lily included various investigations to determine optimal package and filling materials.
Breeding tulips
Current Ph.D. Dissertation Research
 Oxalis |
The scope of my dissertation research will again focus on a 'minor' potted floricultural crop, Oxalis, namely, Oxalis regnellii. In the United States, the 'Shamrock Plant' is most often produced for St. Patrick's Day. In addition, some Oxalis (most often Oxalis triangularis) are grown for use in the landscape and for container plantings. However, production is often limited, as many growers experience leaf chlorosis issues (O. regnellii) during production, producing non-marketable plants. Initially, the problem appears to be an iron nutrition problem. Unfortunately, little research has been done regarding general culture of Oxalis regnellii. Through the course of this project, our goal will be to better characterize this chlorosis issue and investigate the general culture of Oxalis.
Professional Memberships