Jason Henry

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Research scientist

What 3 to 4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• My family. My wife Mary, my son Blake and our dog Nox. 
• Being a part of Land Care Niagara, a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental stewardship in the Niagara Region. 
• Training past and present employees at Vineland and watching them advance in their careers.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• My wife led me to horticulture through her master’s at Brock University harvesting wine grapes. What I found fascinating was seeing differences in soil types and how they affected vine vigour. She also saw the job online for the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre that I applied for and have been working here for close to 12 years.
• Before this moment I worked mostly in the environmental field for soils and pollution impacts on them but chose to make the switch to horticulture.

What’s the best thing about your job? (Please select one)

• I get to do what I love, every day

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I use science to learn how soil can make plants grow better.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Gardening
• Hockey

When you’re not working, what are 2 to 3 things we could find you doing?

• Gardening
• Playing with/walking the dog
• Relaxing with the family

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• No one really believes me, but in high school I was one of the top-rated Pokémon card players in Ontario.

One thing you can’t live without?

• This is an easy answer for me: coffee

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• Leading people

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Go to the Yukon
• Own a farm
• Plant a forest

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• ‘White Shield Osage’ orange

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• I have always wanted to go to the Yukon Territory in Canada.