JoHannah Biang

Biography

Dr. JoHannah H. Biang is an Assistant Professor of Ornamental Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. Her interdisciplinary research bridges applied horticultural science, sustainable landscape management, and the social dimensions of horticulture, with an emphasis on resilience, education, and community engagement.

Dr. Biang’s current research program focuses on evaluating ornamental and edible specialty crops for performance under environmental stress, including drought, wind, and temperature extremes, with particular attention to low-input and multifunctional species suitable for Oklahoma landscapes. Ongoing projects include assessing the ornamental, agronomic, and nutritional potential of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), an herbal specialty crop, as well as collaborative evaluations of woody and perennial ornamentals. Additionally her research program seeks to support and strengthen the work of specialty cut flower producers in Oklahoma with cultivar evaluation, production recommendations, season extension through high tunnel usage, and growing the network through workshops and conferencing. Her work supports growers, landscape professionals, and educators seeking sustainable and adaptable plant selections.

She earned her Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from the University of Georgia, where her dissertation examined student experiences at a university community farm using qualitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, focus groups, and participant observation. This work contributes to a broader understanding of how experiential and service-learning environments influence student learning, self-efficacy, and long-term engagement in agriculture and food systems.

Before joining Oklahoma State University, Dr. Biang managed the gardens and greenhouse of a historic estate dating to 1841 with a team of skilled horticulturalists by maintaining, re-designing, and restoring the historic formal gardens at Hills and Dales Estate. Here she reignited her love of ornamentals, public gardening, and landscape horticulture. Prior to this position, Dr. Biang managed the UGArden, a 9-acre student-run organic teaching farm at the University of Georgia, and has held leadership roles in public gardens, historic landscapes, and one particular teaching farm. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, mentorship, and the integration of social, ecological, and technical perspectives within horticulture education.

Research Interests