State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Dr. Sheri Dorn moved to University of Georgia’s Department of Horticulture, Athens, in August 2025 to take a new position as Assistant Professor specializing in Sociohorticulture and Horticultural Therapy. Previously, she served as UGA’s Extension Horticulturist for Consumer Ornamentals and Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program State Coordinator on the UGA Griffin campus since 2012. In her new role at UGA, Sheri is creating a horticultural therapy program for both undergraduate and graduate study. Sheri’s research centers on the relationship between people and plants, including therapeutic horticulture benefits for special populations, as well as the utilization of horticulture-based citizen science for social engagement. Using quantitative research methods such as surveys, Dr. Dorn seeks to measure the social, emotional, and educational impacts of gardening and plant-based activities.
As a gardener, Sheri is passionate about vegetable gardening and color in the garden! She enjoys raising vegetables with her family and planting colorful container gardens with annual and perennial combinations. Her latest interests include botanical crafts like flower-pressing and herbal products. Sheri believes there is always something to learn about plants and tries to visit public gardens whenever possible.
Appointments
- Extension: 55%
- Instruction: 40%
- Service: 5%
Education
- B.S. Horticulture, Virginia Tech, 1994
- M.S. Horticulture, Virginia Tech, 1999
- Ph.D. Horticulture, University of Georgia, 2019