The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture recognized outstanding undergraduate students and graduating seniors during the Undergraduate Awards and Senior Recognition Celebration on April 21 at the Dauch Center. The event highlighted academic excellence, leadership, service, and research accomplishments across all HLA majors. Special thanks to Rachael Carter for organizing the celebration. Outstanding Students by…Read more about HLA Celebrates Undergraduate Excellence and Senior Achievements[Read More]



Two undergraduate research teams in our Landscape Architecture program were honored for outstanding work at the 2026 Purdue University Spring Undergraduate Research Conference. These prestigious awards competing across the university highlight the extraordinary impact of HLA’s vibrant research culture in landscape architecture, from transforming urban infrastructure to advancing environmental comfort. Gary ELevated: A Community-Based Approach…Read more about Landscape Architecture Undergraduates Shine at Spring Research Conference[Read More]


PhD student Mingyu Zhao, mentored by Dr. Aaron Thompson, has received the NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Award for his research on the Wetland Reserve Program’s impact on flood mitigation in the Great Lakes Region. The recognition is particularly meaningful as it commemorates the 25th anniversary of the award founded by Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu to support…Read more about HLA PhD Student Mingyu Zhao Receives NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Award[Read More]


The Purdue student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (PASLA) joined in the 2026 Purdue Day of Giving—and came away with both funding and recognition. PASLA’s creative social media post earned the group the Pet Challenge award, securing an additional $800 in bonus funds. Their winning entry also received broader recognition, with the…Read more about PASLA Earns Bonus Funds and Social Media Spotlight on Purdue Day of Giving[Read More]



Former HLA Post-Doctoral Research Associate Dr. Gioia Massa and Professor Emeritus Cary Mitchell, along with collaborators from NASA, federal contractors, and aerospace industry, have published an article in BMC Plant Biology entitled Stress and light spectral quality influence the transcriptome of a tomato crop grown on the International Space Station. The article can be accessed…Read more about New Article from Dr. Gioia Massa, Dr. Cary Mitchell, and Collaborators[Read More]


Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, was recently featured in Southern Living discussing whether dandelions should be considered weeds or flowers. In the article, Mitchell explained that dandelions can be either, depending on the gardener’s goals and perspective. Her interview encouraged gardeners to think intentionally about lawn management, biodiversity, and the role plants play in…Read more about Karen Mitchell featured in Southern Living[Read More]


Andrew Flachs spoke about the social value of sustainable agriculture on the Down To Earth Podcast, drawing from his research with small farmers in South India, Eastern Europe, and the US Midwest and forthcoming book Feeding the World as if People Mattered. Amid rising global fuel and fertilizer costs Dr. Flachs published an op-ed about…Read more about Andrew Flachs Discusses Social Value of Agriculture on Podcast, Calls for Local Food Investment in Op-Ed[Read More]


Colleen Flynn was recently featured in Purdue Today following her recognition by the Purdue Mortar Board for exceptional service to the university community. Flynn received the Mortar Board Rose Award, which honors clerical and service staff whose dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions have made a meaningful impact on campus. Recipients are nominated by faculty, staff, or…Read more about Colleen Flynn Featured in Purdue Today article[Read More]


Share this Issue

It is the policy of the Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue is an Affirmative Action Institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.

Page last modified: May 8, 2026

HLA Happenings - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2026 Purdue UniversityAn equal access/equal opportunity universityCopyright ComplaintsMaintained by HLA Happenings

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact HLA Happenings at fisherpj@purdue.eduAccessibility Resources