Lori Zatroch

Cuyahoga Community College

Program director, plant science and landscape technology

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

• Helping grow the enrollment in the plant science and landscape technology program by 35% since 2019.
• Supporting the students and faculty that took first place at the 2023 National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
• Seeing alumni working in the field after graduation and seeing students graduate each year — it never gets old.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• I graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in environment and natural resources with a focus on environmental education and wildlife. I had always enjoyed being outside but was drawn to education. After graduation I worked at zoos, museums and parks doing everything from Van de Graaf Generator demonstrations to canoe tours to reptile shows. However, after some time, I realized that I was more interested in formal education. Since then I have held several administrative roles at different universities before settling at Cuyahoga Community College near Cleveland, Ohio.
• Prior to accepting the program director position, I knew very little about horticulture or the green industry. However, my colleagues and the industry in Northeast Ohio have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. The professionals I’ve met have generously shared their knowledge and insights without judgement for my lack of plant knowledge. 
• Reflecting on my journey, I sometimes wish I had discovered this industry before college, but I believe that my winding path prepared me to support this wonderful industry and the students in our program. I think I am exactly where I need to be to best support this vibrant and diverse industry.

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

• The company environment

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

• I help students meet their academic and career goals and help faculty build better courses.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Birdwatching 
• Collecting loon paraphernalia

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

• Birdwatching
• Playing video games
• Sewing

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

• In the past five years, I taught myself how to sew. I started with making quilts for family and friends. Eventually I started making clothes, but my most ambitious project was sewing my own sleeping bag for backpacking. I really enjoy sewing. It allows me to be creative and produce products that support my other hobbies. 

One thing you can’t live without?

• My 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• I think my coworkers would say that I am secretly good at making analogies. These analogies are often helpful in bridging communication gaps. This industry can be misunderstood, so this skill is especially helpful when talking to other administrators or community partners.

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Visit the Tank Museum in Bovington
• Observing all species of loon in their typical habitat 
• Find a leucitic bird in the wild — a robin would be best, but I’ll settle for any bird

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• This is a hard one for me since I feel like I am still finding new plants every day. I do have an affinity for Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). It has such a unique flower that reminds me of a pin cushion during an intense sewing project. Not only does it look neat but it also supports many species of birds.

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

• I would love to spend several weeks in Alaska observing wildlife, hiking and camping. With an unlimited budget I would definitely splurge in the best gear and only the finest freeze-dried food.