Outstanding contributions across teaching, research, extension, and service were recognized during the HLA Research and Design Retreat held Thursday, May 14, at the J.S. Wright Forestry Center. The annual HLA Impact Awards celebrate faculty and staff whose work advances the department’s mission and enhances its impact across campus, industry, and communities. This year’s honorees include:…Read more about HLA Honors Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Students at Annual Awards[Read More]
The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture hosted the 2026 HLA Research and Design Retreat on May 14 at the J.S. Wright Forestry Center. Organized by the HLA Graduate Student Association, the annual event brought together graduate students, faculty, and staff for a day of scholarly exchange, professional development, and community building. The retreat featured…Read more about 2026 HLA Research and Design Retreat Showcases Graduate Excellence[Read More]
Spring Fest kicked off with muddy conditions, but the weather did little to dampen enthusiasm as attendees turned out to engage with HLA activities and demonstrations. One of the most popular attractions—the plant necklace station—saw high demand throughout the day, with supplies running out by 2 p.m. Many thanks to volunteers Yiwei Huang (and her…Read more about HLA Engages Crowds at Spring Fest Despite Rainy Start[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]
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]
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]
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]
Freddie Mildenhall (PhD student, Varala lab) won 1st place in the Graduate Student Speaking Award category at ASPB Midwest held at the University of Missouri! He also gave a lightning talk at the 2026 Corteva Plant Science Symposium that occurred one day before the ASPB meeting at the same location.
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]
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]
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.