Research & Development

Joe Doccola - Director of Research and Development
Joe is an ISA Certified Arborist and Plant Health Care Specialist with over 30 years of experience in the horticultural and arboricultural fields. Joe was educated at Cornell University in Plant Sciences and at the New York Botanical Garden in Horticulture. He has worked in commercial, residential and public environments, and managed Plant Health Care in Prospect Park, for the City of New York. For over 15 years, Joe has developed research methods for Arborjet technology and has established cooperative studies with universities, the USFS and private entities in efforts to manage invasive and destructive tree pests. He has authored and co-authored publications on destructive pests of trees such as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Erythrina Gall Wasp, and Emerald Ash Borer.

Don Grosman - Technology Advancement Manager

John-Michael Alexy - Research and Formulations Specialist
JM is a graduate of Boston University, where he earned a degree in Biology. He has enjoyed being outdoors and discovering the “how and why” of nature. As he got older this encouraged him to pursue a career in which he could feed his curiosity. Previously, JM has worked in catalyst research at BASF, and on forward osmosis water treatment at Oasys Water. These positions equipped him with a wide range of chemistry and engineering skills that he brings to Arborjet.
JM joined the Arborjet Research & Development team in 2016, where his main focus is implementing in-house studies, and analyzing the data that is collected. His time is also dedicated to adjusting current formulations, and assisting with the development of future products. He also performs in-house analysis of Arborjet products, and formulates the products as well.
When he’s not formulating in Arborjet’s lab, JM enjoys doing some formulations of his own at his home brewery. You can also find him on the golf course or out fishing, satisfying his need to be outdoors.

Ploy Kurdmongkoltham - Plant Pathologist & Microbiologist
Ploy began at Arborjet in the Spring of 2019 as our inhouse Plant Pathologist and Microbiologist. She recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Doctor of Plant Medicine degree. While at school, she worked on row crop pest and diseases as well as foodborne pathogens. Ploy has other experience such as leading and coordinating Florida First Detector workshops, teaching growers, Master Gardeners and the public on identifying pest and diseases. In addition to her DPM, Ploy has also earned a Master’s Degree in Plant Biology from Jacksonville State University.
Since starting her master’s program, Ploy developed interest in working in research and development. Being in the lab became a second home to her. I also love nature and hiking, so combining the two sounds perfect! Outside of the lab, Ploy enjoys exploring new places and trying new foods, singing, and playing her clarinet.