Nolan Kurtz
nkurtz011@gmail.com
Linkedin.com/in/nolan-kurtz

Personal Summary

UVM graduate with hands-on research experience in entomology, soil ecology, and agricultural systems. Skilled in molecular, horticultural, and laboratory techniques, with a strong foundation in data management and team collaboration. Draws on curiosity and careful observation to troubleshoot experiments and refine protocols for consistent results.

Education

University of Vermont, Burlington VT

B. Sc. Agroecology, minor in Plant Biology
8/2021 - 5/2025

Research and Professional Experience

Lead Field & Lab Research Technician

SEMII Biocontrol Lab, University of Vermont

5/2025–Present

  • Contributed to federally funded projects on invasive earthworms and soil health, and biological control of potato pests, assisting with experimental design, field setup, and data collection.
  • Created and maintained detailed documentation and research protocols in Protocols.io to support reproducibility and team training.
  • Supervised and mentored undergraduate researchers in field and laboratory techniques.
  • Performed molecular and microbiological analyses, including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, quantification, and fungal culturing.
  • Coordinated sampling and data collection with farmers and collaborators across multiple research sites.
  • Presented project findings at outreach events.
  • Maintained organized records to ensure data integrity and compliance with safety standards.

Production Intern

UVM Greenhouse Facilities

1/2025 - 5/2025

  • Worked in a team to produce annuals and houseplants, including watering, seeding, propagation, transplanting, and sales.
  • Followed IPM protocols through greenhouse sanitation, pest scouting, biological control application, and order-of-entry protocols.
  • Supervised undergraduate technicians in pest scouting and greenhouse maintenance activities.
  • Provided customer service and conducted transactions during sales. Provided information and brief impromptu tours to greenhouse visitors.

Teaching Assistant - Commercial Plant Propagation

UVM Dept. of Agriculture, Landscapes, and Environment

1/2025 - 5/2025

  • Assisted the professor in weekly laboratory periods by preparing materials, directing and aiding undergraduate students, cleaning facilities, and maintaining student-propagated plants
  • Administered and graded weekly quizzes. Coordinated with absent students to complete lab activities and quizzes outside of class hours.
  • Met weekly with the professor and other TAs to plan lab activities and address student concerns. Proposed and enacted changes to grading schemes to address student understanding and promote fairness.
  • Directed and supervised lab periods when the professor could not attend.

Research and Operations Intern

UVM Greenhouse Facilities

8/2024 - 12/2024

  • Maintained research plants through regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
  • Followed IPM protocols through greenhouse sanitation, pest scouting, biological control application, and order-of-entry protocols.
  • Used pH and EC meters to mix and monitor nutrient solutions.
  • Maintained a vertical hydroponic system. Communicated with visitors regarding the benefits of hydroponics and details about the current installation. Responded to various system failures to prevent crop loss.

Tree and Shrub Crew

Horsford Gardens and Nursery

6/2023 - 7/2024

  • Worked on a team to produce and manage trees and shrubs in the nursery through regular hand watering, transplanting, and pest scouting.
  • Communicated with various teams to ensure plant health and customer satisfaction.
  • Operated tractors and skid steers to move plants safely and efficiently.
  • Communicated with customers to find varieties or recommend alternatives.

Group Leader

Champion Soccer School

5/2022 - 8/2022

  • Coached and oversaw groups of 1st-8th graders in a soccer-focused summer camp.
  • Planned drills and activities. Directed junior counselors in set-up, clean-up, and assisting campers.
  • Communicated with parents to ensure every camper had a positive experience.

Customer Service Associate

Wayland Home and Design - Ace Hardware

2/2018 - 6/2021

  • Utilized point-of-sale systems to conduct transactions. Helped customers troubleshoot project solutions and recommended products.
  • Restocked and organized displays. Cleaned the facility.

Technical and Research Skills

Horticulture Laboratory Research Tools and Communication
* Precision irrigation
* Propagation
* Identification of plant and insect species
* IPM and biological control application
* Greenhouse sanitation and maintenance of controlled environments
* Operation and basic maintenance of nursery equipment and machinery
* Aseptic culture of plant and fungal cells for research applications (media prep, aseptic technique)
* DNA extraction
* Micropipette use
* Microscopy * Data organization and analysis (e.g., Microsoft Excel & Office Suite)
* Workflow documentation (e.g., Protocols.io, CSV-based experiment logs)
* Diagram and figure preparation
(e.g., Google Drawings)
* Scientific and technical writing

Awards and Honors

Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Award

Teaching Assistant for Commercial Plant Propagation
UVM Dept. of Agriculture, Landscapes, and Environment

Dean’s List - Four Semesters

UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 5/2025

References

Dr. Maryam Nouri-Aiin

Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Landscapes, and Environment
Principal Investigator, SEMII Biocontrol Lab and Mentor
Maryam.Nouri-Aiin@uvm.edu

Dr. Mark Starrett

Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Landscapes, and Environment
Former Professor and Teaching Assistant Supervisor
Mark.Starrett@uvm.edu

Derek Allen

Director, UVM Greenhouses
Former Professor, Internship Supervisor, and Mentor
Derek.Allen@uvm.edu