Meet the Faculty
Rene Gingras
associate professor & chair of horticultural technology
Rene is a member of the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association, the New Hampshire Vegetable Growers Association, and the New England Berry and Vegetable Growers.
Education:
B.S., University of New Hampshire, 1975
M.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1977
Read Rene's Faculty Excellence profile.
John Hart
professor of horticultural technology
John Hart combines ecology, landscape, and art in his teaching. His professional experience spans thirty years of sustainable landscape management and design—on college campuses, an exclusive private estate, and in New York City’s Central Park. A practicing landscape architect, John contributes regularly to professional publications and gives presentations that focus on sustainable landscape design and management.
John has served on the boards of the New Hampshire Landscape Association, the Granite State Landscape Architects, and the Boston Society of Landscape Architects. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the College Design and Planning Interest Group of ASLA, and the College and University Gardens and Arboreta Committee of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. He is the founder of the New England Ecological Garden of the University of New Hampshire.
Education:
M.L.A., Landscape Architecture, University of Massachusetts, 1994
M.S., Forestry/Resource Ecology, University of Michigan, 1974
B.A., English Literature, New College, 1969
Advice for first-year students:
You are in charge of your education. Faculty and staff provide a support structure of knowledge, experience, and guidance, but in the end, you determine your path—your effort and level of achievement. Work to balance school, friends, fun, and reflection; (I'm still trying myself).
Dana Sansom
associate professor of horticultural technology
One of the first women to work in the New Hampshire Nursery industry, Dana worked in the garden center and nursery industry for eight years before coming to teach at Thompson School, where she believes in helping students to live up to their potential.
Since she began teaching, Dana has maintained her own garden design and consulting business. She is a member of the New Hampshire Landscaping Association, the New England Wild Flower Society, the Perennial Plant Association, and Bedding Plants International.
Education:
A.A.S., Thompson School of Applied Science, 1977
B.S., University of New Hampshire, 1983
M.O.E., University of New Hampshire, 1985
After school:
Dana enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her daughter.
Advice for first-year students:
College is a great opportunity. Maximize the experience by managing your time and having a positive outlook.
Chris Robarge
PAT staff, adjunct faculty
As a member of the Thompson School community since 1973, Chris brings over 30 years of facilities management and plant production experience to his classroom and laboratory sessions. He owned and operated a professional gardening business for 25 years and was secretary/treasurer of the New Hampshire Plant Growers’ Association for nearly 20 years. In 1997 he received the UNH Presidential Award of Excellent for his dedication and service to the University.
Chris's areas of teaching are center around horticultural facilities operations and floral/bedding plant production and marketing. Under his guidance students produce a wide range of potted holiday plants, cut flowers, bulbs, bedding plants, perennials, trees and shrubs. He has also helped team teach the curriculum computer course and freshman seminar. His memberships include the NH Plant Growers’ Association, Ohio Florists Association and the Association of Education/Research Greenhouse Curators.
Education:
A.A.S., Thompson School of Applied Science, 1971
B.G.S., University of New Hampshire, 1985
After school:
Chris and his wife Karen, a pre-school teacher, live in Hampton. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and people watching at Hampton Beach.
Advice to first-year students:
Make the best of the opportunity you have earned. Apply yourself to the task at hand and learn to balance the professional, technical and social experiences you will discover here at UNH.
