Serendipity of Smolinski, Scholarship and Smithsonian

May 14, 2015

Institute of Applied Agriculture student Meg Smolinski won the Professional Grounds Management Society, D.C. Branch, scholarship.  Smolinski, an ornamental horticulture major, was recognized at the branch’s May meeting at Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility.

Serendipity or a good omen, the Smithsonian location suited Smolinski perfectly since her career goal is to work for the Smithsonian Gardens.  Before enrolling at the IAA, she spent several years volunteering in the gardens at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution.  That’s where she became interested in edibles.  However, Smolinski confesses to being a “liberal arts major at heart.  I love, love, love American history,” she says.

Combining her love of history with horticulture, Smolinski has secured a summer internship at Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, near Charlottesville, VA.  “I'm very excited. It's the best of both worlds--American history and working in the gardens,” says Smolinski.  She’ll be working in the gardens four days each week, leaving the fifth day open for other opportunities.

“I'm hoping to work on any sort of research project in the Jefferson archives while I am there. He, like most gentleman scientists of his age, took copious detailed notes about what they were studying. I'll also be giving tours of the gardens, which will be great experience for potentially working in a public garden setting in the future,” she says.

Her IAA Advisor Ken Ingram believes Smolinski was an ideal candidate for the scholarship because she’s an excellent student and demonstrates all the qualities the selection committee looks for.  As part of its mission, the PGMS D.C. Branch offers an annual scholarship to students pursuing higher education in a horticulturally-related field.  The mission of the organization is “to foster integrity and excellence in grounds management by promoting professional development through education programs, networking, community service, and fellowship.”

After a decade of working, Smolinski left her job to become a full-time student, so she appreciates the financial help that the scholarship provides.