Samantha Nobes

Syngenta Flowers

Technical scientist

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

• Finding the two amazing mentors I completed my master’s program with. They saw potential in me, and I got a really well-rounded education to get prepared for the industry. I got to work with cut flowers and pollinators, and I found my love for research.
• Finding a job I truly enjoy doing and getting to learn from some of the best people in the industry. I have learned so much over the past few years, and I keep learning every day.
• Getting out of my comfort zone. I have lived in four different states, but California is the first place I moved without knowing a single person. Now, I have a great group of friends, a fun job and a cool state to explore.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• My very first job was on a small vegetable farm that sold flowers and produce from Mother’s Day to Halloween. I started working as a cashier on the weekends, and I ended up working there for about 10 years. I had a really great boss who taught me a lot, and eventually we started making decisions together. 
• Over the years, my role expanded to encompass every aspect of the business. I worked in the fields, negotiated with wholesalers, developed pricing strategies, provided plant care, cultivated customer relationships and constructed fences — whatever needed to be done. What I loved about it was there was always a new challenge and something to learn.

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

• Problem-solving

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

• I do fun science experiments to find out what plants like best.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Anything crafty like drawing, painting or embroidery. Gaming, whether it’s video, board or cards.

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

• Going to the farm market and cooking what I found
• Playing cards 
• Finding a good spot to have a drink and watch live music

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

• I really like trying unique modes of transportation. The running list so far includes a submarine, helicopter, hot air balloon, biplane and a monoplane. I’ve been on a few types of boats, but the next goal is an airboat in a cool spot.
• I went to art school and have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and I am pretty decent at drawing.

One thing you can’t live without?

• Music

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• I am an excellent sous chef. If you need something chopped, let me know.

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Health
• Wealth
• Travel

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• Dahlias are one of my favorites, but there’s quite a few in the cut flower realm that I would pick.

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

• A European tour. I would love to check out a few countries.