Alum of the Month: Deb Zelle, Grower, Plantpeddler, Inc.
January 14, 2019Deb Zelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture in May 2012. Deb is from Waverly, Iowa.
Deb’s job responsibilities are helping with the daily operations. She helps manage the Biological Control Program, manage Water and Fertility for one of their facilities, and assist with Plant Growth Regulation (PGR), Fungicide, and Pesticide applications.
We asked Deb what she likes most about her position. I like seeing which direction the industry is heading, in terms of new plant genetics and new tools for insect and disease control, like chemicals that are more targeted and new natural predators for common pests.
Following is the advice Deb offers to current students: Keep applying for scholarships. Find internships with companies that you think you would like to work in, just to see if it’s really what you want. Don’t be afraid to change your major, I don’t think anyone really knows what they want to do when they leave high school. Get involved on campus, even if it’s just one club or a fraternity/sorority or 12 different activities.