Interview Job Portfolio - RBG Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections

Alyson Prokop

Portfolio.

Application packet prepared for the position of: Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections Royal Botanical Gardens.

Presented to: Alex Henderson, RBG Curator of Living Collections.

Rosa O’Neil, RBG Human Resources Advisor.

2024

Iris versicolor

CONTENTS About Me

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Cover Letter & Resume

008

Education

010

Work Experience

011

Farm & Garden

011

Public Speaking

012

Community

013

Research Experience

014

Plant Breeding & Cultivar Trials

014

Plant Pathology

015

30-60-90 Day Plan

016

Suitability Map

017

Recognition

022

References

028

Images & Illustrations

026

hello.

ALYSON PROKOP Professional Summary: Results-driven garden and program manager with effective leadership, planning, and time management skills. Expert in project coordination, documentation, and education. Committed to diverse team support for sustainable outcomes. Eager to pivot to public garden curation and management by bringing a unique skill set to succeed in the position of Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections at Royal Botanical Gardens,

cultivating diversity one plant at a time "I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections between people and plants, leveraging my background as an educator, horticulturist, and market gardener. I emphasize the importance of biodiversity and view challenges as opportunities for progress, promoting sustainable practices in both the garden and on the farm. My approach integrates community engagement, program management, and botanical stewardship into a harmonious symphony, guided by values of continuous learning, collaborative leadership, and sustainability. With expertise in promoting garden and farm sustainability, I aspire to contribute to plant conservation projects in a managerial or curatorial role at a botanical garden.

My goal is to deepen people's connection with the plant world, inspiring a profound appreciation for botanical gardens and plants."

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ALYSON PROKOP Dear Alex,

alyson.prokop@gmail.com

January 7, 2024

@pbiogal

Alex Henderson Curator of Living Collections Royal Botanical Gardens 680 Plains Road West Burlington ON L7H 4T4

With nearly a decade of service at RBG, I bring a rich background in horticulture, education, research and project management with a commitment of connecting people to plants. Notable skills and experiences I would contribute to the Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections position include: Collections Management: Currently leading the transition of a 1000+ cultural artifact collection to digital, showcasing organizational and collaborative skills while working within a tight three-month deadline. I am proficient in CollectiveAccess (museum archival software) and various data management tools, including Excel, and learn new systems easily; skills essential in maintaining museum and living collections.

Research and Teaching: As a university researcher, I designed and managed research trials and conducted cultivar assessments for ornamentals and food crops. Demonstrating my abilities in critical problem-solving, I simultaneously oversaw remote teams in two provinces. As a botanist (BSc) I have a strong understanding of botanical terminology and nomenclature; as a garden educator, I deliver engaging science-based workshops effectively communicating with diverse audiences on a daily basis, and am confident in working with the North American Iris community and its industry experts.

Project Management: I have successfully managed diverse projects such as building community gardens, organizing community events (flower shows, garden conferences, etc.), and managing a 20+ site "victory gardens". I use project management methodologies to create detailed workplans outlining well-defined project goals and objectives, time and team management tools, visuals, and benchmarks, to ensure the success of the team and the project.

As a skilled professional in the plant sciences, I am confident I will prove to be an asset to the Horticulture Department and the Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections position. I am excited about contributing to the support, maintenance, and preservation of the RBG Iris Collection, and respectfully submit my application for your review. Thank you for your time and I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to this project.

Best Regards,

Alyson Prokop

ALYSON PROKOP Botanist | Horticulturalist Educator | Artist

WORK Children’s International Learning Centre • 2023-2024 Interim Program Manager Royal Botanical Gardens • 2023 Horticultural Societies Liasion Royal Botanical Gardens • 2022-2023 Public Programs Coordinator

CONTACT Hamilton, Ontario. +1 (905) 517-2746 alyson.prokop@gmail.com LinkedIn: Alyson Prokop

EXPERIENCES Halton Food • 2018-2021 Education and Community Garden Coordinator Hamilton Victory Gardens • 2017-2018 Operations Manager

Community Gardening 30%

Research 20%

Royal Botanical Gardens • 2021-2023 Teaching Garden and Children and Youth Gardening Coordinator

Horticulture 15%

Market Gardening: Flowers and Herbs 25%

SKILLS

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Plant Sciences: Botany, Horticulture, Market Gardening Science Communication Public Speaking Project Management Team and Relationship Building

INTERESTS Botanical Illustration Linocut printmaking Beekeeping Rowing Herding sheep and cats Graphic Design

ALYSON PROKOP Botanist | Horticulturalist Educator | Artist

CONTACT Hamilton, Ontario. +1 (905) 517-2746 alyson.prokop@gmail.com LinkedIn: Alyson Prokop

EDUCATION Bachelor’s of Science UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH 2002-2006

Graduate Studies, MSc UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH 2006-2008

Diploma, Floral Design CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF FLORAL DESIGN 2008

Diploma, Outdoor Education ALGONQUIN COLLEGE 2010-2011

Leading and Managing Educational Organizations; Curriculum Development and Pedagogy.

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY 2014

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Saffron (Crocus sativus)

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WORK EXPERIENCES

FARM & GARDEN Market Gardening Drawing on my 10 years owning and managing a market garden, “Hollyfrost Farm”, I bring a diverse skill set of responsibilities in practical farming which has equipped me with a strong foundation in crop cultivation, soil management, and sustainable agricultural practices. “Hollyfrost Farm” was a 2-acre “Certified Naturally Grown” market garden focusing on cut flowers and herbs.

RBG Teaching Garden | Community Gardening Significant achievements in community gardening encompass the restoration of a teaching garden at Royal Botanical Gardens, a teaching and food bank garden in Burlington, and two new community gardens in Hamilton.

Success in these ventures relied on my ability to craft detailed plans, collaborating seamlessly with volunteers, and communicating effectively with community stakeholders.

This required a combination of practical horticultural knowledge and adept project management skills, refining my expertise and showcasing my ability to handle both small and large intricate projects. The expansion of RBG's children's gardening clubs into adult programs underscores my strategic planning and leadership skills.

From Hamilton Victory Gardens to RBG, I've managed 27 community gardens, built two teaching gardens, one fully accessible hospital food garden, facilitated and taught thousands of students, and coordinated the delivery of over 25,000 lbs of produce to local food banks and hot meal programs. While overseeing these projects, the continued commitment of dedicated volunteers and students has been integral to their success.

.gnikaeps cilbup

lecturer Mohawk College (2023). Perennials in the Garden.

Algonquin College (2010). Wild Edibles; Plant ID

conference presenter Halton Gardening Week (online) Growing Your Indoor Edible Garden (2022) Halton Master Garden-ing Trivia with Halton Food (2021) Children and Youth National Gardening Conference: Community Gardens as Sites of Learning for Friendship, Food Security and Fun Austin, Texas (2015) South Carolina (2016)

guest speaker The Backyard Apothecary; Mississauga Public Libraries (2023).

Hamilton Garden Club (2022).

Halton Garden Week (2021).

Algonquin College (2020).

workshops | training Seed Starting for Beginners (Seedy Saturday Mississauga, 2024) Designing with Natives in the Edible Landscape (Conservation Halton, 2024) Grow Your Own Food: Adult Garden Series (RBG, 2022-2023) The Urban Beekeeper (Hamilton Garden Club: Gage Park, 2022)

. y ti n u m m o c

event and project management 9th Biannual Patrick Colgan Memorial Lecture (RBG, 2023).

Book Launch: Women in Botany in 19th Century Canada (RBG and Queen’s University Press, 2023).

2021 Halton Garden Week (online conference) Oakville Seedy Sunday (2020, 2021)

clubs & associations Ontario Printmakers Association National Association of Interpretation Ottawa Street Farmers Market, Secretary (20222023) Leander Rowing Club, Hamilton (2021-2024)

fun stuff Linoprint and botanical illustrator Beekeeper Shepherdess Rowing

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SLAIRT RAVITLUC & GNIDEERB TNALP

As a research associate with the University of Guelph I was exposed to a diverse array of experiences in plant research and horticultural management. Assisting several PhD candidates allowed me to contribute significantly to projects conducted in growth chambers, managing greenhouse facilities and being involvement in plant breeding trials which extended beyond controlled environments to the field. This multifaceted experience equipped me with a comprehensive skill set, from technical proficiency in database management to hands-on fieldwork.

2003

Corn UG | Ontario Potato Board

Potatoes

UG | Vineland

2004

Apples

Tomatoes Cucumbers Strawberries Echinacea

2005

Asparagus ‘Guelph Millennium’ 2006

Geraniums

2008 016

Fireweed (2003 - 2006) (Chamerion angustifolium)

AAFC Morden Research and Development Station

Roses Beans

PLANT PATHOLOGY RESEARCH TRIALS Primary Researcher

As a primary researcher conducting plant pathology trials, I led and executed comprehensive initiatives aimed at understanding and mitigating plant diseases. My role involved designing and implementing trials, collecting and analyzing data, developing disease maps, planting, harvesting and maintenance plans, training summer students in two provinces (before videoconferencing was a thing) and contributed valuable insights to the field of plant pathology.

Coffee Mosaic Virus: An Emerging Global Threat to Our Morning Caffeine Kick BSc - Horticulture thesis: University of Guelph | Earth University, Costa Rica (2005).

The role of dark septate endophytes for control of F. oxysporum f.sp on Asparagus officinalis ‘Guelph Millennium’ BSc - Botany thesis: University of Guelph, Canada (2006).

The biological and cultural control methods of Anthracnose race 73 on dry edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) MSc - Plant Pathology thesis: University of Guelph | AAFC Morden Research Station, Canada (2008)

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30-60-90 Day Plan 30 Days 60 Days

90 Days

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Onboarding and Goal Setting Days 1 - 30: Leadership Observation and Communication Analysis Shadowing and Observation: One-on-One Meetings Cross-Referencing Skills Collaboration Preferences and Schedule Setting Team Dynamics Analysis Communication Preferences Organizational Skills Evaluation Preference Documentation

Project Immersion Days 31 - 60: Strategic Planning and Initial Contributions Progress from proficiency to mastery with tools, software and communication expectations Meet key stakeholders, industry representatives, establish focus groups, observations and site visits Work with leadership to build roadmaps Collaborate with other institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing Project SWOT Analysis Long-Term Vision Discussion Stakeholder Collaboration Proposal for Continuous Improvement

Project Leadership Days 61 - 90: Implementation and Future Planning Implement Improvements from SWOT Focus on being the project leader Documentation and Reporting Implement a robust documentation system for the benchmarking process, ensuring transparency and knowledge transfer.

Generate comprehensive reports on the progress, challenges, and outcomes of the Iris Collection project.

Future Project Proposal: Brief new opportunities and investigate how to implement these plans Align the proposal with RBG's long-term goals and seek approval for its integration into the organizational roadmap.

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SUITABILITY MAP: CURATORIAL ASSISTANT, LIVING COLLECTIONS

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Skills and Qualification for RBG Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections

Transferrable Skills from Experience

Horticultural and Botanical Expertise

A Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field lays the Studied at the University of Guelph – foundation for undergraduate and graduate studies in expertise in plant horticulture and botany. Over 5 years of biology and experience in managing plant collections; inhorticultural practices. depth knowledge of various plant species and their specific care requirements.

Familiarity with Experience landscaping, nurseries and temperate-zone owning / operating a flower and herb farm herbaceous and provides practical horticultural practices. woody plants and glasshouse plants.

Program Coordination and Management

Assisting curators and managers in developing and curating living collections requires effective program coordination and management skills.

Applicable Experience

Experience planning, booking and facilitating school, gardening and public programs at RBG, CILC, Halton Food and HVG. Excel in program develop and its coordination.

Extensive experience coordinating community gardens (paid/unpaid), food gardens and working with local food centres and community stakeholders.

Skills and Qualification for RBG Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections

Community Engagement and Education

Transferrable Skills from Experience

Applicable Experience

My roles as the RBG Public Programs Coordinator, positions at Halton Food and The job description Hamilton Victory Gardens involved active emphasizes promoting community engagement and educating the collections through public public about plants. My commitment to offerings, student promoting plant science, food sovereignty, offerings, and and food security aligns with the values of coordination with Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. education and visitors' My experience in running a flower and herb services staff. Values farm also involved educating customers and related to Inclusion, engaging with the local community through Diversity, Equity, and farmers' markets.

Accessibility are essential for fostering an inclusive Co-hosted and planned a multicultural day w organizational culture. a local faith group to educate their parish and to open doors to the community.

The job description mentions data entry into collection management Data Entry and software, as well as Documentation documentation and inventorying of living collections.

In both farm and community garden work I have managed comprehensive records and reports, showcasing your proficiency in data entry and documentation; coordinating volunteers and staff requires meticulous record-keeping, which is transferable to documenting plant collections.

CILC on-boarded volunteers to catalogue a 1034 cultural artifact collection from penpaper to digital open-source web-based curation. Includes photography, ID, labelling, documenting, transcribing and uploading data. Created workplans with milestones for continued project execution.

The position involves Diverse research roles at UG and garden research on multiple plant planning demonstrate my ability to conduct groups, including research trials, gather data, and analyze Research Skills monitoring, assessment, findings. My experience in running a flower and archival research. and herb farm included research into optimal Excellent research skills cultivation techniques and plant varieties. are necessary.

Skills and Qualification for RBG Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections

Transferrable Skills from Experience

Applicable Experience

As Program Manager / Community Garden Excellent communication Coordinator / RBG Interpreter I developed abilities, including and delivered educational programs to speaking, writing, and youth, school-aged children, adult, special Communication presentation skills, are needs, alternative streams, ESL, seniors, and required for preparing etc., prepared reports, and engaged in public Presentation publications, web content, speaking. Presentation and communication Skills and presenting skills are evident in my ability to educate and information about living engage with diverse audiences including collections. researchers, Hort Societies, industry leaders and the public.

The job description mentions a requirement for excellent computer Computer Skills skills, including familiarity with o365, and with database software.

Experience with various software tools and platforms, such as Adobe CC, Canva, and MS Office, CollectiveAccess, Farmbrite, Tessitura, Ungerboeck, demonstrates proficiency in using technology for data tracking, graphic design, reporting, and communication.

The job description Plant Mapping highlights the need for and mapping the living Documentation collections and in-depth documentation of plant groups.

Developed farm and garden plantings required for well thought out and documented planting plans to ensure spacing, intercropping, placement of cultivars for crop rotations are accurate to ensure decreases in disease/pest incidence, allowing for gathering harvest data efficiently.

Public Engagement and Outreach

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Demonstrated experience in promoting and engaging with the public providing plant The role involves science and horticultural garden tours at promoting living RBG. Adept at report writing, interpretive collections through garden signage (Veggie Village School presentations, reports and Garden and winter exhibits 2012-2017) with tours to support RBG’s extensive experience doing outreach at key business priorities. various garden trade shows and local community functions.

Skills and Qualification for RBG Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections

Transferrable Skills from Experience

The job description Propagation mentions assisting in and Sourcing of plant sourcing, ordering, Plants and delivery scheduling.

Applicable Experience

Managed UG Alexrod GH to ensure student material / experiments were viable (including growth rooms); installed double-poly hoop houses and shade house for market garden / farm propagation including sourcing and ordering plants for sale and cultivation; led plant propagation workshops at RBG for the public, youth gardening programs and HORT SCHSM - Hort (HWDSB, Peel, Halton, Wellington Region).

University and past experiences involved The job description Archival archival research, journal searches and includes archival research Research and documentation of plant-related information as part of collections Documentation for experimental success and thesis; garden evaluation projects. management of perennials and annuals.

Pest and Disease Monitoring

The role involves monitoring living collections for pests and diseases.

Undergraduate / graduate thesis focused on plant pathology; coordinating community gardens and running a market garden combines formal training as a plant pathologist required to monitor for pests and diseases with practical field experience to identifying and address plant health.

A commitment to biodiversity preservation evident by actively choosing heirloom The role involves an cultivars when planting in market and understanding of Plant community gardens, emphasizing the Heritages Threatened importance of preserving genetic diversity in Plants Project to assess Plant plant species. In educational programs: and assign categories or Conservation reinforces the significance of plant rarity and threat for the and Biodiversity conservation efforts and incorporating native purposes of collection plants into the edible landscape, reducing management planning, the impact of invasive species, promoting risk mitigation and master seed-saving practices to preserve unique planning activities. and rare varieties, and demonstrating a holistic commitment to biodiversity.

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Skills and Qualification for RBG Curatorial Assistant, Living Collections

Transferrable Skills from Experience

Applicable Experience

Actively contributed to plant breeding trials Demonstrated knowledge of and during undergraduate / graduate studies: involved working with diverse plant materials, experience in plant nomenclature with the ability to cultivar identification, staying up-to-date on proper names, trade names and public cv. verify plant names.

This requires a deep understanding of plant nomenclature to ensure accurate data collection and management. This also involved consulting international plant registers and utilizing specialist online resources to cross-reference and verify the identity of plant varieties.

Familiarity with international plant registers and recommended specialist online resources.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Managing gh stock, market gardening, teaching gardens: responsible for ensuring that material was accurately identified (especially when labels disappear) and demonstrates my ability to verify and maintain correct plant names and effective record keeping.

As a research assistant in botanical studies and plant-related projects, I was responsible Demonstrated experience and for discussing experimental detail to industry ability with referencing plant and university leaders, handling plant data, nomenclature with reference to providing crop tours and open-houses. Data the American Iris Society Online accuracy was paramount in breeding trials to Iris Register to ensure ensure that plant names and information were benchmarking data is accurate meticulously referenced and verified. I have and correct. carried forward these practices in my career to market and community gardening.

Demonstrated previous experience of assessing botanical garden living collections with reference to cultivar evaluation.

Plant breeding: systematic approach to assess the health, vitality, and aesthetic qualities of cultivars within the trial. Eye for detail to observe and record overall performance. Collaborated with the lead researcher or thesis advisor to analyze the data for future experimental design.

NOITINGOCER

“[Alyson] is an incredibly talented woman who takes initative, is patient and a great leader. RBG is lucky to have her.“ Len Collins, RBG Board of Directors (2023 -2024); RBG Volunteer.

“Working with Aly in the Teaching Garden was a real pleasure. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Not only is she full of exciting and innovative ideas, she also has the passion to see them through. Aly excels at team-building; her respect for her volunteer team was deeply appreciated.

Her planning and time management ensured her volunteers felt our time was valued. She communicated expectations clearly and was able to pivot quickly if something wasn't working out. Her organizational skills in the hectic environment of a productive food garden are impressive and a sign of her deep love of all things gardening.”

J.S. Veter, RBG Volunteer Garden - Food Gardens

“[Alyson] always greets our staff and volunteers with a smile and takes initiative and I have been very impressed with [her] work.”

Isabella Marchese, CILC Board of Directors (2023); RBG Volunteer (assisted with King’s Coronation activity in the Green Thumb Club).

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“My daughter isn’t interested in anything except gardening with Miss Aly. We are so fortunate to have found this program at RBG.” - Leanne Stephenson, RBG Kinder-gardening parent (2021-2023).

“[Alyson] is a walking encyclopedia of plant knowledge and makes learning about gardening easy and fun! Her courses are always very informative. My god [she] knows a lot” - Jill MacDonald, Marketing and Sales, RBG (2023).

“As a florist I can always count on Hollyfrost Farm to have on-trend stock, and I am always amazed at how she is able to find something new and unique that my customers love! Love Love Love her!”

- Thuja Florist, Hamilton (2019).

“Aly is an incredibly creative and thoughtful tea maker, artist, farmer, community advocate and one-woman business runner.

The teas I receive from "Geek and Tea" are of the highest quality, smell AMAZING and beautifully packaged with her original art. I would give this business 10 stars if I could.

Aly truly deserves them. I hope this business continues to live long and prosper. ”

🖖🏻

- Michelle Buckley (2022) ✯✯✯✯✯ Google Review 027

Professional References Jim Mack Senior Director, Horticulture Royal Botanical Gardens jmack@rbg.ca (905) 527-1158 x541 Supervising Manager: Horticultural Societies Liaison (2023) Barbara McKean Senior Director, Education Royal Botanical Gardens bmckean@rbg.ca (905) 527-1158 x247 Manager: Interpretation (20122015) Manager: Children and Youth Gardening / Teaching Garden (2013 - 2021) Mentor (2015 - present)

Rodger Tschanz Greenhouse Technician, and Sessional Lecturer University of Guelph rtschanz@uoguelph.ca (519) 824-4120 x52788 Coworker (2006 - 2008) Horticulture Club Staff Advisor (2003-2006)

Jennifer Dick Manager of Interpretative Programs Royal Botanical Gardens jdick@rbg.ca (905) 527-1158 x246 Supervising Manager: Interpretation and Exhibits (2015 - 2017)

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Images and Illustrations Iris versicolor

Front cover, p4, back cover (2023).

Iris sp.

p7 (unknown, 2023).

Freesia refracta

p4 (2024).

Crocus sativus

p5 (2023); p12 (saffron, Hollyfrost Farm, 2021); p29 (2023).

Gladiolus x ‘Fairytale Pink’

p5 (RBG Teaching Garden, 2023).

Rosa rugosa ‘Thérèse Bugnet’

p16 (RBG Hendrie Park c/o rbgcurator, 2023).

Malus sp.

p16 (unknown, 2022).

Digital illustrations were sketched using Procreate 2023 and post-processed in Adobe Illustrator.

The Ghost Train

p24 (2024). Reference from Chapman Iris, C. Chapman (2024).

The Iris Vase

p31 (2024). Image 2 in the Angry Cat Chronicles, Geek+Tea.

Linoprint art is handprinted using Caligo Safewash inks on Awagami Hosho mulberry (Morus alba) paper. Postprocessed in Adobe PS.

Iris ‘Dracula’s Kiss’

p8 (2023). Two plate “cookie cutter” linoprint in orange and black-purple (B50+P10).

Photographs

Hamilton Victory Gardens: L: Volunteers at the Barton St garden; m:school planting at Stoney Creek; R: summer students.

p13 (Hamilton Victory Gardens, 2017).

Endless Phaseolus vulgaris

p17 (AAFC Morden Research and Development Station, Morden, MB, 2007).

Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’

p27 (Hollyfrost Farm, 2022).

Zinnea ‘Benary’s Deep Red’

p27 (Hollyfrost Farm, 2022).

Watercolour illustrations were painted on Arches cold pressed 360 gsm watercolour paper and post-processed using Adobe PS and Illustrator.

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Thank You!

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Botanist | Horticulturalist | Educator Illustrator | Linoprint Artist

ALYSON PROKOP

(905) 517 - 2746

alyson.prokop@gmail.com

OILOFTROP 2024