Farewell to Brittany Weerts: A Year of Innovation and Growth at Purdue Student Farm
December 16, 2024
The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (HLA) bids a fond farewell to Brittany Weerts, who is concluding her tenure as Hydroponic Research Operations Administrator. Throughout her time at Purdue, Weerts has played a pivotal role in advancing the department’s controlled environment agriculture capabilities.
Petrus Langenhoven, Director of the Purdue Student Farm, reflects on Weerts’ remarkable contribution: “When I learned that a Controlled Environment Ag Facility was coming to the Purdue Student Farm, I knew we had to find someone experienced, self-driven, enthusiastic, passionate, and dedicated to managing the container farms and helping educate the next generation of growers. We were very fortunate to get Brittany Weerts to take on the role.”
Under her leadership, the Overbeck Controlled Environment Ag Facility has become fully operational, producing hundreds of pounds of leafy greens for the Student Farm CSA and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Langenhoven added, “When she sets her mind to something, she commits and gets it done. Today, thanks to Brittany’s efforts, the container farms are fully operational and ready to deliver lettuce to the new Purdue Student Farm Salad Kit CSA starting in March 2025.”
During her time at Purdue, Weerts also mentored six undergraduate students in hydroponics and vertical farming, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural innovators. Nathan Deppe, Director of Greenhouse and Indoor Ag Facilities, described her as a “horticultural expert” who was “highly professional” and will be deeply missed by the entire team.
Weerts herself shared her gratitude and excitement: “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work in the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture department this year. The connections I have made and the things I have learned have been invaluable, largely thanks to this department’s many wonderful students, faculty, and staff. Leaving HLA is bittersweet, but life has taken an exciting new turn lately (I am getting married to an amazing guy and moving across the country), and it is time to move on to new horizons.”
The Purdue Student Farm Salad Kit CSA is set to launch in March 2025, a testament to the groundwork Weerts has laid during her time at the university. Her contributions have positioned the facility for continued success and innovation in controlled environment agriculture.
The department wishes Brittany Weerts the very best in her future endeavors and thanks her for her outstanding contributions.