San Diego Botanic Garden
Ari Novy has a diverse range of work experience in the field of botany and biological studies. Ari began their career as a Graduate Fellow/Teaching Assistant at Rutgers University, where they conducted research and taught courses on various plant biology topics. Ari also served as a Program Director for Landscape Architecture Study Abroad during this time.
Novy then worked as a Plant Biology Consultant for Phytomedics Inc and Malick and Scherer, providing expertise in plant biology. Ari also served as a Graduate Student Fellow at the US EPA, conducting statistical research on environmental chemicals and contributing to the planning of a sustainability-focused garden.
Moving on to academic institutions, Novy held the roles of Visiting Researcher at UC San Diego, Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. These positions allowed him to expand their research and teaching expertise.
Novy also has experience in leadership and management roles. Ari served as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Public Programs Manager at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Ari was also the Chief Scientist at the Leichtag Foundation. Their most recent leadership role was as President & CEO of the San Diego Botanic Garden.
Overall, Ari Novy has a strong background in research, teaching, and leadership in the botanical and biological studies field.
Ari Novy has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Italian, Classics, and Mathematics from New York University. They also hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Plant Biology from Rutgers University. In addition to their degrees, Ari Novy has obtained a certification as a Certified Ecologist from the Ecological Society of America in June 2015.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Established in 1970, San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) is a 37-acre urban oasis located in the city of Encinitas, in north San Diego County. We garden to create, share and apply plant wisdom in our world. The Garden’s four miles of trails display more than 5,000 plant species and varieties, including 300 plants for which SDBG is the only garden maintaining a population. SDBG has 15 gardens that represent different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens, and the largest public bamboo collection in North America. SDBG has three children’s gardens, including its flagship, one-acre Hamilton Children’s Garden, the largest kids’ garden on the west coast. The Garden works in botany, conservation horticulture, and applied plant sciences to address our biggest local and global issues—from food security and climate change to land management and home gardening. SDBG collaborates with local academics, companies and organizations to create innovative, impactful programs and initiatives; to conserve plants and habitats for the future; and to create and share new knowledge. By expanding its scientific and conservation role to address our most pressing issues and human-plant relationships, SDBG is quickly becoming a model 21st century public plant science institution.