Our Team
The people behind SyNRGE’s mission to grow plants in space and feed people on Earth.
Founder
Dr. Gary Stutte
Horticulturist · Plant Physiologist · Plant Biologist
SyNRGE was founded by Dr. Gary Stutte, a horticulturist, plant physiologist and plant biologist. One of his earliest memories is sitting at a small kitchen table and helping his father count the number of seeds in wheat heads. His first job was working at a university research station growing plants along with teaching and researching fruit crops.
His background led him to Kennedy Space Center where he ultimately was able to grow wheat on the International Space Station. With the founding of SyNRGE the story came full circle, and he and his son were working together to launch a SyNRGE experiment to the International Space Station together.
Let’s work together to explore the universe and insure that together, safe and healthy food is available anywhere in the universe.
Team Members
Dr. Petra Schwendner
Astrobiologist
I am an astrobiologist with very broad interests and fascinated by the world of microorganisms. I have worked on space-related research projects at the German Aerospace Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UK Center for Astrobiology, and the University of Florida. I am curious to study the microbial response when exposed to space, simulated space/Martian conditions or extreme environments, their impact on human health in confined environments and their benefits for humans.
My expertise is not only the cultivation and identification of extremophilic microorganisms but also using molecular state-of-the art technologies to gain insights into habitability of other planets but also their applications on Earth.
I am excited to join SyNRGE, LLC to apply my knowledge in the field of space agriculture and work with space-exposed microorganisms to improve plant growth and help feeding the world.
Dr. Christina M. Johnson
Space Botanist
I’m a space-botany researcher and self-described “Space Plant Nerd” with more than a decade of experience advancing plant science for space exploration. I helped send plants to space aboard the Shuttle Discovery, led NASA-funded collaborations in space biology, and supported open-science initiatives as Plant Data Curator for NASA’s biological data repositories.
At SyNRGE, I develop educational programs, outreach initiatives, and professional networks that connect scientists, students, and communities. My work bridges research and real-world impact highlighting how discoveries made for space sustain life on Earth.
I love working with SyNRGE to bring people together to turn ideas for growing plants in space into real solutions for feeding people on Earth.
Nicole Marinkovich
Lab Technician
I am a lab technician and web designer at SyNRGE. When I’m not in the lab, working with our plants or testing and maintaining our growth systems, I’m at the computer designing and maintaining our web and social media platform for SyNRGE. I have always been interested in plants and plant growth and the role plants can play to support humans on long term space missions.
At SyNRGE I get to combine my interests in the lab with my computer graphics and web skills, to help share our findings with the world, and help raise awareness about the importance of plants and microorganisms in space exploration.
We are reaching for the stars at SyNRGE, bringing the results of our plant research in space–down to Earth–to feed the world. I’m privileged to help support that vision every day in our lab working with an awesome team.