Mengzi Zhang / PhD Student
Mengzi is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Environmental Horticulture Department while working full-time as a biological scientist at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. She earned her M.S. degree in Horticulture Science from Michigan State University (MSU), specializing in the production of high-value specialty crops in controlled environments using horticultural lighting (LEDs). At MSU, she researched how environmental factors, particularly light quality and duration, affect the growth and development of annual bedding plants, potted flowering plants, and the taste and appearance of leafy greens like lettuce. She met her previous advisor, Dr. Brian Pearson, at MSU when he was an invited speaker for the graduate student organization.
After completing her M.S. at MSU, Mengzi moved to Florida in 2018 to work as a biological scientist for Dr. Brian Pearson. During this time, she developed a strong interest in medicinal plants, leading her to pursue a doctoral degree in 2020. She is researching kratom, a medicinal tree native to Southeast Asia traditionally used for pain management and mood enhancement. Her primary research focuses on kratom plant physiology and alkaloid synthesis. Additionally, she has participated in various side projects, working with other medicinal and beverage crops such as hemp, hops, and kava. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and is an avid fan of succulent plants. She expects to graduate in 2025.
Adviser: Dr. Jianjun Chen
zhangmengzi@ufl.edu
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EDUCATION
- 2020-present: Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture Science, University of Florida
- 2016-2018: Master of Science in Horticulture Science, Michigan State University
- 2012-2016: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Beijing Forestry University
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RECENT SERVICES AND HONORS
SERVICE
- American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Outstanding Graduate Horticulture Student (2024)
- Certificate of Outstanding Merit - University of Florida / College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (2021)
- High Impact Research Publication - University of Florida / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (2021)
- American Society for Horticultural Science Travel Grant (2024, 2022, 2021, 2017)
- Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club Scholarship (2024, 2023, 2022)
- Orlando Garden Club Scholarship (2024, 2023, 2022)
- Davidson Graduate Student Travel Scholarship (2024)
- UF/IFAS CALS Graduate Student Travel Grant (2024)
- Jasper Joiner Graduate Student Travel Scholarship (2021)
- Environmental Horticulture Graduate Student Association Travel Grant (2022, 2021)
- American Floral Endowment (AFE) Young Professionals Council Committee Member 2016-present
- UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project: 2019 MERC Hemp Workshop Volunteering Tour Guide, University of Florida, Aug. 2019
- American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Education Planning Committee Member 2018-2019
- 50th Anniversary for Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Volunteering Tour Guide, University of Florida, Jul. 2018
- Co-president of Michigan State University Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS) 2017-2018
- Michigan State University Horticulture Department Newsletter “Hort Report” Committee Member, 2016-2018
- Grass Sale Chair of Michigan State University Horticulture of Graduate Students (HOGS) 2016-2017
- Presenter & Volunteer at Science Festival at Michigan State University Apr. 2018
- Presenter & Volunteer at “Fascination of Plant Day” at Michigan State University Jun. 2017
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RESEARCH
My current research, in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy, focuses on the plant physiology and alkaloid synthesis of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), an emerging medicinal crop from Southeast Asia. I study how environmental factors in controlled environments—such as temperature, light (photoperiod, quantity, and quality), fertility, irrigation, and postharvest processing—affect kratom propagation, growth, and alkaloid synthesis. The goal is to enhance beneficial alkaloid content by optimizing these conditions.
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TEACHING
- Co-instructor for "Cultivation, Extraction, and Application of Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Compounds" (HOS6932), 2022, University of Florida
- Teaching Assistant for Greenhouse-101, 2019, University of Florida
- Teaching Assistant for Greenhouse and Nursery Crop Culture (ORH4264), 2018, University of Florida
- Teaching Assistant for Landscape Plant Establishment (ORH4848/HOS6932), 2018, University of Florida
- Teaching Assistant for Exploring Wines and Vines (HRT430), 2018, Michigan State University
- PUBLICATIONS