Hadi Ghasemi, originally from Iran, is a passionate graduate student in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida (UF). Hadi grew up in a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the Persian Empire, poetry, and innovations in various fields such as architecture and agriculture. His academic journey in horticulture began in high school, leading him to pursue an M.Sc. in horticultural sciences, focusing on both indoor and outdoor farming. Hadi’s experience as the CEO of a company that provided urban landscape management and agriculture services further enriched his expertise, fueling his passion for advancing agricultural practices. His decision to continue his studies at UF was motivated by the university’s focus on small fruit production, plant physiology, and its collaborations with NASA.
At UF, Hadi is an active member of the International Student Council, where he represents the diverse international student body and helps foster a sense of community across campus. His commitment to leadership and sustainability extends beyond his academic pursuits, as he also serves as a representative of the Environmental Horticulture Department in the Graduate Student Association. With a focus on strawberry production and plant physiology, Hadi’s research explores innovative agricultural solutions, and he is particularly passionate about reducing microplastic pollution in the agricultural sector. As he works towards a future career at NASA or a top university, Hadi aims to combine his knowledge and leadership to make a lasting impact in the field of sustainable agriculture.
Could you tell us a little about your home country and what inspired you to study at the University of Florida?
I come from Iran, a country known for its Persian Empire, poetry, Persian rugs, architecture, saffron, kebabs, and more. Growing up there taught me the values of strong community connections, respect for diversity, and innovation driven by creativity and resourcefulness. As I explored horticultural sciences, I saw the importance of broadening my knowledge and working with diverse backgrounds. UF stood out for its research in small fruit production and physiology, along with its collaborations with NASA. This alignment with my passion for space-related agricultural research motivated me to pursue my studies here, where I can build the foundation for my goal of working at NASA in the future.
What was your academic or professional journey before coming to UF?
I completed my M.Sc. in horticultural sciences, focusing on both indoor and outdoor farming. Alongside my studies, I served as CEO of a small company that provided urban landscape management and agriculture services. My journey in horticulture began in high school, where I developed a strong interest in controlled environment agriculture. These academic and professional experiences have fueled my passion for advancing agricultural practices, and they ultimately led me to pursue further studies at the University of Florida.
What are you studying here at UF, and why did you choose this field?
I am studying horticultural sciences at UF, focusing on strawberry production and plant physiology. I chose this field because of my passion for physiology and controlled environment agriculture, which began in high school. My M.Sc. studies and professional experience have shown me the potential for innovative farming solutions, and UF’s strong research programs and extensive network provide the perfect environment to further my expertise.
How does your current academic work tie into your previous studies or professional experiences?
My current work at UF builds on my previous studies and professional experience in horticultural sciences. My M.Sc. and experience as CEO have provided a solid foundation. Now, I’m focusing on strawberry fruit production and plant physiology to advance sustainable agricultural solutions.
Tell us about your professional background and how it relates to what you’re studying now.
My professional background includes research on photosynthesis in strawberries, alternative growing substrates, and optimizing plant growth through environmental factors. As a founder and director, I led crop production and landscape management, focusing on sustainable practices like controlled environment agriculture. My experience in urban forestry, orchard management, and postharvest quality assessments has provided a solid foundation for my current work at UF, where I investigate light and temperature responses in strawberries and explore the impact of biodegradable mulches on crop yield and soil health.
Have you worked on any impactful projects or collaborations in the past that influenced your decision to come to UF?
Yes, I’ve worked on plant physiology research, including projects on sustainable farming practices such as using different nutrients, phytohormones, and light treatments in various horticultural crops. These experiences sparked my interest in advancing my knowledge in sustainable agriculture, leading me to UF’s strong research programs and collaborative environment.
Are you involved in any volunteer work, clubs, or organizations on campus or in the Gainesville community? How has your involvement enriched your experience at UF?
Yes. Member of the International Student Council and representative of the Environmental Horticulture Department in the Graduate Student Association. My involvement in these organizations has allowed me to connect with a diverse group of students, gain leadership experience, and advocate for my department, enriching my overall experience at UF by fostering a sense of community and engagement.
What are your goals after graduation? Do you plan to stay in the U.S., return to your home country, or work in another part of the world?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the U.S. I’ve applied for my green card and hope to receive it soon. I am passionate about working at NASA or a well-known university, where I can contribute to research and innovations in sustainable agriculture and plant physiology.
How do you envision using your education and experiences at UF to make a positive impact in your field or community?
I envision using my education and experiences at UF to make a positive impact by combining my leadership skills and knowledge. I aim to contribute to advancements in sustainable agriculture while also leading initiatives that promote environmental awareness and innovation in both my field and the community.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience at UF so far?
The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals while embracing the diverse perspectives of a global student body, which has significantly enriched both my academic and personal growth.
Are there any challenges you've faced as an international student, and how did you overcome them?
For international students, challenges are inevitable! I believe all international students are brave and heroic, competing and succeeding in a second language without the immediate support of family. These experiences have made us stronger, and I’ve developed valuable soft skills by overcoming them, which have greatly contributed to my growth.