On July 1 , Mengmeng Gu will unite the College of Agricultural Sciences as section chief for the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture . She brings experience in both horticulture and landscape pattern to her new leadership role , with a focus on sustainability and a career - long commitment to teaching , enquiry and outreach , the three pillar of the land - Ulysses Simpson Grant delegation .
“ We are excited to have Dr. Gu join our squad as the loss leader of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture , ” read James Pritchett , Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station . “ Dr. Gu ’s record book of accomplishments and energetic leading panache means that she is utterly match with the opportunity for inspire life history trajectory for our bookman , lift our engagement with communities and diligence , and enquiry to turn to critical challenges of club . ”
Collaborative ApproachGu currently serve as a prof in Texas A&M University ’s Department of Horticultural Sciences and annex cosmetic plantsman with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service . She takes a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to her work in ornamental horticulture , working closely with partners in other disciplines within agriculture and from the green industry . Her research focus on using biochar , an organic charcoal - like core made from farming waste , as a sustainable option to peat moss in pot mix and holistic management of crapemyrtle bark scale , a new worm pest in the Southeastern U.S. that sham the country ’s most uncouth flowering tree diagram .
She has also proudly civilise and mentored award - winning students who have exit on to be manufacture leaders , and currently serve well as Vice President for the American Society for Horticulture Science , a use that unite her to industry professional from across the U.S.
Gu realize her Ph.D. in works science and horticulture from the University of Arkansas after clear a B.S. and M.S. in landscape architecture from Beijing Forestry University . She link up Texas A&M in 2012 .
Looking Ahead
Gu is arriving at Colorado State University at an exciting time . When the new Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building opens on campus this outflow , the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture ’s nearly 400 students and 50 employee will have a Modern home that feature state - of - the prowess research labs and applied science , classrooms and studio , and increased opportunity collaboration and founding .
“ Colorado and CSU are at the cutting edge of many global issues – especially sustainability – and that was a hook for me , ” Gu enounce . “ We have a good foundation , and I hope to put up to the growth of our programs , the college , and the community of interests as a whole . ”
In Denver , the 2d construction at the new CSU Spur campus is set to open this outflow with a direction on farming . The nutrient - focused Terra building will include several programme power by the section , include food production on display through controlled surround gardening , and a rooftop greenhouse and greenroof showcasing and conducting enquiry on urban agricultural techniques .
“ We are the perfect conduit between rural and urban . A hatful of us may not be doing veg or fruit output , but we may have a peach tree in our M , or a small garden plot of land where we grow , ” Gu say . “ gardening is a great way of learn urban folk something about USDA on a small plate . The outreach potential from horticulture is huge . ”
Connecting Colorado CommunitiesAs a self - account womb-to-tomb learner , Gu is eager to learn more about the state of Colorado and local USDA and communities .
“ I look forrader to reaching out to stakeholders and potential student across Colorado , ” Gu says , noting that Colorado is less talkative than Texas . “ I look forward to connecting community and the stakeholders that they facilitate serve . ”
From westerly Colorado to the Arkansas Valley , the section works closely with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station connection to attend to communities and leverage scientific expertise .
“ Dr. Gu ’s contributions and dynamic fight with diligence and community stakeholders is notable , ” said Pritchett . “ She is well known for her paying attention and strict approach , and now she has the chance to lead a department at CSU whose legacy is the same . ”
rootage : colostate.edu
