Extension associate and founder of the Cornell Learning Labs, Philson Warner, passed away on February 24, 2024. On Wednesday, February 28, Cornell University Cooperative Extension-New York City (CUCE-NYC) staff members gathered virtually to honor Warner’s legacy. Nicknamed the “godfather of hydroponics”, he is remembered fondly for his intellectual contributions to STEM, his design of hydroponics and aquaponics systems, and for his vibrant, lively personality.
Colleagues reminisced about observing Warner develop the hydroponics system that would eventually become the foundation of Cornell’s Learning Labs. “He was really an inventor,” said Jackie Davis-Manigaulte, CUCE’s Program Leader for Family and Youth Development. She recounted her experience watching Warner excitedly introduce new technologies at New York State fairs and other science education events. “I’m so happy to have seen his dreams come true”, she added, as his programs grew and inspired New York communities over the years.
Philson Warner worked with Cornell University Cooperative Extension for nearly 45 years with extension associate appointments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (1979-1998) and the College of Human Ecology (1998 until his passing).
Jennifer Tiffany, CUCE’s Executive Director, reflected that “Philson never stopped learning and growing. In addition to being a scientist, inventor, and innovator, he was a careful advocate for students who might slip through the cracks and miss the opportunity to develop their full potential. He created ways for students to learn teamwork – team science – and to develop their curiosity and joy in learning. Philson never lost his own sense of joy and curiosity. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts.”
Warner dedicated his life’s work to producing healthier and safer food to New York City communities and bringing STEM opportunities to students. Warner founded and led the Cornell Hydroponics, Aquaculture and Aquaponics Learning Labs, which are a centerpiece of CUCE-NYC’s youth development programming and a highlight among educational opportunities offered at Food and Finance High School in Manhattan.
For Cornell faculty and staff visiting New York City, touring the Learning Labs was almost a rite-of-passage. Warner offered tours to Cornellians, teachers and officials from New York, and international visitors. Tours highlighted the rooftop greenhouse designed by Warner, home to various lettuce varieties, and enthusiastically spoke to anyone about hydroponics—the science of growing plants without soil, in a biologically and ecologically controlled environment. Visitors could also learn about aquaculture and aquaponics.
Through the Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Science and Technology Educational Programs (HASTEP), Warner’s labs provided an exciting environment for high school students to explore their interests in STEM. Every semester, Warner mentored several students at Food and Finance, offering experiential learning opportunities to better understand how science is used to produce clean, fresh food in a sustainable manner. CUCE lab technicians Imani Dailey and Frank Henderson worked closely with Warner to support student intern learning and will continue to sustain the program.
When Warner first joined Cornell, he identified a lack of resources in NYC high schools, which were especially devoid of STEM education opportunities. Part of his mission in leading the Cornell Learning Labs was to bring STEM opportunities to students of color and under resourced backgrounds. In particular, he was dedicated to engaging young women in science learning and in exploring science careers.
In 2023 alone, over 300 students participated in HASTEP programming across 5 schools in NYC. HASTEP exposes students to STEM careers and provides a framework to learn about hydroponics, aquaponics, aquacultures, while also building competencies in sciences such as chemistry, math, biology, and living environment. Warner designed the program to prioritize inclusivity and adequately prepare students to compete with their peers in college applications.
“He leaves so much richness and so much behind in terms of his contributions, not just in terms of his work but in who he was as a person,” said Eduardo Gonzalez, assistant director for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cornell Cooperative Extension. “I think of all the young people whose lives he touched. How he never stepped out of that lab coat, and how powerful it was for youth to see him as a passionate scientist—especially Brown and Black youth.”
Warner is survived by his wife, Lois, his daughters, and grandchildren among other family members. He is remembered fondly by family, friends, colleagues, and the communities he served over the decades. He will be deeply missed.
In Spring 2024, a celebration of life will be held at Food & Finance High School to honor Warner’s legacy. Read his obituary here.
Photo credit: Jason Koski