Well Wishes for Our 2026 Graduating Seniors

Four students posing for a photo next to pink orchids.

From left to right, Abagail Coleman '26, Haroula Giagkozoglou '26, Maria Tejada Gonzalez '26, and Sophia Zuccaloa '26. Not pictured above, but equally in our hearts with well wishes are Jane Nilson, as well as Emilia Neyer and Kris Cheaye who graduated in the winter.

BY PHATAMARHA NOEL '28

Published April 10, 2026

The botanic garden collectively says a bittersweet goodbye as the graduating seniors step out of their supportive roles and step into a future full of new opportunities. These graduates, whether work study students, Botanic Garden Student Educators, conservation interns or horticultural summer interns have left their mark on the botanic garden ecosystem through their commitment and genuine love for the work they do. Through each season, they’ve learned, engaged, and grew. Though we’re sad to say goodbye, we know our seniors will blossom wherever they go and want to congratulate each of them as they embark on this new journey.

Kris Cheaye

2023-24 BoGSE, 2024-26 Lyman Team

Kris was an amazing addition to the BoGSE cohort. Their project, producing our first social story, offers a great example of the ways they worked to make the botanic garden feel accessible and inviting to all. But, even more than the work Kris produced, was the spirit they brought to our space. Kris' deep curiosity and genuine interest in others (paired with a special knack for asking discerning questions) catalyzed so many meaningful conversations and brought a bright and fun energy to our spaces. Lyman hasn't been quite the same without them! - Associate Director of Education Sarah Loomis

Student in black shirt smiling at camera.

Abagail Coleman

2025-26 Lyman Crew, 2024-25 Education Intern, Summer 2025 Kew Intern & 2023-24 BoGSE Learning Garden Coordinator

Abagail has been such a great presence in Lyman over the past years, in several roles, finishing up her BG career as Greenhouse Assistant, and especially helping to install this year's spring bulb show—we're going to miss you, Abagail! - Conservatory Curator Jimmy Grogan

I had the great pleasure of working with Abagail for one semester before she joined the greenhouse horticulture team. While here at the BG, she demonstrated an immense capacity to excel in many different roles—from research, education, and customer service to plant care. Her enthusiasm for continued growth through taking on new challenges will serve her well in all of life’s future endeavors. - Sheri Lyn Peabody '87

Student with long dark brown hair smelling a marigold.

Maria Tejada Gonzalez

2025-26 BoGSE

I'm so grateful to have worked with Maria this year. She brings a creative and incredibly artistic eye to her work. As a student interested in landscape architecture, she's brought to life projects that celebrate the plants and design of our campus; developing a native plant tour, supporting the design and planting of our Learning Garden, and producing a beautiful zine for our zine library. In addition to these contributions and talents, she is an overall thoughtful and fun addition to the BoGSE team!" - Associate Director of Education Sarah Loomis

Girl smiling in green shirt walking by plants.

Sophia Zuccala

2024-26 Curatorial Team, 2023-24 Conservation Intern, 2022-23 Comms Team

Having Sophia on our team elevated our work in so many ways. Her passion for native plant conservation was matched by the patience and attention to detail that the work demands and her kind support for the people they works with. They helped us learn what is possible as we bring Smithies into the complex and collaborative world of conservation. We are going to miss her! - Director John Berryhill

I have so enjoyed working with Sophia over the past two years because she is someone who is just so into the plants. Seeing a person get into plants and grow into this career of public gardens, conservation and horticulture is really awesome! - Manager of Collections Kady Wilson '15, M.S. '21

College student with purple bandana at a microscope.

Haroula Giagkozoglou

Front Desk Team 2025-26

Even though Haroula didn’t join the BG student team until her senior year, she has fit right in as one of the friendly, smiling faces that you first see when visiting Lyman Plant House & Conservatory! We appreciate everything Haroula did to assist and enhance the visitor experience during her time here. We’re sad to say goodbye, but very happy to wish Haroula the best of luck and to send out positive vibes for all new and exciting things about to happen!

Girl with long brown curly hair and blue sweater.

Emilia Neyer

2023-24 Curatorial Team, 2024 Conservation Intern, 2025 Kew Intern

The incredible impact that Emilia had in her time on our botanic garden team will be as lasting as it was unique. She is a brilliant scholar whose curiosity and drive helped shape some of our most important work. The only thing that matched her intellect and skill was the kind and thoughtful energy that lifted her friends and colleagues. We are excited to see where her path leads her next! - Director John Berryhill

Student with long dark blonde hair in a field of tall grass.

Jane Nilson

Label Engraver 2025-26

Jane's enthusiasm for small details has been so appreciated in their role as label engraver on the curatorial team. The care she puts into her work, and curation in general, has made her a true asset at the botanic garden. - Manager of Collections Kady Wilson '15, S.M. '21

Girl with short red hair wearing red shirt.