Orville C. Baldos is an associate researcher in the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. His research interests include screening, evaluation, propagation and production of native and non-invasive ornamental plant materials for landscape and floriculture use as well as edible landscaping.

Maxwell Bendes is an Education and Outreach Specialist with the Pesticides Branch of the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture. He has over a decade of industry experience as a landscaper, horticulturist, and conservationist. Maxwell holds a master’s degree in Tropical Plant and Soil Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has spent his career working to protect the island’s natural resources and to support the communities that live here.

Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng is a Professor and Extension Specialist in CTAHR, UH Manoa, with 22 years of research experience on biology, ecology, and management of turfgrass and landscape pests. His current and recent research projects in Hawaii include: control of coconut rhinoceros beetle, control of Ficus stem and leaf gall wasps, control of lobate lac scale, control of oriental flower beetle, control of hala scale, control of foliar nematode on fern, control of frit fly on golf course, and more.

Mark Dragich is an Extension Agent at UH Manoa in charge of the Pesticide Safety Education Program. He holds a Master’s of Science in Tropical Plant Pathology, is a Certified RUP applicator Cat. 10, and a Cert in International Agricultural Development

Kristen is a graduate research assistant, currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Hawaii Manoa, investigating viral biocontrol solutions for coconut rhinoceros beetle management.

David Golden is an ISA Certified Arborist, Landscape Industry Certified Technician and the treasurer for the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii. He is the plant health care manager for Tree Solutions Hawaii.

Dr. Kaufman teaches landscape architecture and horticulture classes at UH, also heads the Tropical Landscape and Human Interaction Lab, a multidisciplinary lab focused on investigating plants, people and the environment. Additionally, heads the Tropical Green Roof and Living Wall Research Center. He also conducts research on the mitigation of tsunami and storm surge by plants, invasive landscape species, and tropical tree research in Hawaii.

Hannah C. Lutgen is an Extension Agent for Maui County specializing in landscape, floriculture, and ornamental plants. Her research specialties and interests include cut flowers and foliage, horticulture, native plants, integrated pest and disease management, soil health, weed management, and plant nutrient management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and brings a strong horticultural foundation to her work supporting plant health, production, and landscape management in Maui County.

Michael Melzer is a researcher in agricultural biosecurity at the University of Hawaii. His program's foci are on the early detection of pests and pathogens in Hawaii and the Pacific Region, and administers the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Originally from Canada, Michael received his BSc at Trent University and his MS and PhD at the University of Hawaii.

Steve Nimz is a consulting arborist for Tree Solutions Hawaii. Steve specializes in tropical trees, with an emphasis on preservation of mature trees.

Alberto is an Extension Agent in Oahu for ornamentals and landscape with the University of Hawaii CTAHR Cooperative Extension. Alberto's floriculture extension program is focused on lei, expanding opportunities for residents, farmers and landscapers to cultivate local lei flowers.

Mat Rocheleau has built a long career in the outdoor power equipment industry, beginning after his service in the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1981. Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1958 and a 1977 graduate, Mat began working at a lawnmower dealership in Michigan from 1981 to 1986 before joining Pace Inc., a Michigan-based distributor of outdoor power equipment, in 1986. Over the years, he has held roles in service, territory sales, and sales management, including responsibilities for both the West Coast and East Coast markets. For the past 20 years, Mat has worked in sales serving the Hawaii market, bringing decades of industry knowledge, customer service experience, and regional market expertise to his work.

Tylor Schwarze is an ISA certified arborist from Kauai. He has worked dong regular rope access climbing at the Lyon arboretum for the last 7 years. Tylor specializes in large tree removal and working on large trees in general. To date he has removed over 20 Albizia trees of heights exceeding 100 feet. Tylor teaches chainsaw safety and tree work related courses frequently. He is a confident climber who has climbed to and worked at heights of 150 feet.

Navin’s background is in sustainability academic programming at the UH Office of Sustainability. He has experience as a mahiʻai and compost manager and serves as a steward at Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau. Navin is also an ISA Certified Arborist.

Lauren Roth Venu is an ecopreneur, TEDx speaker, and published author with 20+ years of experience in green infrastructure planning and design. She founded 3Rwater in 2019 to accelerate climate adaptation through innovative solutions. Lauren has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 and Top Emerging Designer and has served on numerous boards, committees, and advisory groups advancing water and climate resilience in Hawaii.

Maria is an ISA Certified Arborist and has a background in outdoor education facilitation and volunteer management from wilderness areas to urban spaces building connections between people and our environment.

Lindsey serves as the Horticulture Services supervisor in the Nursery and Landscape Section. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Botany and holds a Master’s of Science in Tropical Plant and Soil Science, is a ISA Certified Arborist, and is a Certified RUP applicator Cat. 3.