For this issue, I have asked Mark Jakubowycz and Cameron McMullen, who are both horticultural therapy interns with us this fall, to tell you a bit about themselves. They are both finishing the Certificate in Horticultural Therapy at UF and bring a lot of creativity, energy, and community-building strength to our program. Likewise, this is an opportunity for them to put many of the things they’ve learned in their HT training into practice. They are important members of our team, and we are happy to have them in the program!
Leah
I’m Cameron McMullen, one of the horticultural therapy interns at Wilmot this semester! I am a senior majoring in Botany with a concentration in Botanical Research. My minor is in Environmental Science, and I am also participating in the Certificate in Horticultural Therapy program! In case it wasn’t obvious, plants are a fancy and focus of mine, and I am excited to explore the relationships between people and plants in our program. Although I have never worked in a greenhouse before, I am excited to apply my knowledge of plants and my personal interest in psychology to harness the healing aspect of nature and improve the well-being of fellow students and other groups!
I am from Boca Raton, in South Florida, but I grew up cherishing my time outdoors. From camping trips to beach days, nature was ever-present in my childhood. I carried my passion for the environment into adulthood, and I plan to continue working in the field of natural sciences through research in graduate school, followed by a career focused on ecology, plant-people relationships, and conservation! I have always enjoyed the sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling, branches swaying, wind blowing, and waves breaking, and feeling like part of something bigger. Connecting with nature is one of the best ways to take care of yourself, as it provides a safe space to relax and refocus, so I hope to share this love with everyone in the program and beyond!
Cameron McMullen
Horticultural therapy intern
Hello everyone! My name is Mark Jakubowycz and I am an HT intern at the Wilmot greenhouse this fall. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and my family is Peruvian and Ukrainian. About two years ago, I decided to turn my passion for plants into a career in horticulture. I quickly dove into different plant-related jobs and experiences: working at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens as a gardener, mounting plant specimens for the archives of UF’s Herbarium, growing food and doing farm work at UF’s Teaching Garden, and now finishing the Certificate in Horticultural Therapy.
Throughout my time working in these green spaces, I have witnessed how a connection with nature really does benefit humans. Whether that means physically exercising the body or giving your mind a break, I hope that everyone can find some sort of solace through plants to the same extent that I have. Once I graduate at the end of this semester, I plan on moving out of state and working at another garden where I can keep growing as an individual, either in something practical like landscaping or continuing my journey in horticultural therapy.
Mark Jakubowycz
Horticultural therapy intern