Early bloomer

Joseph Romano, an honors plant science major at the University of Delaware, cultivated an interest in plants while working alongside his father and grandfather, both avid gardeners. His relatives brought a passion for plants when they immigrated to Pennsylvania from Italy more than 100 years ago.

"I've been working in the greenhouse since I was a kid," Romano said. "I enjoy growing exotic plants. I have an orchid collection."

Romano's early start in plant perfection led him to seek out other opportunities ahead of his peers. He was the first high school student to intern at Burpee Seeds in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. When it came time for college, Romano chose UD's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) - and he came to the University ready to dive into research.

"I looked at different programs," Romano said. "I decided that plant science was the best bet for me because I can focus on plants, as well as the biological systems involved in them."

Romano met Qi Mu, assistant professor of molecular plant breeding and genomics, during an orientation event in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He mentioned his eagerness to do research. Mu had an opportunity available, and before he knew it, Romano was on his way.