Andrew T. Gapinski
After earning a bachelors degree in Horticulture with a business concentration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Andrew Gapinski worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Council on International Educational Exchange within their Tropical Biology and Conservation Program in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Upon returning to the States he accepted an internship with The Morton Arboretum, and thereafter was hired full time where in his final position he worked as a Living Collections Horticulturist maintaining the Arboretum’s Plants of China, Japan, Appalachia, and the Eastern U.S. Wetland Collections.
Andrew’s interests in public horticulture are centered on the curation of plant collections and the role of these holdings in supporting species preservation in the wild. His thesis research is focused on the effects the emerald ash borer and other biological invasions have had on plant collections and natural areas at public gardens. The goal of this study is to develop recommendations for public horticulture institutions to better prepare for future exotic insect and disease introductions.
Student Position: Program Identity and Interview Period Leader
Board Position: Tyler Arboretum Board Member
