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.
Monica McLaughlin
Horticulturist
Monica is responsible for cultivation and management of annual plant materials. She plans, organizes, and coordinates all activities of student workers and volunteers engaged in our greenhouses. Monica leads the horticultural team in designing and maintaining all of the annual displays throughout the gardens, both in ground and containers. She also helps to facilitate plant sale production and operations.
Alex Sawatzky
Student Farm Manager
Alex manages the Student Farm at Rutgers Gardens and the Student Farm internship track, which provide unique learning opportunities and hands-on experiences for students. He also manages Cook’s Market, the farmers market at Rutgers Gardens.
Caitlin Venezia
Superintendent
Caitlin is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all areas of the Gardens. She works closely with the students in the Public Garden Management internship track, teaching them garden maintenance practices and a variety of horticultural techniques, as well as basic garden design as it applies to public gardens and parks.