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In one's lifetime, most people have probably had the experience of nurturing a plant. While some may possess a proverbial "green thumb," others see plants wither under their care. However, there is an exceptional individual who transcends these categories, engaging in groundbreaking plant cultivation research and balancing a career in academia with raising children. This multifaceted individual is Professor Hyeji Kim from Purdue University's Department of Horticulture. Known for her calm and gentle demeanor beneath her charismatic presence, her unique story is one to heed.
Interview and Text: Hyena Heo, Editor
Hello, I am Professor Hyeji Kim from Purdue's Department of Horticulture. Reflecting on my journey, I've had the opportunity to study and conduct research in diverse places such as Korea, Japan, and the United States. I graduated from Korea University, completed my master's in Plant Production at Shizuoka University in Japan, and pursued a doctorate in Horticultural Crop Physiology at Pennsylvania State University. I served as a research professor at Cornell University and then worked at the University of Hawaii. Since 2014, I have been an assistant professor at Purdue University, where I teach Plant Environmental Stress Adaptation.
When I first applied to schools, horticulture was a new concept to me. It wasn't so much a field of interest as a stable choice, influenced by my parents and aligned with my scores. Yet, needing to find my path, I was introduced to a professor at Shizuoka University focused on post-harvest physiology, leading me into unexpected research territory. This spurred my interest in plant production and physiology, particularly through studying the environmental impacts on post-harvest processes in the U.S. Numerous times, I contemplated quitting as pursuing such a deep, never-ending field felt daunting. However, dedication revealed the critical connection between population issues and food scarcity, making it clear that increasing horticultural crop production would soon be paramount.
Thus, through optimizing cultivation environments, I learned it is feasible to enhance crop yield and promptly produce economically viable, nutritious fruits and vegetables. With rapid urbanization, food scarcity stemming from urban population concentration is imminent; in 25 years, those skilled in efficient crop cultivation may wield substantial economic power. Horticulture might become as sought after as medical studies.
The term "horticulture" may invoke the idea of beautifying gardens, but the scope and study areas within the field are vast. Horticulture includes improving varieties and boosting yields, and deals with fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts we consume. Landscape architecture, however, is about creating pleasant living spaces through plants, civil materials, water, or sculptures, leaning more toward design than science. Hence, while horticulture focuses on enhancing quality of life through cultivating necessary crops, landscape architecture enhances life quality through space design.
My research aligns with establishing futuristic agricultural technology, considering global warming and dwindling resources as substantial future issues. Today, many lack interest in directly cultivating their own food, raising concerns of potential national crises if self-sufficiency isn't achieved. Unlike traditional agriculture isolated from urban areas, my research emphasizes hydroponic or soilless cultivation to provide fresh, nutritious food within or near cities. Minimizing resource usage—water, fertilizers, energy—remains crucial while utilizing alternative resources to grow quality plants.
One project, aquaponics, integrates using wastewater from fish farming for crop production. Though often perceived as polluted, such water is a valuable organic fertilizer rich in plant nutrients. By turning this wastewater into an asset, environmentally friendly vegetables and fish are cultivated, potentially spotlighting this technique as an effective future cultivation method.
While many might think I have an extensive collection at home, I distance myself from plants outside the research setting, cultivating a few resilient houseplants like rubber trees, sansevieria, and lucky bamboo. I once grew lettuce and herbs hydroponically for their freshness and crispness but tend to buy them now due to a busy schedule and occasional laziness.
The key conditions to successfully nurturing any plant include water, fertilizer, light, and temperature. Avoid overkill; modest quantities work better. Excessive fertilizer can cause toxicity, excessive water suffocates roots, and too much sunlight may harmfully saturate the energy state. Furthermore, avoid misconceptions like “milk is beneficial” or “egg shells improve pots.” Understand your plants—whether they prefer shade, their ideal fertilizers—and this knowledge greatly aids cultivation.
Though growing interest in organic and eco-friendly products is positive, these concepts significantly differ. Eco-friendly agriculture minimizes resource usage while producing quality food, whereas organic farming uses only natural materials without fertilizers or additives. Misconceptions prevail about organic being entirely eco-friendly. In reality, report findings indicate organic fertilizers occasionally necessitate higher quantities, undermining the environment. Hence, consider consuming local foods, as they retain freshness and nutritional quality, unlike imported goods requiring extended distribution.
Raising children parallels plant cultivation; excessiveness can disrupt growth. Just as minimal fertilizers bolster plant resistance, instilling responsibility nurtures strong, resilient children. Thankfully, as a mother of three teens, I'm able to focus on work more effectively. Splitting time and energy between family and career leaves gaps, leading to feelings of inadequacy. However, without family understanding, especially my husband’s support, work-life balance would have been impossible. I intend to move forward gradually, without overstretching demands and with gratitude for such care.
The rising consumer interest in organic and eco-friendly food is commendable. Health awareness now emphasizes nutritional value and production processes. As professionals, we must establish production techniques for future generations to access and benefit from safe, environmentally friendly food sources.
Hyeji Kim, Assistant Professor, graduated from Korea University and completed her master’s in Plant Production at Shizuoka University. She earned her Ph.D. in Horticultural Crop Physiology at Pennsylvania State University, served as a research professor at Cornell University, and since 2014, has taught Plant Environmental Stress Adaptation at Purdue University.
