News
Dr. Stephanie Burnett Appointed to AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Committee
February 28, 2024
Dr. Stephanie Burnett, Associate Professor at the University of Maine, has been appointed as the newest member of AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Committee.
In her position at the University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture, she teaches Greenhouse Management, Herbaceous Landscape Plants, and Introduction to Horticulture. Her research focuses on greenhouse and field flower production as well as automated irrigation in greenhouses. She has an MS degree in horticulture from Auburn University and a Ph.D. in horticulture from the University of Georgia.
As a member of the Vic & Margaret Ball Committee, Burnett will work together with industry, faculty, AFE Staff, and the Ball Family representative to review student applications for the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and help promote the program to students. She will be helping the future generation of industry leaders to understand first-hand the lasting effects of this great program.
In 1992, Vic and Margaret Ball made a generous donation to AFE to establish this program to give students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on floriculture/horticulture experience through a three-, four-, or six-month paid internship at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery. To date, hundreds of students have completed this program which has allowed them the opportunity and experience to better transition into the industry.
Dr. Burnett was first introduced to the Vic and Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program through her graduate advisors at the University of Georgia, Drs. Paul Thomas and Marc van Iersel who were both strong champions for AFE and education. She serves as a student advisor and has had several students complete the Vic and Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship program.
“I look forward to serving on the selection committee and furthering my involvement in this impactful program. The experiences that the interns receive are invaluable and set them up for success in their careers in the industry,” notes Burnett.
