Dr. Ryan Stewart
Full Name:
John Ryan Stewart
Nickname:
When I was younger, my friends called me "Stew" and my younger brother "Little Stew" (which he surprisingly didn't appreciate)
Where did you grow up?
Layton, Utah
Which classes do you teach?
Herbaceous Plants (PWS 210) and Plant Growth and Reproduction (PWS 301)
What is your education/experience?
B.S. in Agriculture Systems Technology from Utah State University (1999), M.S. in Plant Science from USU (2001), PhD in Horticulture (2005) from Iowa State University, and six great years as a faculty member at the University of Illinois
If you were a plant, what plant would you be and why?
I'm not sure, but I think my wife would like it if I were an obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
Favorite song:
"The Battle of New Orleans," by Johnny Horton (but I also enjoy "Roy G. Biv," by They Might Be Giants)
Favorite book:
"The Civil War: a Narrative," by Shelby Foote
Favorite movie:
"Harvey" (I love what the main character, Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart), Says in the show, "Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, 'In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.")
Favorite hobby:
My children (seriously) and learning East Asian languages
Favorite joke:
Person 1: Knock Knock
Person 2: Who's there?
Person 1: Interrupting cow
Person 2: Interrupting...
Person 1: MOO!
Favorite place:
Fairview Canyon, Utah and the Miscanthus grasslands (susuki-no) in Aso, Japan
Why should someone be a Plant & Landscape Systems major?
Improving the lives of others through enhancing their surroundings coupled with the unlimited opportunities of personal and professional development are some of the many reasons why students should consider majoring in this field
What is the best part of our program?
The students!
Tell us of a recent adventure:
I recently visited the property of a wonderful retired gentleman who has an amazing zest for life. He has nearly 70 acres near Terre Haute, Indiana that consists primarily of selections of pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), but also various nut trees, that he's worked on for several years to develop as marketable cultivars. Not only was it fun to visit with someone who's passionate about plants - it was also refreshing to see a living example of someone who worked hard during his career, lived frugally, is now living comfortably, and most importantly, is engaged in work to improve the lives of others
