ASHS 2025 Conference: Full Schedule

1:00pm CDT

Student/First Time Attendee Welcome: Conference Overview

Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Student/First Time Attendee Welcome: Conference Overview Session

Led by Essie Fallahi and Curt Rom. This session will provide the essential information for how to get the most out of your attendance at the ASHS Annual Conference. Specific events, sessions, and competitions will be explained. ASHS staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure that you are aware of all that ASHS and specifically the ASHS Conference has to offer.

Presiding/Moderator

Esmaeil Fallahi

Curt Rom

University Professor. And Associate Director, University of Arkansas and ASHS

Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Empire D

Keynotes and Featured Sessions, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

1:30pm CDT

Careers in Horticulture

Monday July 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Empire D

Dr. Rom will present an on overview of the possible career paths for horticulture and plant science professionals.

Presiding/Moderator

Curt Rom

University Professor. And Associate Director, University of Arkansas and ASHS

Monday July 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Empire D

Career and Professional Development, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

2:15pm CDT

Networking Jam Session: Making the Right Connections

Monday July 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT

Empire D

Moderator: Janel Ohletz

The right connections can help your career flourish. Learn networking tips and tricks.

Presiding/Moderator

Janel Ohletz

Plantd

Monday July 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Empire D

Career and Professional Development, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

3:00pm CDT

Finding Your Rhythm: Choosing the Right Career Path

Monday July 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Empire D

Representatives from Academia, Government, and Industry will participate in a Panel Discussion with Q&A.

Presiding/Moderator

Amir Khoddamzadeh

Florida International University

Speakers

Eugene Livingston Jr.

State Outreach Coordinator, FPAC-NRCS, LA

Alicain Carlson

Syngenta Flowers

Monday July 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Empire D

Career and Professional Development, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

4:00pm CDT

Career and Graduate School Fair

Monday July 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Strand 12

Meet with representatives from industry and academia.

Companies and universities register for a free table at https://ashs.org/page/ASHSCareerFair_RecruiterTalk

Monday July 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 12

Career and Professional Development, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

10:00am CDT

Welcome and Awards Session

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Empire CD

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Empire CD

Keynotes and Featured Sessions

Subject Professional Development/Career

11:00am CDT

Keynote Speaker: Dr. James J. Giovannoni

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Empire CD

Presentation Title:
“Biotechnology, Genomics and Opportunities for Horticultural Science"

Dr. Jim Giovannoni is Director of the USDA-ARS research lab on the Cornell university campus. He was a leader of the international effort to sequence the tomato genome and his laboratory has worked for over 30 years on molecular and genetic analysis of fruit physiology, ripening, and related signal transduction systems. His lab identified critical genes associated with fruit development, nutrition, and quality traits including the first transcription factor regulating ripening. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Giovannoni is a Texas A&M Hagler Fellow and received the 2014 Award for Exemplary Service from the US Secretary of Agriculture, and the USDA-ARS North East Area Senior Research Scientist of the year Award in 2010 and 2017.

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Empire CD

Keynotes and Featured Sessions

Subject Professional Development/Career

1:00pm CDT

Plant Growth and Culture Collaboration Session

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Collaboration Center, Empire AB

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to plant growth and culture – i.e. propagation, root growth, water management, weed control, PGRs, plant nutrition, etc.

Presiding/Moderator

Alicain Carlson

Syngenta Flowers

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Collaboration Center

Subject Professional Development/Career, Horticulture Industry, Plasticulture, Propagation, Root Growth and Rhizosphere Dynamics, Water Utilization and Management, Weed Control and Pest Management, Plant Growth Regulation, Plant Nutrient Management

1:15pm CDT

Publish What You Present at the Annual Meeting

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT

Hort Theater

You have presented your results, now take the next step and publish!

2025 Conference Presenter Publishing Discount
Submit your conference-related manuscripts before August 1, 2026 and enjoy a 10% savings on publication fees. Discounts must be requested at the time your article is submitted for publication. In order to request the 10% discount, please submit your request by using this form – Discount Submission Form.

Presiding/Moderator

Kimberly Moore

University of Florida

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career

1:45pm CDT

Overview of ASHS Journals

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Hort Theater

Editor in Chief Paul Bosland will give an overview of JASHS, HortScience, and HortTechnology. Find out which ASHS journal would suit your manuscript submission best and get all of your publishing questions answered.

Speakers

Paul Bosland

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career

2:45pm CDT

Introduction to Graphical Abstracts

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm CDT

Hort Theater

All ASHS journals now accept Graphical Abstracts, alongside a textual abstract, as part of the submission process.
Graphical Abstracts, also known as Visual Abstracts, provide a visual summary designed to help readers understand the purpose and results of your key findings.

Learn more about what is required and get your questions answered.

Speakers

German Sandoya Miranda

Associate Professor, University of Florida EREC

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career

3:00pm CDT

Negotiating Your Worth: Don't Play for Free

Tuesday July 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Empire CD

Strategies for negotiating and accepting an offer.

Presiding/Moderator

Holly Little

Director, research and development, Acadian Plant Health

Speakers

Logan McCollum

Driscoll's

Tuesday July 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Empire CD

Career and Professional Development, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

3:30pm CDT

Advocating for Horticulture

Tuesday July 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Hort Theater

Presiding/Moderator

Thomas Bjorkman

Professor Emeritus, Cornell Horticulture

How do you move from adequate cover cropping to excellent cover cropping? What fine tuning improves carbon, nitrogen, weeds, percolation, tillage goals?We all need to advocate for horticultural research and education with those who decide to spend money on our work. It is not difficult... Read More →

Tuesday July 29, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career, Administration

4:00pm CDT

Polishing Your CV, Resume, and Cover Letters: Hitting the Right Notes

Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT

Empire CD

Learn how to make your CV, resume, and cover letter shine! The session will start with a presentation of important things to remember when crafting your CV, resume, and cover letter.
In-person reviews will be conducted after the presentation so bring your CV, resume, and cover letter.

Presiding/Moderator

Julie Campbell

University of Georgia

Speakers

Jeffrey Brecht

University of Florida

Holly Little

Director, research and development, Acadian Plant Health

Alicain Carlson

Syngenta Flowers

Janel Ohletz

Plantd

Logan McCollum

Driscoll's

Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Empire CD

Career and Professional Development, Student Activities

Subject Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Professional Development/Career

9:00am CDT

International Horticulture Collaboration Session

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Collaboration Center, Empire AB

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to international horticulture – i.e. International issues and networking, international consultants, international horticulture groups, etc.

Presiding/Moderator

Leonardo Lombardini

ASHS International Division VP

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Collaboration Center

Subject Horticulture Industry, Latin America, AHIS, Professional Development/Career, Local Food Systems, Marketing and Economics, Tropical Horticultural Crops

10:00am CDT

Syngenta Recruiter Talk

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Hort Theater

Learn about careers at Syngenta Flowers.

Speakers

Alicain Carlson

Syngenta Flowers

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student

10:30am CDT

Driscoll’s Sweet Science: Hiring the Minds Behind the Berries

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Hort Theater

Discover how Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh berries, attracts and hires top scientific talent to drive innovation in flavor, plant health, and sustainability. With R&D teams located across the U.S., Mexico, Europe, North Africa, and beyond, we employ a diverse range of scientists—from plant breeders and entomologists to molecular biologists and data scientists—who work collaboratively to deliver Only the Finest Berries™. This session offers an inside look at our hiring process, including what we look for in candidates, how to navigate our application and interview experience, and tips for standing out in a competitive field. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned researcher, join us to learn how you can grow with Driscoll’s and be part of the science behind every berry.

Speakers

Logan McCollum

Driscoll's

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Horticulture Industry, Viticulture and Small Fruits, Professional Development/Career, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student

11:00am CDT

Ornamentals Collaboration Session

Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Collaboration Center, Empire AB

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to ornamentals – i.e. floriculture, nursery crops, breeding, turf, ornamentals industry, botanic gardens, landscape industry, orchids, etc.

Presiding/Moderator

Alicain Carlson

Syngenta Flowers

Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Collaboration Center

Subject Horticulture Industry, Ornamental Plant Breeding, Ornamentals Landscape and Turf, Professional Development/Career, Nursery Crops, Public Horticulture, Floriculture, Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener, Orchids

11:15am CDT

2026 International Horticultural Congress in Kyoto Japan

Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:15am - 11:30am CDT

Hort Theater

Overview of the upcoming 2026 International Horticultural Congress in Kyoto Japan.

Speakers

Masafumi Omori

Kyoto University

Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:15am - 11:30am CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career

1:00pm CDT

Insider Tips to Get a Faculty Position in Academia

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Hort Theater

This session and panel discussion will help you to ace your academic interview, covering the application process, preparation tips, and online and face-to-face interviews.

Presiding/Moderator

Rhuanito S. Ferrarezi

University of Georgia

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Graduate Student, Professional Development/Career

1:00pm CDT

Technology in Horticulture Collaboration Session

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Collaboration Center, Empire AB

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to technology in horticulture – i.e. biotechnology, UAVs, cameras, sensors, artificial intelligence, etc.

The Technology Applications in Horticulture Interest Group will meet at this session.

Presiding/Moderator

Zack Hayden

2015-16 Energy, Environment, & Agriculture Fellow, Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

Zack Hayden is an agricultural systems scientist with a background in soil health and efficient nutrient use for sustainable vegetable production. At Michigan State University, his doctoral and postdoctoral research and outreach programs included investigations of precision management... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Collaboration Center

Subject Horticulture Industry, Professional Development/Career, Technology Applications in Horticulture, Plant Biotechnology, Bioenergy and Bioproducts, Teaching Methods

9:00am CDT

Compassionate Compliance with Executive Orders On DEI Collaboration Session

Thursday July 31, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Compassionate Compliance with Executive Orders On DEI - share your thoughts and listen to others discuss different strategies and mechanisms for supporting students/employees.

Presiding/Moderator

Ryan Contreras

Oregon State University

Thursday July 31, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Collaboration Center

Subject Horticulture Industry, Professional Development/Career, Administration

11:00am CDT

Paradigm Shift in Scholarly Publishing

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Hort Theater

Speakers

Paul Bosland

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career

12:00pm CDT

Creating a Graphical Abstract

Thursday July 31, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT

Hort Theater

Presiding/Moderator

Sarah White

Research Division VP

Sarah's research involves using plants to clean water. She is passionate about mentoring young faculty and graduate students to help them succeed in the future.

Thursday July 31, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career

1:15pm CDT

Building Your Personal Brand

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT

Hort Theater

Learn essential strategies for students and early career professionals looking to establish their professional brand. Crafting a distinct identity is crucial in today's competitive job market. From honing your elevator pitch to leveraging your academic accomplishments, we'll cover the fundamental elements of personal branding. Additionally, we'll delve into the increasingly vital role of social media platforms in shaping professional reputations, offering insights on how to navigate and optimize these channels effectively. Whether you're aiming for a career in academia or industry, this session will equip you with practical tools to kickstart your journey toward building a compelling professional presence.

Speakers

Julie Campbell

University of Georgia

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Hort Theater

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Hort Theater

Subject Professional Development/Career, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student

2:30pm CDT

Specialty Crops Collaboration Session

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Collaboration Center, Empire AB

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to specialty crops – i.e. hemp, herbs, medicinal plants, and tropicals, breeding, production, etc.

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Collaboration Center, Empire AB

Hort Theater & Collaboration Center, Collaboration Center

Subject Horticulture Industry, Professional Development/Career, Cannabis and Hemp, Herbs Spices and Medicinal Plants, Tropical Horticultural Crops, Invasive Plants Research

6:00pm CDT

Trivia Night/Competition Award Ceremony

Thursday July 31, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT

Empire AB

Don't miss this fun event!

Test your horticultural knowledge against other teams for a night of fun and camaraderie! 4 players per team allowed. You can join as a team, or sign up as an individual and we will team you up. https://forms.gle/3WptLLMCxm1ATtn78

Awards for the student and early career competitions will be presented between rounds of trivia.

Thursday July 31, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Empire AB

Competitions, Student Activities