The Horticulture faculty are all experienced Ph.D.'s, and offer expertise in hydroponics, molecular biology, genetics, plant tissue culture, plant physiology, plant pathology and microbiology. Dedicated to teaching, they believe in our hands-on philosophy, are active in their professional associations, and incorporate the industry's areas of growth and current trends into their subject programs. They work with you to develop the curriculum most appropriate to your career goals.

Teaching Faculty:

Barbara D. Muse, Ph.D., Chairperson
Barbara Muse, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Horticulture Department and Professor of Plant Science, has over twenty years of experience in teaching courses in plant pathology, plant disease diagnosis and genetics. Recently, she helped to develop our new introductory course "Exploring Horticulture, Science & the Environment" as well as the "Women in Science" course. Dr. Muse is also a recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award. She is a co-advisor of the DVC Horticulture Society.

 

Ronald Muse, Ph.D.
Ronald Muse, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Science, has over twenty years of experience in teaching plant science courses which include plant cell and tissue culture, plant physiology, plant pest management, hydroponics, and principles of plant protection. His special interest in tissue culture and hydroponics has encouraged students to enroll in the selected topics course. Dr. Muse is a co-advisor of the DVC Horticulture Society. Recently Dr. Muse received the NACTA Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.

 

Jacqueline A. Ricotta, Ph.D.
Dr. Jacqueline Ricotta, Assistant Professor of Horticulture, is our newest faculty member. She received her B.S. degree from Cornell University, M.S. degree from North Carolina State University, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. She previously worked in the Discovery Lab at Monsanto and has experience in agrimarketing. Dr. Ricotta is the "champion" of the Commercial Crop Production & Marketing / Plant Health Management major. She teaches courses in Commercial Vegetable Production, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture, Integrated Pest Management, and Horticulture Techniques.