By Salma Jamalian

The Environmental Horticulture Certification Program continues to thrive in 2025, offering students hands-on experience in greenhouse management, landscape design, and plant propagation. With six greenhouses and a diverse living library of plants, students engage in real-world learning and nursery operations.

During the semester, students are actively involved in growing annuals and perennials for the Spring Plant Sale. Also, learning about Urban Farming Management, green industry equipment, and greenhouse management. This program’s plant sales are in the winter and spring, hosted by Pickens Greenhouses. The operational Instructor, Donna Nading, allows students to apply their skills while connecting with the local community.

As Picken’s College looks ahead, the program remains committed to equipping students with the knowledge and certifications needed to succeed in the field. With courses covering everything from soil science to urban farm management, our students graduate ready to cultivate a greener future. Some other key trends in the industry that Pickens would like to incorporate into their program include focusing on sustainability competencies in sustainable horticulture, conservation landscaping, and pollinator-friendly and biodiversity conservation in landscape design.

Meet Salma Jamalian – Pickens NEW Environmental Horticulture Instructor

From a young age, I was captivated by the intricate beauty of plants and the science behind their growth. Growing up in Iran, I was surrounded by nature’s wonders, which inspired her lifelong journey in horticulture. This passion led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture Science at Shiraz University, followed by a master’s degree in Pomology at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. My academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Physiology of Fruiting Plants from Bu-Ali Sina University, where I explored the complex interactions of plant hormones in response to salinity stress in strawberries.

My career began in agricultural research, where I worked on improving hydroponic systems for strawberry cultivation. Over the years, I transitioned into academia, joining Jahrom University as an Assistant Professor. For nearly nine years, I taught undergraduate students about small fruits, ornamental plants, and greenhouse management while researching plant physiology, environmental stress, and hydroponic culture.

In 2013, my pursuit of scientific advancement took me to Germany, where I conducted research at Georg August University in Göttingen. There, I analyzed the impact of salinity on strawberry plants, using advanced techniques to assess phytochemical compounds. This international experience broadened my perspective and strengthened my research skills.

In 2021, I embarked on a new chapter by moving to the United States. My first role as a Greenhouse Manager Assistant at City Floral in Colorado allowed me to apply my expertise in a new

environment. Later, I joined the Denver Zoo as a Horticulture Coordinator, where I contributed to environmental horticulture and landscape management. Now, as an Environmental Horticulture Instructor at Aurora Pickens Technical College, I am dedicated to educating the next generation of horticulturists.

Throughout my career, I have published articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, focusing on plant physiology, stress management, and agricultural innovation. My work has contributed to advancements in sustainable horticulture, particularly in hydroponic and salinity-stress research.

My journey has been one of continuous learning and adaptation, blending scientific research with practical application. Whether in the classroom, greenhouse, or laboratory, my goal remains the same—to enhance plant productivity, sustainability, and education in horticulture. As I look to the future, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural science and inspiring others to appreciate the profound impact of plants on our world.

For more information, visit www.pickenstech.org or call (303) 344-4910.