From presenting research at international conferences to introducing students to new career possibilities, we’re seeing how AFE funding is helping create valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Through our Gus Poesch Research Fund and Educational Grant Program, we’re supporting opportunities for students to share their work, connect with industry professionals, develop new skills, and explore careers in floriculture. We recently received updates from grant recipients at The Ohio State University and Colorado State University, giving us a closer look at what they’ve accomplished with this support.

Taking Research to National and International Conferences

El Fondo de Investigación Gus Poesch was established in honor of G. H. “Gus” Poesch, an influential educator, businessman, and supporter of research and young people in floriculture. Each year, approximately $40,000 supports research, teaching, graduate student travel, and other floriculture initiatives at The Ohio State University.

We recently heard from two graduate students who used this support to present their research and connect with others in horticulture.

Alexandra Espinoza traveled to Kyoto, Japan, for the 32nd International Horticultural Congress, where she presented her doctoral research on improving phosphorus management in peat-based growing substrates. Her work explores how iron amendments and beneficial bacteria could help ornamental crops use phosphorus more efficiently.

One of the highlights of her experience was receiving the IHC Young Minds Award for Best Oral Presentation in the Ornamental Plant Symposia. Alexandra also attended sessions covering plant nutrition, growing substrates, and sustainable production, bringing new perspectives and ideas back to her research at Ohio State. “This recognition encouraged me to continue developing my research and showed me that our work resonates with a wider audience,” noted Alexandra. 

Ashly Ramos attended the 2026 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, where she gave her first oral presentation at a major professional conference.

“I returned from Dallas with more confidence in presenting my research, new knowledge, and ideas, and wonderful memories with my fellow graduate students and other conference attendees,” reflected Ashly. 

For Ashly, the experience helped build confidence in presenting her research while giving her the chance to meet other students, researchers, and industry professionals. She also supported fellow Ohio State graduate students during their presentations and explored research happening across different areas of horticulture.

We’re glad to see these opportunities helping students build their confidence, share their findings, and make connections that can support them throughout their careers.

Bringing Floriculture to New Audiences at Colorado State University

A través de nuestro Educational Grant Program, we also support projects and programs that introduce students to floriculture and expand educational opportunities across the industry.

One recent example is NatureFit, a program led by Li Kaigang at Colorado State University (CSU), which received an AFE Educational Grant for the 2025–2026 funding cycle.

NatureFit took a different approach to floriculture education by connecting plants with health and well-being. Through hands-on plant care, greenhouse activities, educational workshops, and industry networking opportunities, the program introduced students in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science to the benefits of flowers and plants, along with potential careers in floriculture.

The results show just how far a project like this can reach. More than 200 students participated directly, with another 1,000 individuals reached through plant placements and social media outreach.

Student surveys showed increased knowledge of floriculture career opportunities, greater confidence in caring for plants, and a stronger appreciation for the role of plants in supporting health and well-being.

The project also established greenhouse infrastructure, student leadership positions, and educational programming that will continue to serve CSU students beyond the initial grant period.

Seeing Our Funding at Work

These reports give us a valuable look at what our funding makes possible. From helping graduate students share their research on a larger stage to introducing new audiences to floriculture, each project offers a different way to connect students with our industry and strengthen our pipeline of future floral professionals.

We’re grateful to the educators, researchers, and students who put these opportunities into action and continue finding new ways to share their knowledge and experiences.

Learn more about our Fondo de Investigación Gus Poesch y Educational Grant Program.