Are you passionate about sustainable horticulture and looking for a fully funded graduate research opportunity in the USA? Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is now inviting applications for Graduate Research Assistantships in the Nursery Production Lab, led by Dr. Kristopher Criscione. These positions are available starting Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
🌿 Program Overview: Graduate Assistantships in Nursery & Greenhouse Research
Selected graduate students will conduct innovative research in nursery and greenhouse horticulture, with a focus on sustainability, rootzone management, and plant-soil interaction. Students can pursue either an M.S. or Ph.D. degree and will benefit from:
- A 12-month stipend
- Full tuition coverage
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Funding to attend national and international academic or industry conferences
The program is based at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, with possible rotations at Virginia Tech’s main Blacksburg campus.
🔬 Key Research Areas
Students will participate in advanced horticultural research focused on:
- Root morphology, hydraulics, and architecture in container-grown plants
- Effects of irrigation methods, soilless substrates, and fertilizers on root health
- Application of plant growth regulators for root development
- Agrochemical movement and tracking in nursery operations
- Efficient water and fertilizer management through innovative substrate systems
- Mechanization and automation in nursery plant production
- Reducing peat use with eco-friendly alternative substrates
- Stress mitigation strategies for ornamental crops under abiotic stress conditions
🏢 Lab Facilities and Resources
The Criscione Nursery Production Lab provides cutting-edge tools and infrastructure, including:
- Advanced imaging systems for detailed root morphology analysis
- Greenhouse spaces for controlled trials
- Tools for analyzing water runoff and substrate properties
- Outdoor and indoor research environments
- Dedicated office space and research resources for students
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Required Academic Background:
- A Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- For Ph.D. applicants, an M.S. degree is preferred
Preferred Skills and Qualities:
- Strong interest in horticulture and scientific research
- Excellent communication skills and self-motivation
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Experience in statistical analysis, lab work, or field research is a bonus
📩 Application Process
Interested in joining this dynamic horticulture research team?
To apply, email Dr. Kristopher Criscione at kscriscione@vt.edu with the following documents:
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (3–4 paragraphs) explaining your academic background, research interests, and motivation to join the lab
Additional documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing samples, GRE, or TOEFL scores may be requested later.