S4: Episode 2: Aidan Souder & Hikari Skabelund - Future Innovators

Aidan Souder is currently a Senior majoring in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University. Throughout his undergraduate studies, he has set out to explore a wide range of topics in horticulture. Some of his favorites include research in genetic engineering, courses in controlled environments, work in horticultural therapy, and internships related to the ornamental horticulture sector. Additionally, he is currently working with Dr. Amit Dhingra on an undergraduate research project in grape genetics. After an award-winning product development internship at Ball FloraPlant, Aidan has decided to pursue a master's degree in Horticultural Sciences with an emphasis on ornamental production. He is thankful for his time at A&M, which has allowed him to spend the past 4 years finding his passion in horticulture.

Hikari Skabelund graduated with her bachelor’s in plant science at Utah State University. There she worked at the Crop Physiology Lab under the guidance of Dr. Bruce Bugbee and his graduate students where she assisted on projects including but not limited to far-red lighting and hydroponic systems. Hikari endeavored into a direct PhD program at Texas A&M university A&M University in 2023, under the amazing Dr. Shuyang Zhen. Here she mainly focuses on enhancing crop growth and stress tolerance under lunar regolith and other environmental conditions for sustainable food production in extraterrestrial systems. Outside of research Hikari serves as a Plant the Moon Challenge committee advisor and loves TAing for HORT 202 and floral design.