Lauren Plotnik

Experience

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  Harry P. Leu Gardens

  Mar 2014 - Jul 2015

  Horticulturist

  · Maintenance team member of a 50 acre subtropical/tropical botanical garden in Orlando Florida. In charge of design and modification of all containers with seasonal arrangements and climate-appropriate plants. Learned extensive plant ID and propagation techniques.

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  Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA)

  Mar 2015 - Jul 2015

  Horticulture technician

  · Horticulturist overseeing 60 new-to-market ornamental plant varieties for FNGLA's 'Florida's Flower Trials'. Surveyed results and documented progress of plants grown in a natural landscape settings over 5 months. Data on durability, heat tolerance, visual appeal and pest resistance was recorded and provided to participating plant breeders and industry members.

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  University of Florida

  Feb 2017 - Jun 2019

  Dr. Kevin M. Folta Laboratory

  • Horticultural scientist

    Sept 2018 - Jun 2019

  • Undergraduate Researcher

    Feb 2017 - Dec 2018
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  University of Guelph

  Sept 2019 - now

  Finalist; Advanced to Phase 3Creation of an innovative high-density food production system as a solution to nutritional challenges faced on long duration space flights; also aimed at solving terrestrial food-security & production issues in urban, remote or harsh environments. Investigation of medicinal plants in controlled environment agriculture. Focused on standardising growth and development of Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) as a novel crop for CE production.

  • Team Member Canada "GOOSE" : Deep Space Food Challenge

    Jan 2021 - now

  • Graduate Researcher, Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility

    Sept 2019 - Sept 2022
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  Intravision Group AS

  Sept 2020 - Dec 2020

  Horticultural Consultant
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  Elevate Farms

  Dec 2022 - now

  Director of Cultivation

  I leverage insights from controlled environment agriculture research to create and implement large-scale indoor hydroponic system solutions. My role centers on optimizing our high-density grow systems to ensure excellent plant development, product quality, and customer satisfaction.