Our Team | Plant Growth Facilities | Agricultural Research Division

Director

Greenhouse Director

Amy holds a Master’s Degree in Horticulture from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin– River Falls. She brings over 20 years of experience in research greenhouse management and provides leadership for UNL’s Plant Growth Facilities. Amy also serves on the UNL Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

Managers

Samantha Link

Rsch Mgr II Plant Sci

Samantha earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln and has more than 20 years of experience in the greenhouse industry. In addition to managing the Beadle Greenhouses, she serves as the PGF Wellness Coordinator, supporting team health, safety, and workplace culture. Samantha is a member of the Chancellor’s University Safety Committee (CUSC) and serves on the membership committee of the Association of Education & Research Greenhouse Curators (AERGC). Also, she serves on UNL’s Student Conduct & Community Standards Group.

Jeff Witkowski

Rsch Mgr II Plant Sci

Greenhouse Manager on East Campus. Jeff (BS, Horticulture, UNL) has over 32 years of experience in horticulture, including 10 years with the UNL Plant Growth Facilities Team.

Troy Pabst

Rsch Mgr II Plant Sci

Troy (BS, Horticulture, UNL) has over 30 years of forestry and horticulture experience in both teaching and research capacities. Troy works with both UNL projects as well as private industry to ensure successful outcomes.

Technicians

Kandy Hanthorn

Assistant to Greenhouse Manager

Kandy (BS, Horticulture, UNL) assists with watering and maintenance of plant material. She focuses on planning and preparing plant materials for student classwork. She also assists researchers and students with planning implementation of plant projects.

Cole Weston

Rsch Mgr Plant Sci

Cole is the Greenhouse Manager on East Campus, managing the Plant Pathology & Horticulture Greenhouses. Cole has a Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass and Landscape Management from UNL. When not in the greenhouse, he enjoys going for runs, landscape work, and watching the Royals.

David Orr

Ag Rsch Technician II

David Orr is a Greenhouse Technician at the East Campus Greenhouses. He assists Jeff with greenhouse pesticide applications, soil mix preparation, lighting installation, and preparing greenhouse class materials for teaching lab projects. During his free time he enjoys camping, fishing, and traveling with friends and family.

Brooke Meinecke

Ag Rsch Technician II

Brooke has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Plants & Landscape Systems from UNL. Her work involves supporting day-to-day operations that keep the facility running smoothly, research and teaching. Brooke has been with Plant Growth Facilities for 1 year.