Sustainability is no longer just an idealistic concept; it’s an urgent necessity, particularly within the horticulture and green industry. As professionals responsible for managing living systems, horticulturists have a unique role in either contributing to environmental challenges or becoming part of the solution. Our work directly impacts natural resources, air quality, soil health, and community well-being. Making sustainability a core priority ensures that the landscapes, interiorscapes, and agricultural systems we design and maintain will not only thrive today but remain viable and beneficial for generations to come. In horticulture, the environmental footprint can be significant. From the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to inefficient water management and reliance on non-native, high-maintenance plant species, many traditional practices strain ecosystems. Landscapes, both indoors and out, often require large amounts of energy, water, and resources to maintain. If approached irresponsibly, these systems can contribute to pollution, biodiversity loss, and increased carbon emissions. By shifting focus to sustainable practices, like incorporating drought-tolerant plants, reducing chemical inputs, managing soil health, and integrating renewable energy systems, we can create green spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. My passion lies in interiorscaping and biophilic design, the practice of bringing plants into interior environments to enhance human well-being while improving indoor air quality and environmental performance. I believe that the future of building and workplace design will rely heavily on integrating nature into everyday spaces. Well-designed interiorscapes reduce airborne toxins, regulate indoor humidity, and foster a sense of calm and connection to nature, which is often missing in urbanized, high-traffic environments. In my future career, I plan to lead the movement toward sustainable interiorscaping by focusing on native and adaptable plant species, closed-loop irrigation systems, organic growing practices, and sustainable sourcing of materials. Additionally, I want to educate clients on the long-term environmental and psychological benefits of plant-filled spaces. By working with architects, designers, and business owners, I hope to normalize the inclusion of living walls, green roofs, and large-scale plant installations as standard elements in public buildings, offices, hospitals, and educational spaces. Beyond design and installation, I aim to contribute to sustainability through ongoing research and public outreach. I hope to develop workshops and resources that teach communities how to create their own sustainable plant displays at home and work. I’m particularly interested in exploring how plant placement and species selection can optimize indoor environments to reduce reliance on mechanical climate controls, improving both energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Sustainability in horticulture isn't just about limiting harm, it’s about actively healing and restoring the environments we manage. I see myself as part of a new generation of horticultural professionals who prioritize environmental stewardship alongside aesthetics and function. Through innovation, education, and responsible practice, I’m committed to ensuring that every green space I design or manage contributes positively to the world around it.

Growing up on an alfalfa farm in Maricopa, Arizona, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. I spent my days tending to plants, observing the changing seasons, and learning how life flourishes when given the right care and environment. Those early experiences not only sparked my love for plants but also laid the foundation for my academic and professional journey in horticulture and plant sciences. Now, as a Plant and Landscape Systems major at Brigham Young University, I am working to turn that passion into a career where I can make meaningful contributions to both the horticultural industry and the broader fields of science and design. One area of horticulture that has captured my interest is interiorscaping, which involves the strategic use of living plants to enhance interior spaces. Interiorscaping is more than just decoration; it is a science-backed practice that improves air quality, boosts productivity, reduces stress, and creates environments that support human well-being. My fascination with this field has led me to study biophilic design, an approach that integrates natural elements into built environments to reconnect people with nature. The principles of biophilic design demonstrate how thoughtful integration of plants, natural materials, light, and water features can positively affect our mental, emotional, and physical health. As urban areas continue to grow and people spend more time indoors, the importance of creating healthy, plant-filled environments becomes increasingly clear. Scientific studies have consistently shown the benefits of incorporating plants into indoor spaces—from lowering blood pressure and improving concentration to enhancing mood and fostering creativity. Through my work in interiorscaping, I aim to bridge the gap between plant science and interior design, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also support the well-being of the people who use them. My long-term goal is to design and maintain plant-rich environments in commercial, residential, and institutional settings. I want to be a leader in advocating for the use of living plants in spaces like hospitals, office buildings, schools, and airports—places where people often experience stress or fatigue. By collaborating with architects, interior designers, and health professionals, I hope to integrate plant science into mainstream design practices, showing the measurable value plants add to human-centered spaces. To prepare for this, I have sought out diverse experiences within the green industry. I’ve worked in greenhouse production, learned propagation techniques, and studied sustainable growing systems like hydroponics. These opportunities have given me a solid scientific foundation, while also strengthening my skills in problem-solving, logistics, and plant health management. I also worked at tbe BYU greenhouse where I had the opportunity to design plant displays for various interior settings, giving me firsthand experience with the practical application of interiorscaping principles. In every role, I’ve seen how plants have the power to transform spaces and improve lives. My hope is to continue contributing to the scientific research, public awareness, and practical application of interiorscaping and biophilic design, creating environments where both plants and people can thrive together.

Life is inherently hard, and for me, that truth became personal when I was diagnosed with chronic migraines as a teenager. Every day presents a new challenge, never knowing when a migraine might strike, clouding my thoughts, impairing my vision, and leaving me in intense pain. At times, it felt like my dreams and goals were slipping out of reach. However, I’ve learned that adversity doesn't define us; it’s the resilience, grit, and determination we cultivate in response that shapes who we become. Despite the daily obstacles of managing chronic pain, I’ve worked hard to excel both academically and personally. I maintain a 3.95 GPA as a Plant and Landscape Systems major at Brigham Young University, balancing a demanding course load with hands-on internships in the horticulture industry. I've competed at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition and participated in research projects and plant propagation initiatives — all while navigating the unpredictable and exhausting effects of chronic migraines. Through it all, I’ve refused to let this condition dictate my future. One of the ways I’ve found strength amid adversity is by turning outward and lifting others, because I believe that service has the power to heal and empower. Growing up on an alfalfa farm in Maricopa, Arizona, I was taught that communities thrive when people show up for one another. That principle has guided me throughout my life. One of my most meaningful experiences was serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Tempe, Arizona area. For a year and a half, I worked with charitable and nonprofit organizations, assisting with food drives, community clean-ups, and children’s programs. A personal favorite was teaching school groups about paleontology at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Watching kids’ eyes light up as they held a dinosaur fossil in their hands reminded me how small acts can leave a lasting impact. Today, I continue to give back through my local 4-H program, mentoring young members of the Cloverbuds group in skills like gardening, animal care, and photography. It’s fulfilling to watch these children discover new abilities and passions, knowing I can be a positive influence in their lives. I also actively volunteer with my university’s service club. One project that especially resonated with me was “Service Around the World,” where we created plastic mats and quilts for refugees and children in foster care. Even on days when migraines weighed heavily on me, those moments of service brought light and meaning to my life. Looking ahead, I plan to combine my love of horticulture with my passion for service by creating sustainable, plant-filled environments in underserved communities. I believe that access to green spaces and indoor plants can improve mental health, air quality, and overall well-being, something I’ve experienced firsthand during my own health struggles. I dream of starting a business or nonprofit that provides affordable plant installations to hospitals, schools, and community centers, while offering youth workshops on plant care, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living. Adversity has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of small acts of kindness. Though my journey with chronic migraines is ongoing, it’s also been a source of strength, reminding me daily to fight for my dreams, serve others with compassion, and build a life rooted in purpose. I believe success isn’t measured solely by personal achievements, but by how we lift those around us, even when carrying our own unseen battles.

Growing up on a farm in Maricopa, Arizona, I developed an early love for plants and the land around me. My family raised alfalfa, and I spent my childhood surrounded by fields, irrigation systems, and the rhythms of working with nature. This hands-on experience sparked a curiosity about how plants grow, how environments can be nurtured, and how green spaces impact people’s lives. It wasn’t just about farming — it was about understanding the systems that sustain life and finding ways to make them better. This passion led me to pursue a career in the green industry and major in Plant and Landscape Systems at Brigham Young University. As a woman in a STEM field that is often underrepresented, I’m driven not only by my love for horticulture but also by the belief that diverse perspectives are essential to solving today’s environmental challenges. The landscape and horticulture industries hold incredible potential to improve quality of life, from supporting mental health through access to green spaces to promoting sustainability in urban environments. Throughout my coursework and internships, I’ve seen firsthand how green spaces can foster community, offer healing, and support ecological balance. One of the most formative experiences I’ve had so far was my internship at Olsen’s Greenhouse, where I worked in production horticulture, managing tasks like plant propagation, seed production, and fertigation. It was incredibly rewarding to watch plants I had a hand in growing find homes in public spaces and communities. It reinforced my commitment to greenhouse management and inspired me to look for ways to integrate sustainable, restorative landscapes into everyday environments. My ambition is to manage greenhouse and interiorscape operations for public spaces, hospitals, businesses, and urban settings, places where plants can offer comfort, connection, and relief to those who need it most. I hope to lead projects that prioritize sustainable practices, support pollinator habitats, and create inclusive green spaces for diverse communities. By bringing thoughtful, restorative landscapes to more places, I aim to make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives. As a woman pursuing a STEM career, I’m excited to be part of a growing community of innovators working to redefine what leadership looks like in the green industry. I want to advocate for greater inclusion in horticulture and landscape management, showing young women that there’s a place for them in this field and that their ideas and voices matter. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue developing my skills and focus on the meaningful work I hope to accomplish. It would support not just my education, but my commitment to contributing to a greener, more inclusive, and resilient world through STEM. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be considered and look forward to the impact I can make as a woman in this important and evolving field.

Giving back to others has always been an important part of who I am. From a young age, I was taught the value of community, service, and kindness. Growing up on an alfalfa farm in Maricopa, Arizona, I learned firsthand how communities come together to support one another. Those early experiences shaped my desire to make a difference in the lives of those around me, and that desire continues to guide my actions today. Currently, I give back through a variety of volunteer efforts and community involvement. One of the most meaningful experiences in my life was serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For a year and a half, I worked with charitable and nonprofit organizations throughout the Tempe, Arizona area. I had the opportunity to assist with food drives, community clean-ups, and special programs for children and families. One of my favorite projects was teaching school groups about paleontology at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, where I ran an educational cart filled with fossils and dinosaur replicas. It was so rewarding to see children’s eyes light up as they learned about the ancient world. I also currently volunteer through a local 4-H program, where I help young members of the Cloverbuds group learn new skills in areas such as gardening, animal care, and photography. It’s fulfilling to mentor children and see their excitement as they discover their abilities and passions. Additionally, I am involved in service projects through my university's service club. I have volunteered with various projects including, Service around the World, where I helped to make plastic mats and quilts for refugees and kids in the foster care system. Looking ahead, I plan to continue giving back by combining my passion for horticulture with my commitment to community service. As a Plant and Landscape Systems major at Brigham Young University, I’m pursuing a career in the green industry with a focus on interiorscaping, designing and maintaining indoor plant environments. Plants have a unique ability to improve mental health, air quality, and overall well-being, and I want to bring those benefits to public spaces such as hospitals, schools, offices, and community centers. In the future, I hope to start a business or nonprofit organization that provides affordable and sustainable plant installations to underserved communities. Many low-income areas lack access to green spaces, and I believe that incorporating plants into everyday environments can have a powerful, positive impact on people’s lives. I also plan to offer educational workshops and volunteer opportunities for youth, teaching them about plant care, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career and a life centered around service. Whether through my profession, volunteer work, or simple everyday kindness, I want to uplift others and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world. I believe that even small efforts, like sharing a plant, teaching a skill, or offering a listening ear, can create ripples of goodness that extend far beyond what we might ever realize.

Growing up on a farm in Maricopa, Arizona, I developed an early love for plants and the land around me. My family raised alfalfa, and from a young age I was surrounded by fields, irrigation systems, and the practical side of working with nature. This upbringing inspired me to pursue a career in the green industry, where I could combine my appreciation for plants with my desire to create beautiful, healthy environments for others to enjoy. I’m currently a Plant and Landscape Systems major at Brigham Young University, with a special interest in production horticulture and greenhouse management. Throughout my coursework and internships, I’ve seen how impactful the landscape industry can be — not just in the obvious ways, like beautifying spaces, but also in contributing to mental health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Green spaces offer people a place to gather, reflect, and find peace, and I believe the landscape industry plays a vital role in providing those opportunities. One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had so far was my internship at Olsen’s Greenhouse this past spring. I worked directly in greenhouse production, handling tasks like plant propagation, seed production, and tissue culture work. I also assisted with fertigation and chemical applications, learning the importance of precision and timing in managing plant health on a commercial scale. It was rewarding to see plants that I helped produce end up in public spaces, garden centers, and homes where they could bring joy to others. This experience deepened my understanding of the operational side of production horticulture and confirmed my desire to work in greenhouse management as part of my future career. What excites me most about working in this industry is the chance to be part of something that improves people’s quality of life. I’ve already had the opportunity to work on projects involving plant selection, greenhouse production, and outdoor installations through my internships and on-campus greenhouse job. Each experience has strengthened my commitment to becoming a leader in this field. I plan to continue gaining practical skills in greenhouse operations and plant health management while studying sustainable landscape practices that reduce environmental impact and support pollinators and local ecosystems. My long-term goal is to manage greenhouse and interiorscape operations for public spaces, hospitals, businesses, and urban environments — places where green spaces can offer comfort and relief to those who need it most. I want to contribute to the next generation of sustainable, inclusive, and restorative landscapes. The landscape industry is about so much more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that serve communities, protect natural resources, and bring people closer to nature. This scholarship would help me continue my education and allow me to focus on building the skills I need to make a meaningful difference in the landscape industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be considered for a scholarship that honors someone as passionate about this field as Ray W Bausick. His dedication to this industry mirrors the commitment I hope to bring to my own career, and I would be honored to help carry that legacy forward.

Growing up on an alfalfa farm in Maricopa, Arizona, plants have always been an important part of my life. Spending my days surrounded by fields and learning from my family about the care and management of crops sparked my early interest in horticulture. Over time, this interest developed into a genuine passion for plant production and greenhouse management. As I’ve continued my education in horticulture, I’ve become increasingly aware of how essential weed science is within the broader scope of plant production. Proper weed management not only ensures the health of crops but also contributes to sustainable growing practices and efficient use of resources — both of which are important to me as I look toward my future career. While my degree focuses on horticulture as a whole, I have made a point to seek out opportunities that expose me to the production side of the industry. During my internships and coursework, I’ve had the chance to work in greenhouses where weed control, pest management, and plant health practices are a daily priority. These experiences have shown me how critical it is to have a solid understanding of weed science, especially in controlled growing environments where even small infestations can quickly impact plant quality and yield. Managing weeds effectively requires both knowledge and attention to detail, and I’ve seen firsthand how these practices directly affect the success of a growing operation. As I continue my education, I hope to deepen my understanding of plant health management, including integrated weed management strategies. I’m particularly interested in sustainable approaches that minimize chemical use while maintaining high standards for plant quality. Weed science plays a crucial role in this effort, providing growers with the tools and knowledge needed to protect crops while caring for the environment. I’m eager to learn more about how different weed control methods can be adapted for greenhouse production and other plant production systems. Looking ahead, my goal is to build a career in production horticulture, with a focus on greenhouse operations. I hope to manage or contribute to growing facilities that provide high-quality plant material for landscapes, interiorscapes, and public spaces. Being part of an industry that supplies communities with beautiful, healthy plants is important to me, and I know that effective weed management will always be a key part of that process. This scholarship would help me continue my studies, allowing me to build the knowledge and skills I need to contribute meaningfully to the field and to honor the work of leaders like Russell R. Hahn who dedicated their lives to advancing weed science.

Growing up on an alfalfa farm in Maricopa, Arizona, I was raised with a love for plants, open spaces, and the quiet beauty of nature. That upbringing inspired my decision to pursue a degree in Plant and Landscape Systems at Brigham Young University, with the goal of building a career in interiorscaping. I believe that plants and thoughtfully designed landscapes have the power to heal, comfort, and uplift people in ways we often overlook — and I want to dedicate my life to creating those spaces for others. Along this journey, I’ve faced my own challenges. I’ve struggled with anxiety since my teenage years, a weight I often carried quietly. In addition, I deal with chronic migraines that can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. There were days when getting out of bed, focusing in class, or making it through a long work shift felt nearly impossible. But rather than letting those obstacles define me, I’ve learned to manage them with patience, determination, and faith. Despite these health challenges, I’ve worked hard to excel in my internships, classes, and jobs. During my marketing internship, I led the development of a comprehensive campaign, designed a brand logo, and launched a professional website — all while balancing schoolwork and health struggles. In my horticulture internships and on-campus greenhouse job, I’ve propagated thousands of plants, coordinated wholesale logistics, and contributed to large-scale grounds projects. Each role has reaffirmed my passion for working with plants and strengthened my belief in the value of persistence. I’m passionate about horticulture not only because it connects me to my roots, but because I’ve seen firsthand how nature-based careers can bring peace and meaning into people’s lives. I’ve volunteered in community gardens, helped design public spaces, and witnessed the quiet joy that comes from working with the earth. My own experiences with anxiety and chronic illness have made me especially sensitive to the importance of creating environments — both natural and human — that are welcoming, healing, and supportive. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education and my mission to build greener, kinder spaces in the world. I hope to someday manage public interiorscapes and urban gardens where people can find relief, inspiration, and beauty, no matter what challenges they’re facing. It would also ease the financial pressures that come with higher education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and hands-on learning opportunities. Most importantly, it would affirm that my story — one of resilience, growth, and a deep love for nature — has value and a place in this field.