Erik Ottoson

Relevant Work Experience

Greenhouse Manager: 2002-2004. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Maintained plants inside multiple greenhouses and at the Doris Duke Center, Grew plants and aquatics by seed and propagation methods for the gardens, Ordered supplies for the greenhouses (fertilizer, pots, etc...), Introductory training in BGBASE plant database systems, Presented periodic lectures on indoor orchid culture.

Associate in Research: 2001-2002. Duke University Biology Department, Plant Anatomy Lab, Durham, NC.  Conducted research on comparative anatomy of ferns, Prepare plant tissue:  fixation, dehydration, paraffin embedding, Sectioning, slide mounting, and staining, for light microscopy, Physical histology, Traveled to Costa Rica and studied the anatomy and glands of tree ferns, Habitat and growth patterns of Orchids were also examined.

Herbarium Assistant: 2001-2001. University of South Florida Herbarium, Tampa, FL. Duties included assisting curator, mounting, and identification, Identified Florida and Southeastern plants.

Orchid Curator: 1998-1999. University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa, FL. Primary caretaker for 250 orchids, focus was on revitalizing the collection. Duties also included identifying unlabeled plants by researching flower and leaf characteristics.

Laboratory Assistant: 1997-1998. University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
Preparation Laboratory for Biology & Microbiology. Maintained plants for laboratory use and prepared biological media and stains.

Publications

Ottoson, E. 2003. Don’t be afraid to try orchids at home. FLORA, A newsletter for The Friends of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens,  The Chronicle, Duke University. 

Links of Interest

The American Orchid Society
www.aos.org

Plant Talk Magazine
www.plant-talk.org

Billboard Magazine
www.billboard.com

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
www.noaa.gov

Brazilian Orchids
www.delfinadearaujo.com

ESPN College Football
www.espn.com

Last Edited: 05/09/2006