Drew - Founder & CEO
Drew's first encountered carnivorous plants when he was 12 years old. Over the years, his collection has grown into one of the foremost in the world. His passion has led him to study habitats of these incredible plant species around the world and he's taken back this knowledge to design and build horticultural environments based.
Drew studied physics and biology at Stanford and then completed an M.S. in Optics from University of Arizona with thesis focused on design of LED grow lights. Drew worked in Silicon Valley biotech startups and nanotechnology companies for a decade (Pacific Biosciences, KLA-Tencor, Google X). In 2016, Drew and his family moved to Austin, TX in order to build a state of the art nursery and laboratory to house Carnivero.
Bailee - Horticulture Manager
Background: I recently graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s in Horticulture Production. Prior to that I collected houseplants for several years.
Favorite plant: I am really fond of Amorphophallus titanum and really any Nepenthes!
What you enjoy most about your work: I find horticulture to be very relaxing and rewarding! I love getting to take care of carnivorous plants on such a large scale.
What you enjoy doing outside work: I love to read, take care of my plants, and baking. I also love taking care of my pets!
Emily - Fulfillment Associate
Background: Before I started at Carnivero, I always had a passion for plants and found myself in many nurseries, groups, anything I could use to learn more about plants. Also, Working customer service for 6 years helps me look from the customers eyes to ensure their happiness!
Favorite plant: too many to pick but I have a new found love for anthuriums
What do you enjoy most about your work? I enjoy being able to put myself in the customers shoes to pick out the perfect plant for them and make sure it’s packaged with care
What you enjoy doing outside of work: Outside (and inside) of work i love to grow my plant collection, cuddle with my dog, and spend time with family
Halia - Lab Manager
Background: I'm an ecologist with a background in entomology, wetland ecosystems, forestry, and animal medicine. My master's thesis investigated environmental and genetic factors that impact the reproductive success of Sarracenia alata populations in Texas.
Favorite Plant: I have too many! but standing next to a Giant Sequoia has never disappointed.
What do you enjoy most about your work: I get to continue researching carnivorous plants but from a new perspective.
What you enjoy doing outside of work: My pup, Lincoln, and I are having fun exploring Austin, growing medicinal plants, weight lifting, camping, and learning new hobbies like painting and playing the piano.
Janine - Customer Service and Fulfillment Manager
Background: Before working at Carnivero I managed a UPS Store for a few years, so I have a lot of experience with packaging, the shipping industry and customer service.
Favorite Plant: Pinguicula Moctezumae, it catches all the pests in my green space and it has an adorable pink flower.
What do you enjoy most about your work: I like selecting the perfect plant for a customer and making sure it is packed with care.
What you enjoy doing outside of work: In my free time I like to fuss over my indoor plants, check out local music or comic book shops with my family, take my dog on hikes and try out new recipes in the kitchen.
Karina - Lab Technician
Background: I received a bachelor’s in biology at Texas State University where I was able to further expand my hobbies in entomology, bone collecting, and geology.
Favorite Plant: Curio rowleyanus but that might change as I learn more about plants!
What do you enjoy most about your work? I love being part of something that brings joy into peoples lives and getting to partake in that joy myself.
What you enjoy doing outside of work: I’m always looking for something to add to my personal natural history museum, if not you can find me roller skating.
Keith - Fulfillment Associate
Lui - Lab Technician
Background: I learned my aseptic technique from my time as an undergrad growing Arabidopsis at Purdue University. My main experience with tissue culture is from my time with DOW Agroscience working on their plants taking them from tissue culture out into growing chambers and finally their greenhouses.
Favorite Plant: Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis
What do you enjoy most about your work: I love learning about the Carnivorous plants, everyday its always something new to learn.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I love competing in fighting games. If I'm not doing that I'm either at the local botanical garden or tending to my own personal collection.
Mei - Sales Manager
Background: From running my own personal small business online and at vendor fairs, my skills carried over to Carnivero as the Fulfillment Manager. I'm now the Sales Manager - I create weekly inventory updates, conduct marketing, and website developments among other various tasks.
Favorite Plant: Pinguicula marciano
What do you enjoy most about your work: I'm able to utilize all of my skills while contributing to a growing nursery with a close-knit team. Learning and working with some of the rarest plants in the world is an added bonus!
What you enjoy doing outside of work: On my off time, I enjoy trying different arts and crafts, volunteering at the animal shelter, and exploring Austin for new restaurants.
