Born in a refugee camp, my parents and I were granted asylum to the U.S., where we have lived in the Washington, D.C. area for most of my life. In 2009, I graduated with a PhD in Plant Genetics from the University of Maryland and was directly recruited to the ‘Chromatin Structure and Epigenetic Mechanisms’ lab at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where I currently serve as a senior scientist. A complete list of my scientific publications, spanning plant genetics, flower development, DNA/chromatin structure, cancer biology, and epigenetic mechanisms can be found here.
I have always had a passion for plants, as long as I can remember. As an exhibitor, judge, and educator, I grow predominantly to achieve show-quality specimens as I am constantly striving for that well-grown awarded plant, and I hope to help others do the same, whether you show or not. Many plant lives were lost when I first began my journey. Hopefully, the info from this website can assist you on your path to plantvana, with fewer plants ending up in the compost bin.
I remember my very first plant show was the 2018 AVSA Show in Buffalo, NY. A Best In Class, a few blue, a red, and special award. That was the beginning of a fun adventure in growing and exhibiting plants to be judged. Since then, I’ve become more confident in growing and plant designs, and became a judge myself.
When asked what plants I grow, my response is always ‘green ones’. I am a generalist by heart, and learning how to get each plant to grow and thrive is a challenge I’ll happily accept. I am currently a member of multiple plant organizations including:
- African Violet Society of America (LIFETIME and judge)
- American Begonia Society (LIFETIME)
- American Daylily Society (LIFETIME)
- American Hosta Society
- American Orchid Society
- American Primrose, Primula, and Auricula Society
- Cactus and Succulent Society of America
- Gesneriad Society (LIFETIME and judge)
- National Capital Area Chapter of The Gesneriad Society (President 2021-2023)
- International Aroid Society
- International Sansevieria Society (LIFETIME)
