News

From deployment in Afghanistan to the greenhouses of academia, Jeff Robinson has charted an extraordinary path—trading combat boots for a lab coat in pursuit of a deeper understanding of plant science.

After a 13-year career, retiring as a sergeant in the Canadian Armed Forces, including time spent teaching explosive theory to military engineers, Jeff is now fighting climate change through sustainable agriculture. With a recently completed degree in Plant Science and a master’s underway, his journey from soldier to scientist reflects a powerful drive to serve, protect and grow.

Jeff isn’t sure he will ever really understand why he joined the military but attributes it to the fact he missed the bus to school during the events of 9/11 and watched it unfold on live news.  “I genuinely don’t know but I just have a deep-seated desire and need to help people,” he explained.

That desire now extends to climate change with an aspiration to peek behind the curtain and truly understand how plants function.  “With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, I wanted to be on the ‘right side of history’, contributing to sustainable, science-based agricultural practices,” he added.

Originally from Halifax, Jeff has been living in North River with his wife Christine Neal, their children Riley (12) and Jean-Rose (10) and a lively assortment of pets and chickens since 2021.  Their home—an original farmhouse estimated to be over 150 years old—sits on three acres of mostly open yard dotted with old trees.

“We tend to spend lots of time outdoors in the military but not much time appreciating it,” he said. “I’ve taught many military engineers over my years as an instructor and one thing I’ve learned is farmers make great soldiers,” he added.  “I think that’s one thing that has made the transition a little easier.  Most people here are driven individuals of similar mindset, typically just a different product, so the difference was surprisingly natural from regimental life in the military.”

Jeff credits many people in his journey, noting support from Dr. Jin Yue in the Help Centre and inspiration from senior instructors like Kalyani Prithiviraj who introduced him to microscopy and Dr. Tudor Borza who emphasized the weight of calling oneself a plant scientist. Senior Instructor Karen Smith, he says, helped ignite a new appreciation for bugs, while Sherry Matheson and Cynthia Parks provided valuable lab guidance. His Honours project was made possible with the support of Drs. Yunfei Jiang and Lord Abbey and his team.

“Jeff was a pleasure to have in the classroom. His questions demonstrated a real curiosity and a desire to learn,” said Senior Instructor Karen Smith.  “I enjoyed his humor throughout the semester and the hilarity that often ensued with his fellow students. I have no doubt he will continue to have a positive impact on the world around him.”

Now pursuing his master’s under the supervision of Dr. Alex Martynenko developing drying technology for medicinal plant material, Jeff hopes to enter the field of controlled environment agriculture, one day working as a consultant.

Though he didn’t grow up especially interested in plants, Jeff was always surrounded by gardens and the landscaping efforts of his parents. That connection to nature, along with his love of the outdoors, helped shape his academic interests.

Jeff’s children often visit the greenhouses with him and stay curious about his studies. “They’ve definitely been part of this journey, and it’s been great to share it with them.”

Jeff Robinson continues to serve with curiosity, compassion and a commitment to a healthier planet.