For Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Live and Learn Greenhouse Manager Christian Bowlin, working with plants is like an extension of his Mathematics degree.
“Plants are very much an optimizing game. You have to control the factors and variables,” said Christian.
Optimizing is exactly what Christian has done in the PTK Live and Learn Greenhouse, upgrading the infrastructure and streamlining systems for future PTK members who will continue the legacy.
The day that Christian signed up for the PTK Honor Society, he happened to strike up a conversation with the former greenhouse manager, Clay Dunlap, which planted the seed for his involvement with the project. Christian had done some gardening on his own, but was excited to expand his growing skills and the capacity of QCC’s on-campus greenhouse.
“Our main goal is to grow as much food as physically possible,” Christian said.
The PTK Live and Learn Greenhouse, which opened in 2015, supplies the HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center with produce such as lettuce, cucumbers, herbs and tomatoes, all of which go directly to QCC students. Christian commented that supplying fresh produce to the food pantry helps in providing well-rounded, healthy options to the QCC community. He also noted that all the soil and seeds in the greenhouse are certified organic.
“Herbs are my favorite. They’re easy to grow and everyone gets a kick out of them,” Christian said, adding. “Maybe it’s because I’m not great at cooking and it’s an easy way to make food taste better.”
One of Christian’s goals is to increase the efficiency of the greenhouse so that plants are being harvested throughout the entire year. Since he started managing the greenhouse, Christian, along with other PTK members, have installed multiple outdoor garden beds, timers for the lighting components and a self-watering system. He wants to add more planters inside and is collecting temperature data, which will inform the heating and cooling process that is vital to maintain a greenhouse environment.
In addition to the larger changes Christian has made, he also pays attention to the small details, such as the string lights he hung on the outside of the greenhouse. He wants the QCC community to feel comfortable stopping by to visit and knows the importance of a welcoming environment.
Throughout Christian’s studies, he has been increasing his skills in virtual reality engineering, with a dream of creating dynamic VR experiences where users can decompress from stresses in their personal lives. Whether it’s creating environments for plants or safe spaces for people, Christian is sure to continue helping others grow.
For more information on the PTK Greenhouse, contact phithetakappa@qcc.mass.edu.