People of the Conservatory

Alex Eilts, Director

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)

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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.

Ava Gregorich, Conservatory Assistant (they/them)

Ava is an undergraduate student in CBS majoring in Biology. They love Philodendrons due to their broad variations of leaf shapes, colors, and textures. Their favorite plant is a toss-up between a Philodendron mexicanum and the Philodendron Glorious hybrid. Some of their favorite things to do are take care of their personal plant collection, travel to the Northernmost part of Minnesota, obsess over birds, make arts & crafts, and spend time with their super awesome pet guinea pig Kenneth.

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!

Nadia Hudda, Conservatory Assistant (she/her)

Nadia is an undergraduate student studying Neuroscience and Ecology, Evolution & Behavior in CBS. She is passionate about conservation and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking. Her favorite plants are tropical species because of their fragrant blooms and vivid colors, which make for great photography. As a conservatory assistant, Nadia works hands-on with plant species from around the world and hopes to travel to these places someday. In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods and drinks, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.

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.

Autymn Norman, Conservatory Assistant (she/her)

Autymn is an undergraduate student studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, with a minor in Environmental Science and Forestry. She has a strong love for Ginkgo trees and even has a tattoo of a ginkgo leaf on her arm! Autymn and her roommates have turned their house into their own little jungle with an abundance of house plants from Monsteras to Begonias. She loves hiking, attending concerts, painting, and learning more about the flora and fauna of Minnesota.

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.

Valentine Sattin, Conservatory Assistant (he/him)

Valentine is an undergraduate student in CFANS studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. He particularly enjoys researching plants, insects, and reptiles and loves sharing interesting facts he learns with others. Valentine hopes to learn more about how to protect imperiled organisms and ecosystems and how to make nature and science more accessible to everyone. In his free time, Valentine has fun growing carnivorous plants, playing the mandocello, hiking, and making art.

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.