Calabro has an extensive background in the plant sciences; she received her Ph.D. in plant pathology from Oregon State University, working on powdery mildew of sweet cherry. Her M.S. degree, also in plant pathology, was awarded from the University of Minnesota, where her thesis dealt with heart rot of quaking aspen, and her B.S. is in Horticulture from Iowa State University. Calabro also worked at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the Department of Forestry as an outreach specialist for field grown poplars as a renewable resource.
For the past eight years, Jill gained experience in the horticulture industry working on product development and technical services in support of the nursery and greenhouse, turf and aquatic plant management markets for Nufarm Americas by way of Valent USA. Calabro is affiliated with the Crop Science Society, American Phytopathological Society, Aquatic Plant Management Society and Weed Science Society.
“We are thrilled to have Jill join the AmericanHort and Horticultural Research Institute team,” says Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort senior vice president for industry advocacy and research. “Horticulture faces big challenges, but even bigger opportunities, and her knowledge and passion for the industry will be a great asset for us.”
Calabro resides in Annapolis, Maryland, and will work in the AmericanHort Washington, D.C., office.