Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award

Introduced in 2017, the Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award recognizes individuals with PhDs who communicate new ideas, concepts or scientific findings related to horticulture and gardening in terms that are easily understood by laypersons. Self-nominations are welcome.

2018 Honoree

Dr. Jeff Gillman

Originally from Pughtown, Pennsylvania, Jeff Gillman earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. After college, he moved south where he attended graduate school at the University of Georgia earning a Master's Degree in Entomology and a Ph.D. in Horticulture. A few days after receiving his Ph.D., he moved north where he spent fifteen years working as a professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. Currently he is the Director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Most of Jeff’s career has focused on delivering scientific information to people in a way that is both informative and fun. He has authored or coauthored five books, the best known of which are The Truth about Garden Remedies and The Truth about Organic Gardening. He is a contributing editor to Fine Gardening Magazine, has written numerous newspaper articles for both the Star Tribune and the Charlotte Observer, has appeared on many television shows including Martha Stewart and Growing a Greener World, and is a regular guest on Charlotte Today. He is a founding member of the Garden Professors and is currently producing a podcast called The Plants We Eat.

Over the years, Jeff’s work has transitioned from a focus on educating experienced gardeners about the garden practices they use to getting people excited about and interested in the world of plants. Our very existence depends on plants, giving us a strong incentive to understand their lives. Through his work at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, and as a writer and speaker, Jeff has the unique opportunity to engage with and educate the public about the importance of the plant kingdom. Receiving the Cynthia Westcott award is an incredible honor that validates Jeff’s past work, and his future goals. 

Past Winners