The Horticultural Research Institute has announced Nathan Nordstedt as the 2017-18 recipient of the Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in memory of a 5th generation nurseryman in Ohio who sought to advance the industry through sound leadership, volunteer participation, and peer-to-peer networking and education events.

As a Ph.D student at Ohio State University, Nordstedt took sole responsibility to collect and isolate strains of bacteria that can confer drought tolerance to horticulture crops grown in greenhouse systems. He credits his background in the industry for giving him an appreciation for the challenges within horticulture as he seeks to improve floriculture crops.

Nordstedt hasn't yet decided if his future will be in an academic or corporate setting, but until then, he will continue to give back to his community as a volunteer with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. As a scholarship recipient, Nordstedt notes, "The industry support that I have received has played a key role in my ability to pursue an academic career in horticulture. I will forever be grateful for this support, and I look forward to giving back to an industry that has given so much to me."

Nordstedt will be recognized in person by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association at their annual trade show and convention, MGIX, on Sunday, January 14, 2018.