Nestled on the campus of this prestigious institution, the UMD greenhouse provided me with an immersive and enriching experience in the world of botany and plant science. My internship at the University of Maryland (UMD) greenhouse was a life-changing experience. Established in 2003, the Research Greenhouse Complex is home to the University of Maryland Plant Research Growth Facility (PRGF), along with the Norton-Brown Herbarium and field-focused research laboratories of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Within the UMD PRGF, cutting-edge computer-controlled growth chambers and greenhouses incorporate automated control over light, temperature, and humidity. The facility prioritizes advanced biocontainment and precise administration of water and nutrients, adhering to rigorous standards for minimal pesticide usage, thus promoting our Integrated Pest Management Practices.
This summer I completed many tasks that I would've never done normally, ranging from supporting more than 50 plants to helping the team with the harvesting season. The practical experience of caring for plants allowed me to apply the knowledge I had gained in my college courses. One of my favorite responsibilities was collecting data on more than 900 crops. To do this task we were given many 8-inch long pouches for each crop. With these pouches, we would pluck 3 random leaves out of each crop and place them in the pouches for further examination. This process took 2 whole weeks to complete in the summer sun. Later in the summer, we would weigh the spikes, roots, and plants of the crops. My other main responsibility was adding support to more than 50 crops inside the greenhouse. For this process, I was given stakes and a tool that allowed me to tape the crops to the stake. The tape used was non-sticky and the stakes were used so that the crops would grow straight up following the stakes to save space.
Witnessing the growth and development of new plants from their earliest stages was both fascinating and fulfilling. Working at the UMD greenhouse granted me many interactions and experiences with people I would not connect with in normal life. It was a collaborative learning environment. My main mentor was my boss Sydney Wallace. He is a current Ph.D. student at UMD, and I learned many things about the crop cultivation process as a whole. He once told me, "Farmers are the stewards of the land, sowing the seeds of tomorrow."
My internship at the UMD greenhouse was truly transformative. It allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations and foster a deep appreciation for the world of plants. In conclusion, working at the UMD greenhouse was an enriching experience that provided me with invaluable skills, knowledge, and a network of passionate individuals in the field of botany. It reinforced my belief in the significance of plants in our lives and their crucial role in sustaining our planet. My time at the UMD greenhouse has left an indelible mark on my academic and career journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this green oasis of learning.
