PGF Superintendent
TC Jayalath
TC Jayalath holds a Ph.D. in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) horticultural lighting, with his dissertation focused on optimizing crop production through light manipulation. He also earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Georgia and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in agriculture crop science from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
With a diverse background in CEA and greenhouse production, TC previously managed a greenhouse farm in Sri Lanka, overseeing vegetable production, processing, and storage operations. TC enjoys gardening and playing with his kids whenever he has spare time. For more details, connect with TC on LinkedIn.
PGF Professionals
Mackenzie Robinson
Mackenzie graduated from the University of Georgia in 2022 with a B.S. in Plant Biology. She did undergraduate research in a tree physiology lab and worked for a tree and shrub nursery during her undergraduate years. She most enjoys plant physiology and pathology, especially pertaining to trees and fruits.
Daniel Gershon
Daniel graduated from the University of Georgia in 1992 with a B.S.A. in Horticulture. In 2010, he joined the grounds maintenance team at UGA where he supervised a crew for thirteen years. He enjoys family outings, plant propagation, restoring motorized vehicles and equipment, and giving tours through his gardens.
Ellen Jones
Ellen Jones graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Horticulture. During her time here, she has assisted in the production of plants used for the decoration of the CAES graduation ceremonies alongside Pamela Lewis. Outside of the greenhouse, she has passion for cut flowers and spends her free time growing and arranging flowers.
Pamela Lewis
Pamela brings over 20 years of greenhouse experience to our Plant Growth Facilities team. After graduating with a Master of Science in Floriculture from the University of Georgia, she spent four years working as a research coordinator at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens before taking a job at a wholesale nursery and greenhouse in Savannah, Ga. In 2005, she returned to Athens and began working at the UGA greenhouses where she specializes in horticulture.
Matthew Seader
Matt graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Agriculture (Horticulture). His extensive background in horticulture has focused on ornamental plant production, plant introductions, and plant research. Matt provides technical support and management of research and teaching operations for CAES alongside other members of the PGF team.
Chelsea Martin
Chelsea graduated from the University of North Georgia with a B.S. in Forensic Science in 2014. She discovered her passion for plants in 2019 and has since gained experience in landscaping, farming, and commercial greenhouses. Outside of the greenhouse, she runs a small home nursery and sells her plants online. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her family, cheering for Georgia Bulldog football, and watching women’s basketball.
PGF Student Assistants
Jenna Kramer
Jenna is a second-year Ecology student at UGA. She primarily supports PGF areas managed by Daniel Gershon. Her favorite thing about working at the greenhouses is the variety in her job because every day we do something new!
Emily Leibl
Emily is a second-year Horticulture major and Studio Art minor at UGA. She primarily supports PGF areas managed by Pam Lewis. She loves working with plants and wants to see where life and her degree take her. Her favorite plants (at the moment) are pitcher plants and the sensitive plant. She also enjoys making floral arrangements.
Emily Harkness
Emily is a third-year anthropology major at UGA. She primarily supports PGF areas managed by Ellen Jones, and for her, the best part about working at the greenhouses is helping to maintain the plants. She is a part of the Demosthenian Literary Society, and while she loves all things history and anthropology she also loves taking care of plants and helping to keep the greenhouses clean.
Natalie Pfaffman
Natalie is a third-year student majoring in Environmental Economics and Management, with a certificate in Sustainability. She enjoys collaborating with members of her club, the Sustainable Business Society, to develop service projects and assist Athens businesses. In her free time, she loves traveling on the weekends. Her favorite part of working at the greenhouses is being able to work outside in a peaceful environment.
Markeila Howard
Markeila is a fourth-year double major in Biological Sciences and Entomology at UGA. She primarily supports PGF areas managed by Mackenzie Robinson. For her, the best part about working at the greenhouses is getting to see all the plants. She is also involved in Delight Ministries and Collegiate 4-H. In her free time, she most enjoys traveling and painting.
Skyler Dewitt
Skyler is a fourth year Ecology and German major at UGA. She primarily supports PGF areas managed by Ellen Jones. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and catching butterflies.