Graduate Committee: Melanie's masters committee was selected to guide her development in public horticulture, ornamental horticulture, education and child development. Her major professor, Dr. Sue Hamilton, directs the department's undergraduate and graduate programs in public horticulture. Dr. Hamilton is also the Director of the University of Tennessee Gardens, developed for furthering education, research, display, and public relations. As an associate professor in the Plant Sciences & Landscape Systems Department, Dr. Hamilton utilizes the UT Gardens to teach two classes in herbaceous ornamental plants and three classes in public horticulture, which prepares students for work in botanical gardens, urban horticulture, and education. More... Dr. Mark Fly, associate professor in the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, is Director of the university's Human Dimensions Research Lab. Dr. Fly has been instrumental in the development of the Lab, which uses social science research methods, such as surveys and focus groups, to address issues and problems associated with agriculture, natural resources, and the environment in Tennessee, the region, and nationally. More... The principal expertise of Dr. Handel Wright, an associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Cultural Studies, is Cultural Studies/ Qualitative Research. Dr. Wright was of particular assistance to Melanie in devising and performing her case studies. Dr. Mary Albrecht was the department head of the Department of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design before becoming associate dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Dr. Albrecht has a teaching and research background in floriculture and helped provide general horticultural and academic guidance for Melanie's masters program.