Personnel

As the Director, Lauren leads the development, programming, and operation of Rutgers Gardens.  To ensure the demonstration gardens and natural areas of Rutgers Gardens continue to serve as educational resources for all, Lauren actively engages key stakeholders including Rutgers Gardens advisors, supporters, members, volunteers, and visitors; university faculty, staff and students; and statewide industry and community partners. Additionally, she leads outreach initiatives to promote Rutgers Gardens and educational efforts to increase public knowledge related to horticulture, ecology, and health. Within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), Lauren also coordinates stewardship efforts supporting demonstration and teaching gardens that provide ornamental, agricultural, and environmental learning and design opportunities for students on campus.

Maxine oversees Horticulture and Grounds operations at Rutgers Gardens, working to preserve and improve the health of the plants, quality of the displays, and visitor experience throughout the gardens and natural areas, including Helyar Woods. She leads the Horticulture and Landscape Management internship track at Rutgers Gardens and regularly engages with the public through events, programs, and volunteer opportunities at Rutgers Gardens. Maxine also contributes to the effective care and management of SEBS teaching and demonstration gardens on the core of Cook Campus, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Dan oversees the greenhouse operations affiliated with Rutgers Gardens, including the community and teaching greenhouses on Cook Campus. Along with ensuring the effective operations of these spaces, he coordinates production of plants for the Gardens and for university partners and programs. Dan also leads student experiential learning opportunities, assists in the instruction of several plant-related courses, and curates the botanical collection at the Floriculture Greenhouse. 

Meagan oversees agriculture education spaces that include the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm, Cook Organic Garden, and the community garden aspects of Healthy Harvest at Jones Avenue as vital representations of sustainable food production. Meagan supports collaborative, multi-disciplinary food security efforts through growing, harvesting, and distributing fresh produce via campus and community outlets that include the Student Farm CSA, Rutgers Community Farmers Market, and the Basic Needs Center for university students. Meagan also leads the Farm Track of the Rutgers Gardens Student Internship program, welcoming students to immersive, hands-on learning opportunities in small-scale and urban agriculture.

Andrew coordinates field operations of our small-scale, sustainable Student Farm, working alongside students and volunteers to produce high-quality vegetables and herbs for CSA and farmers market sales while supporting a productive, safe, and educational farm system. In support of food security, Andrew also supplies abundant produce donations from the Student Farm to local emergency food providers, including on-campus and community food pantries, to contribute towards reducing food insecurity among Rutgers students and the greater New Brunswick community.

Anahi coordinates community garden operations that include the Cook Organic Garden and the Esperanza Community Garden, which is a part of the Healthy Harvest initiative at Jones Avenue. Her efforts support community residents and university faculty, staff, and students working collaboratively to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers toward increased food security and beautification in urban agriculture spaces throughout campus.

Moira coordinates the logistics and planning of special and ongoing events, promotional campaigns, email and social media communications, and more, to effectively engage diverse audiences in Rutgers Gardens programs and activities. She serves as the coordinator for the Rutgers Gardens volunteer program and membership program.

Doe serves as the first point of contact for Rutgers Gardens, fielding phone calls and email inquiries from visitors, students, faculty, and donors. She coordinates various administrative functions for Rutgers Gardens, including purchasing, scheduling site visits for students, faculty, and tours, managing facility rentals, and more.

Christina’s responsibilities include managing finances, accounting, planning, and ensuring financial operations are completed properly in a timely manner. Christina serves as the liaison between the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Office of Financial and Business Administration and Rutgers Gardens.

Shanna leads the summer 4-H Day Camp at Rutgers Gardens and serves as the liaison to the overnight camp at the Lindley G. Cook 4-H Youth Center for Outdoor Education in Branchville, NJ.  Shanna also coordinates family and children’s activities at Rutgers Gardens throughout the year.