BioWorks and Next G3n Welcome New Team Members
Logos for BioWorks and Next G3n Greenhouse. | BioWorks and Next G3n
BioWorks and Next G3n Greenhouse have announced the following personnel changes.
Dr. Glen Stevens Joins BioWorks to Advance Biological Pest Control Initiatives
BioWorks has announced that Glen Stevens, Ph.D., has joined the company as a Research and Development Associate. With more than two decades of experience in biological control, soil health, and sustainable agricultural systems, Dr. Stevens joins BioWorks with a proven track record of driving innovation in agricultural research. He will work out of BioWorks’ fully equipped lab and greenhouse space at the University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotech Incubator.
In his new role, Dr. Stevens will play a vital part in advancing BioWorks’ product pipeline by designing and executing efficacy trials targeting a broad range of insect pests and plant pathogens, as well as evaluating the performance of biostimulants. Dr. Stevens’ responsibilities will also include maintaining insect and pathogen colonies, managing inoculum production, and overseeing greenhouse operations to ensure the integrity and efficiency of all research trials.
Dr. Stevens’ extensive background in research and development includes hands-on work with a wide range of plant systems and the management of above- and below-ground insect and nematode pests, as well as beneficial organisms. His versatility across laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments makes him an asset in advancing BioWorks’ approach to grower-focused, sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Stevens has a proven track record of integrating biological control and biostimulant products into pest management and plant health programs. His ability to design and execute multi-phase trials, from lab to field, has led to the development of effective, science-based solutions for real-world grower challenges.
His recent work includes:
- Evaluating biochemical nematicides for phytotoxicity and efficacy against root-feeding nematodes.
- Optimizing microbial formulations for crop residue degradation.
- Testing adjuvants for bacterial disease control in fruit trees and seedling production.
- Assessing botanical fungicides for control of downy mildew, Verticillium wilt, and other pathogens.
- Investigating soil penetration and persistence of Metarhizium brunneum formulations using advanced tools such as scanning electron microscopy.
Dr. Stevens has also collaborated with commercial growers to explore the use of soil amendments for pest suppression and yield enhancement in crops such as hops, wine grapes, and sugar beets. His experience managing complex, multi-site field projects with remote collaborators further strengthens BioWorks’ capacity to deliver impactful, field-tested solutions.
“I’m excited to join BioWorks because of the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and innovation,” says Dr. Stevens. “One of my favorite parts of working in agriculture is connecting directly with growers, understanding their goals, and helping to find sustainable solutions, especially when those conversations happen in the field. BioWorks is the perfect place to continue doing that work at a larger scale.”
Prior to joining BioWorks, Dr. Stevens served as Lab Manager at the University of Idaho, where he led research on soil health and pest dynamics. He has also held faculty positions at Ferrum College and served as a Research Scientist at the Conservation Management Institute. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis, and earned his Ph.D. in Biology from Virginia Tech.
Next G3n Bolsters Engineering Capability with Hire of Industry Veteran Engineer
Steve Elliott, P.E. | Next G3n Greenhouse
Next G3n Greenhouse has hired Steve Elliott, P.E. – formerly of Nexus/Prospiant – to help bolster its engineering capability and expand its footprint in the commercial greenhouse market.
Elliott worked with Nexus/Prospiant for 25 years, eventually heading up their engineering and design department. He is responsible for many of the company’s design innovations that are still in use in the industry today.
Elliott is licensed in 48 states, Washington, DC, and three Canadian provinces. He is also a member of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association‘s codes council.
“Steve is an important addition to our team,” says Next G3n owner Josh Conley. “There is no engineer in the greenhouse space who has his experience or innovative ability. With the emphasis we are placing on the commercial greenhouse market, he will play a vital role in new product development.
“It also gives us the ability to turn around stamped/engineered blueprints very quickly. Like weeks, instead of months. Most companies in the market outsource that portion of their business. Steve will give us the ability to serve customer needs at the very highest of levels.”
Conley, grandson of Conley’s Greenhouse founder, established Next G3n Greenhouse in 2015, completing hundreds of full-scale, high-end projects on the commercial horticulture and cannabis markets, including some of the most advanced greenhouse and system designs in the marketplace.
Besides its own structures, Next G3n also distributes for Rovero Greenhouses from the Netherlands, which boasts some of the newest greenhouse innovations in the U.S. market.
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