People of the Conservatory
Alex Eilts, Director
[email protected]
Alex has grown everything. From aquatics to succulents. From trees to mosses. From common weeds to some of the most endangered species on Earth. Alex earned a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology, studying the mechanisms of how invasive plants displace natives. No matter what the plant is, Alex likely enjoys learning about it, growing it, and sharing information about it.
Adam Wegren, Horticulturist (he/him)
[email protected]
With a background in nursery greenhouse management, Adam is responsible for directing the horticultural care of the Conservatory's living collection. Currently in the MPS Horticulture program, he is interested in how horticultural science can be applied to the realm of plant conservation. Adam also has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota, with an emphasis on people-plant interactions.
Johnny Gruen, Conservatory Assistant
Johnny is an undergraduate student in CFANS studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. He’s passionate about plant systematics and learning about the things that shape Earth’s diversity. He loves all plants — particularly tropical epiphytes and weird mycoheterotrophs like Thismia. When he’s not studying plants, you can usually find him hunting for obscure invertebrates to photograph around Minnesota. He also enjoys practicing Kyudo, cooking, making art, and caring for his ever-expanding collection of tropical plants!
Maura Juedes, Conservatory Assistant (she/her)
Maura is an undergraduate student majoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, as well as Sociology, with a minor in Environmental Science. She enjoys taking care of her own plant collection, spending time with her pets, and staying active. She loves all types of tropical plants, particularly philodendrons and anthuriums. She also has an interest in freshwater fish, with her current favorites being brook trout, rainbow darters, and longnose gar.
Kyle Laribee, Conservatory Assistant
Kyle is an undergraduate student studying Plant Science in CFANS. His favorite plants are water lilies and clovers. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing video games, completing crafts with his friends, and antagonizing his roommate. Kyle is particularly interested in learning about the interactions between insects, fungi, and plants.
Kate Lind, Conservatory Assistant (she/her)
Kate is an undergraduate student studying Biology in CBS and minoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in CFANS. She loves learning about fun and unique plant species and is passionate about conservation ecology. When she isn’t taking care of her own plant collection, she can be found reading, planning out camping trips, or hanging out with her dog.
Elena Parlin, Conservatory Assistant (she/her)
Elena is an undergraduate student studying Plant Science with a minor in Landscape Design and Planning. She is interested in conservation and is always plotting her next trip to a national park. She currently has her sights on Grand Teton National Park. Her favorite plant often changes, but right now she would say orchids are her favorite. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, hiking, photography, reading, and snowboarding.
Calista Swensen, Conservatory Assistant (she/her)
Calista is an undergraduate student studying Plant Science with a minor in Music Performance. She is interested in plant biodiversity and enjoys growing vegetables and finding and identifying fungi. Some of her favorite types of plants include hoyas and orchids for their vast diversity in leaf or flower appearance. She also loves art, photography, and spending time with friends outdoors.
John Tuite, Conservatory Assistant (he/him)
John is an undergraduate student studying Ecology, Evolution & Behavior in CBS and Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology in CFANS, plus a minor in Forest Ecosystem Management & Conservation. When he isn’t busy studying (or trying to find a new spot to study at), he will probably be listening to new music (mainly German or British rap), reading books about ecology or climate change, or watching either David Attenborough documentaries or darkly comedic German TV shows. Whenever he’s got the chance to, he loves hiking through forests and prairies, particularly cooler ones in the Midwest.