About the Instructors

Johanna Oosterwyk

Johanna Oosterwyk is the manager of the D.C. Smith Greenhouse at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of this state-of-the-art teaching and research greenhouse facility. With her expertise in horticulture and plant care, Johanna ensures that the greenhouse supports a wide variety of educational and research activities. She works closely with faculty, students, and researchers to provide an optimal environment for plant growth, contributing to the university's programs in botany, plant pathology, and environmental sciences. Johanna is known for her deep knowledge of plant species and her dedication to sustainable practices in greenhouse management.

In addition to her role managing the state-of-the-art greenhouse facility, she has been recognized for her contributions to education and plant sciences. Johanna received the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Academic Staff Excellence Award, which honors her dedication to supporting faculty, students, and researchers in plant science education and research.

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BS Horticulture
MS Life Sciences Communication

Mike Maddox

Mike Maddox's horticulture adventure began in the mid-90's as a student assistant at the University of Northern Iowa's Botanical Center. He completed his undergraduate with a bachelors degree emphasizing the plant sciences. He then proceeded to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue his masters degree in horticulture, focused on novel plant propagation techniques of a medicinal herb.

After grad school, Mike completed a 21-year Extension career. For the first half, he was a horticulture educator focused on community based horticulture programming (such as food security, environmental stewardship, health and well-being). The second half focused on the statewide facilitation of the Master Gardener Program.

Mike now works in learning and development outside of the plant sciences field. He continues to teach select horticultural therapy and gardening programs to a limited audience. Mike also volunteers as a director at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.