Steven Jeanty
Head Grower
AeroFarms
Newark, NJ USA
“Plant something. Grow something. Have a lot of different experiences to figure out what you want to do.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationSteven Jeanty
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I have family roots in agriculture—my father grew up on my grandfather’s farm in Haiti.
I struggled at first to figure out what I wanted to do for a career—I spent some time working in construction, bounced around a few different majors, and second guessed the necessity of college.
Motivated by a friend’s cynical remark about the food system, I tried growing tomatoes in a community garden and failed.
I decided to get an education in the field, so I attended community college for my associates degree in biology and went on to pursue my bachelor’s degree in plant science from Rutgers University.
While in school, I began working in indoor vertical farming at AeroFarms—I started in the seeding department and worked into the horticulture department where I made sure the plants were growing well.
I was promoted to research and development where I helped improve yields and worked on new plant varieties.
I spent two years as an assistant grower before being promoted to my current position of head grower at AeroFarms.
I’ve also earned my bachelor’s degree in plant science and am pursuing my master’s degree in global agriculture.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Plant Science
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Plant Science
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Career
Head Grower
I lead the the growing, care, and maintenance of our plants.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Food
Accomplishing Goals
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Grow something. Learn how to grow a plant or crop. I got started by trying to grow tomatoes in a community garden before deciding to pursue an education in plant science and agriculture.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"Why would you want to become a farmer? I moved away from the farm so you wouldn't have to do that."
Interviewed By
Skill Shift
Skills and training to help you find your place in the future of work
