After a rigorous selection process, we are pleased to announce the selection of four accomplished horticulture professionals for the 2025–2026 cohort of our prestigious Fellows Program.
2025-2026 Cohort
Nathaniel Cody, Norfolk, Va.
Nathaniel Cody’s career is rooted in his dedication to creative storytelling and inclusion. As Digital Content and Marketing Project Manager at Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia, Cody oversees strategic digital campaigns and spearheads projects such as the Diversity Gallery, which celebrates cultural richness through art. His experience includes content creation and executive support at Norfolk Botanical Garden, and curating student art exhibitions at Virginia Commonwealth University. A dedicated community leader, Cody volunteers with Hampton Roads Pride and Stonewall Sports Norfolk. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture and extended media from Virginia Commonwealth University and serves on Norfolk Botanical Garden’s President’s Council on Inclusion and Diversity.
Jennifer Dick, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
With two decades of experience in science communication and heritage interpretation, Jennifer Dick has worked in gardens, museums, nonprofits, and most recently at Royal Botanical Gardens Canada. An advocate for connecting people with plants and places, she has served on the board of Interpretation Canada for 10 years, including two terms as Chair. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in wildlife and habitat ecology, a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, and a graduate diploma in science communication. Dick is also a certified heritage interpreter and certified interpretive trainer.
Carmen Grey, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Carmen Grey joins the Longwood Fellows program from Assiniboine Park Conservancy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she oversees plant records and documentation development for the living collections. A graduate of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Grey also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Winnipeg. Over the past 17 years, Grey has worked across Canada in public horticulture, urban agriculture, and community-focused education. Her experience includes coordinating rooftop farms in Calgary, managing community gardens in the Northwest Territories, and leading public garden operations in Winnipeg. As an Indigenous horticulturist, Grey’s work is guided by the teachings of her culture and a deep respect for the land. Grey is committed to fostering inclusive, reciprocal connections between people and the natural world.
Yan Li, Shenyang, China
Yan Li, Ph.D., brings extensive experience in plant management and academics. For 12 years, she has led the Basic Information Department at the Shenyang Arboretum as an engineer and Shenyang Senior Talent. She is experienced in managing plant information, compilating plant catalogues, and organizing international conferences. Additionally, Li has published scholarly articles and patents on plant diversity conservation and contributed to the compilation of botanical monographs. She holds a Master of Science in botany and a Ph. D. in Ecology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2017, she earned a certificate of completion in ex-situ conservation from the Chinese Union of Botanical Gardens.