Mr Michael Cotton
Laboratory Technician supporting Horticulture
As the horticultural technician Mike primarily supports the Biological Sciences Plant Growth Facility, made up of 9 Controlled Environment Rooms (CER’s) and the experimental glasshouses as well as the experimental plots at Chilworth research park.
Mike provides day to day care for the plant collections housed in the facility, pest management, one on one advice and training for staff and students in basic horticulture and preventative maintenance and servicing for the facility equipment.
My job can be challenging when fighting off pests and diseases but also rewarding when helping researchers and fellow technicians.
Career History
2008-present: Laboratory Technician (Horticulture). University of Southampton, UK.
1994-2008: Gardener. University of Southampton Botanical Gardens, Experimental Glasshouses and Plots.
1993-1994: Gardener/Tree Surgeon. Hillier’s Arboretum, Romsey, UK.
Academic qualifications
2014: PA1 Award in the Safe Use of pesticides (refresher).
2014: Pesticide Handheld application PA6 (refresher).
1998: National Proficiency Test Council Certificate of Competence for Pesticides.
1993: National Certificate in Arboriculture. Sparsholt College, Winchester, UK.
1992: National certificate in Horticulture (Garden landscaping). Sparsholt College, Winchester, UK.