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Horticulture Faculty/Staff Bios

Brian Clement graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and earned his Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University. Brian has taken additional course work in engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Brian's work experience includes working on the family farm and in the construction industry, teaching Middle School and High School Agriculture in Astoria for six years, and teaching horticulture and engineering at Technology Center of DuPage in Addison for seven years. Brian taught part-time for College of DuPage starting in 2007 before becoming full time in 2014.

He teaches HORT 1100 Introduction to Horticulture, HORT 1112 Landscape Maintenance, HORT 1113 Landscape Construction, HORT 1151, 2-Cycle Small Engine Repair and Maintenance, HORT 1152, 4-Cycle Small Engine Repair and Maintenance, HORT 2211 Computer-Aided Drafting for Landscape Design, HORT 2212 Advanced Computer-Aided Drafting for Landscape, HORT 2213, 3-D Landscape Design, HORT 2214 Advanced 3-D Landscape Design, HORT 2231 Turf Science and Management, HORT 2212 Advanced Computer Aided Drafting for Landscape. Brian was named College of DuPage's Overall Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member for 2012-2013.

He sits on the Illinois Landscape Contractor's Education Committee, the DuPage County Farm Bureau Agriculture Coalition Board, and is Chair of the Illinois State Landscape Design Contest for high schools and colleges across the state. He is active in various professional organizations including the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Illinois Green Industry Association and NALP Professional Landcare Network. He is also in charge of taking students from the department to the NALP Student Career Days competition each year, a three-day competitive event among students enrolled in horticulture programs from over 70 colleges and universities across the country. Students compete in events that are directly related to the skills necessary for a career in the landscape industry. Brian can be reached at (630) 942-2526 or email at: clement@cod.edu.

Frank Balestri graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a focus in Horticulture and Landscape Management and earned his Master of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University. Frank's experience includes working at nurseries and public gardens. Following graduate school, he worked as a Collections Specialist at the Chicago Botanic Garden before accepting a position as plant health care technician and research assistant at The Morton Arboretum in 2016. While in the Plant Pathology Lab at Morton Arboretum, Frank served as a diagnostician for plant problems on the grounds and overseen the Plant Health Care Scouting Program. Additionally, he also has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Master of Landscape Architecture program at Illinois Institute of Technology and has attained the accreditation of an ISA certified arborist.

He teaches HORT 1100 Introduction to Horticulture, HORT 1101 Soils and Fertilizers, HORT 2304 Hydroponics, HORT 2244 Herbaceous Perennials, HORT 2221 Plant Propagation, and HORT 2242 Landscape Plants II. Frank can be reached at (630) 942-3498 or by email at: balestrif@cod.edu.

Brandon Smith-Nataraj graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign with a Bachelor's degree in agricultural education and a Minor in horticulture. He earned his Master of Science degree in agricultural leadership communications and education. Brandon possesses a proven background in the agricultural industry, boasting 8 years of teaching experience, along with 5 years of involvement in landscape design, urban agricultural practices, and greenhouse management. Commencing his career on his family farm and as a student worker for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Brandon's passion for horticultural sciences was ignited. His educational career history spans 3 years in Payson, Illinois, and 4 years in Woodhull, where he served as an agriculture educator and FFA advisor. Subsequently, Brandon dedicated 3 years to the field of horticulture as a greenhouse manager and landscape designer in Iowa, followed by a year as a professional gardener on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Most recently, Brandon contributed to agronomy research at Syngenta. Presently, Brandon assumes the role of Assistant Professor at the College of DuPage within the Horticulture Department. 

Austin Gimondo holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture Science with minors in Botany, Soil Science, and Integrated Pest Management from Oklahoma State University. He earned his Master of Science in Horticulture and a PhD in Horticulture with a minor in Statistics from Iowa State University. Over the past 16 years, Austin has held diverse roles within the horticulture industry, including Tree Climber, Nursery Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Lab Scientist, Horticulturist, and Faculty.

Before joining the College of DuPage, Austin taught courses in Woody Plant Identification, into and advanced Botany, and Biology. He is also active in pursuing opportunities for community education and involvement, like leading talks for the Master Gardener Program and local garden clubs.

At the College of DuPage, Austin teaches courses such as Greenhouse Operations and Management, and Plant Pathology. His diverse experience and passion for horticulture are reflected in his teaching, where he emphasizes practical skills and technical knowledge essential for students entering the workforce.

Martin Bartz graduated from Harper College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science, along with 5 Horticulture Certificates. Marty’s work experience in the horticulture industry includes Nursery Manager at Geimer’s Greenhouse, Assistant Manager of St. Aubin Nursery and Grower/Yard Supervisor at Rocco Fiore and Sons, Inc. Since 2013 Marty is the Horticulture Lab Technician/Grower in the Horticulture Department. His responsibilities include both growing in the Greenhouse and maintenance/development of the Landscape Lab.

Marty is an advisor for the Horticulture Club. He is also in charge of taking students from the department to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Student Career Days competition each year, a three-day competitive event among students enrolled in horticulture programs from over 70 colleges and universities across the country. Students compete in events that are directly related to the skills necessary for a career in the landscape industry. Marty can be reached at (630) 942-3807 or email at bartzm@cod.edu.

Amy Hull graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture. She has worked at both wholesale and retail horticultural companies including retail garden centers and greenhouses. She has been a Part-Time Faculty Member of the Horticulture Department at College of DuPage since 1992. Amy was awarded the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award in 2001.

She teaches HORT 1100 Introduction to Horticulture, HORT 1110, Applied Plant Taxonomy, HORT 2255 Greenhouse Crop Production, and HORT 2257 Bedding Plant Production. Since October 2012, Amy is the Greenhouse Supervisor at College of DuPage. Amy can be reached at hullamy@cod.edu or (630) 942-3806.

COD Stories

"I’ve always liked helping students and seeing them succeed. I like seeing their willingness to learn something new. They need to be allowed to show their imagination, and I want to encourage and challenge them to realize their strengths and then use them to succeed.” - Brian Clement

Brian's COD Story

COD Stories

"I hope that students take away a deeper understanding and appreciation of the field of horticulture. I want my students to leave my classes inspired to pursue a career in horticulture and with the applied skills to accomplish their goals.” - Frank Balestri

Frank's COD Story