Sep 7, 2022

AFE Appoints New Research Coordinator

AFE has added to its team with a new research coordinator, Laura Barth, to assist with expanding research programs and communicating the findings.

With the recent expansion of new monthly research webinars and training resources, it was a priority to bring on expertise in these areas. Barth will work alongside Terril Nell, Ph.D., AFE’s current research director of eight years, to pursue and disseminate this information through industry outreach, collaboration and communications. This will include updates through AFE’s webinars and other training and resources.

Nell notes, “I am thrilled to work alongside Laura to address current and future industry challenges. Laura’s deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the field will make her an incredibly influential member of the AFE team. Her industry and university connections will be an important asset to our work as we disseminate AFE’s important research and resources more regularly.”

In addition to overseeing the monthly webinars and training efforts, Barth will also be preparing articles and research processes from funded research, and will serve as the liaison to AFE’s new sustainability initiative that was just launched in July.

Barth received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from North Carolina State University, where she worked on research projects in entomology, plant pathology, ornamental plant breeding and horticultural substrates. After graduation, Barth was the horticulture and pathology specialist at the American Chestnut Foundation before coming back to NCSU as an extension assistant. She develops and instructs online classes in partnership with Longwood Gardens. Not only that, but Barth serves as the digital communications director with the International Plant Propagator’s Society (Southern Region of North America) and is a contributor and consultant for DK (Penguin Random House), where she recently worked on two books in the DK GROW series.

“I’m excited to bring my passion for science, communication and education to AFE’s outstanding research initiatives in my role as research coordinator. As a recipient of an AFE scholarship as a graduate student, I’m grateful for the opportunity to now have a career with the Endowment where I’m able to give back to the floriculture industry. I’m thrilled to be working alongside Dr. Nell and am looking forward to engaging with industry professionals, academics and having my finger on the pulse of floriculture research,” said Barth.

With her dedication and unwavering passion, AFE is thrilled to welcome Barth and expand their research communications and efforts.