HOGS

The Horticultural Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS) is the graduate student organization within the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. Coming together with diverse projects, backgrounds, and interests provides a source of enrichment, camaraderie, and academic support not found in the classroom, lab, or field. Monthly meetings facilitate discussion on departmental issues resulting in a unified graduate student voice in decisions. In addition to monthly meetings, HOGS members attend the annual research symposium, annual grass sale, and social events like broomball, camping trips, holiday parties, etc. Visit our facebook page "MSU HOGS" to see recent activities.

View the Horticulture Graduate Students Directory

Schedule of Upcoming Events & Meetings

During spring and fall semesters, HOGS meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at A279 PSSB at 12:45 PM. Upcoming events will be discussed during meetings and shared on the HOGS facebook page.

Photo: HOGS members worked with other plant science students to organize the annual Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium in March, 2017.

HOGS Officers (2023–2024)

Co-presidents: Manjot Sidhu and Laura Hillmann
Secretary: Anna Haber
Webmaster: Henry Gonzalez
Treasurer: Alex Engelsma
Faculty Representative: Daniel Dick
Graduate Programs Committee (GPC) Representative: Lily Christian
Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Representative: Michael Gasdick
Fundraising Chair(s): Alex Engelsma, Henry Gonzalez, Seth Benjamin
Professional Development Chair(s): Mckena Lipham
Social Chair(s): Daniel Dick, JIrapha Jaikham, Henry Gonzalez, Michael Gasdick
Student Horticulture Association (SHA) Representative: Seth Benjamin
Faculty Advisor: Prabhjot Kaur, Emily Gonzalez

Photo: HOGS members engaged in outreach activities to teach about DNA in Grandparents University in June, 2017.

Hall of Presidents

Throughout the years, the Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students has had many great students serve the organization as an elected officer. The following people have held the position of president since 1989. We are thankful to all of these past presidents for their time and commitment to HOGS and for continuing the HOGS legacy. Click here to view a list of former HOGS presidents.

HOGS Travel Grants

To be given twice a year to deserving, active members of HOGS

Apply in December if event is between January 1 and June 30: Application form.

Apply in June if event is between July 1 and December 31:

25% of HOGS total worth (checking, money market, etc.) will be allotted for the travel grants.

Each travel grant will be valued at up to $300, and in extreme cases of need up to $500.

The number of awards given may vary from year to year depending on the total net worth. If more applicants apply than money is available, applicants will be voted on based on financial need and club participation.

Those students working towards a masters degree will be allowed one travel grant. Those students pursuing a PhD will be allowed two grants.

Photo: HOGS members gathered together after work to enjoy delicious korean food in September, 2016.

Financial Supplement for End of Degree

In an effort to ease the financial burden of printing the first copy of your thesis/dissertation, HOGS has agreed to award a degree completion grant to HOGS members. Graduate students completing a master's or doctorate degree in the department of horticulture will be awarded $95.00 or $105.00, respectively. To be eligible for a degree completion grant, you must be a member of HOGS in good standing ($10 annual membership dues paid).

This application applies to all horticulture graduate students who meet any 2 of the 3 following requirements during any part of their term as a graduate student:

Participate in a fundraiser (annual grass sale or other). These duties may include, but are not limited to: ordering plant material, maintenance, advertisements, setup/cleanup, selling plant material, etc.
Attend, participate, and/or advertise monthly meetings and/or social events.
Hold an appointed position in HOGS.

If you feel that you have met these requirements, after your thesis has been accepted by the Graduate School, please fill out the Financial Supplement for Thesis Printing Form and return to the current HOGS president.

HOGS News

Prabhjot Kaur is a Ph.D. student studying genetic mechanisms of plant development in Petunia and Stevia

Published on September 27, 2021
She loves studying and researching at MSU because it provides her access to quality research resources and allows her to work with colleagues with similar and diverse research interests.
Horticulture Graduate Student Earns 3rd Place at National Professional Oral Competition

Published on August 17, 2021
Caleb Spall placed 3rd in the American Society for Horticultural Science Floriculture Graduate Student Oral Presentation Competition
Caleb Spall awarded prestigious industry scholarship

Published on May 18, 2021
Caleb plans to use the scholarship funds to share his research and learn more about the industry at domestic and international conferences.
Songwen Zhang plans to use her Ph.D. degree to continue solving fruit production problems

Published on May 3, 2021
Songwen chose an advanced degree in horticulture because horticulture is a field where researchers can help feed the world with their scientific findings
Master's student receives industry scholarship in cut flower production

Published on April 15, 2021
Caleb Spall received the Dave Dowling Scholarship from the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.