Making Biology Bloom: Susan Reed’s Greenhouse at Texas A&M Biology

By: TAMU Biology

On the 4th floor of BSBE in Texas A&M University’s Department of Biology, Susan Reed quietly ensures that the department’s research and teaching endeavors flourish-literally. As Greenhouse and Nursery Operations Manager, Reed is the backbone of the department’s plant-based research and a vital contributor to the smooth running of its scientific infrastructure.

The departmental greenhouse is home to plant species used for experiments, class demonstrations, and long-term faculty research projects. Behind the scenes, Reed manages this complex and dynamic environment with precision and care. Her responsibilities range from maintaining growth chambers and nutrient systems to troubleshooting reverse osmosis water systems and managing inventory for a wide variety of plant materials.

What sets Reed apart is her deep institutional knowledge and collaborative approach. She works closely with faculty, graduate students, and research staff to ensure that every plant, from experimental crops to model organisms, receives exactly what it needs. Her attention to detail directly supports critical research in areas such as plant physiology, genetics, and evolutionary biology.

Colleagues frequently note that Reed’s expertise makes their work possible. Whether she’s navigating the delicate needs of tropical specimens or adjusting conditions for drought experiments, she combines scientific understanding with hands-on problem-solving in a way that elevates the department’s capabilities.

Thanks to Susan Reed’s tireless efforts a, Texas A&M Biology’s greenhouses aren’t just places where plants grow-they’re where ideas take root, experiments thrive, and the future of biological research blossoms.