About US
Our Story
Green Thumb Strategies is an applied environmental practice that helps communities and partners improve the way they manage land and water. Our work is rooted in research, but focused on practical solutions that deliver real environmental benefits while strengthening local communities.
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Our flagship project, Phytoflora, grew out of academic research on floating wetlands and its ability to reduce nutrient pollution in impaired waterways. That work revealed an opportunity to go further by designing systems that not only clean water, but also produce valuable plant biomass and support local growers. What began as field experiments has since evolved into a scalable approach for restoring canals, lakes, and ponds.
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As Phytoflora moved from research into real-world use, the team was selected for the Larta Institute’s Venture Fellow Cohort in 2023, supporting Miami-based startups advancing community-centered climate solutions. They are also members of the Seaworthy Collective’s fourth cohort (2024), a BlueTech entrepreneurship program focused on ocean and climate innovation.
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Together, these experiences shaped Phytoflora into a research-backed, community-driven venture built to deliver measurable impact.
Meet the Team
Founder & Lead Researcher
Jazmin
Locke-Rodriguez, Ph.D
Dr. Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez is a Miami-based environmental scientist and founder of Phytoflora by Green Thumb Strategies. She holds a PhD in Earth System Science from Florida International University, where her research on productive floating wetlands laid the foundation for Phytoflora’s applied work.
She maintains a research appointment with FIU and works at the intersection of regenerative agriculture, water quality restoration, and bioeconomic innovation. Jazmin has been part of South Florida’s farming and restoration community for over a decade. As a founder, she has represented her work through national incubator programs and continues to focus on translating research into practical, place-based solutions.
Co-Founder
Ivan
Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez is a co-founder with a background in business and data-driven product development. He holds a BA from Florida International University and has supported the growth of multiple companies through research-informed strategy and product management. Ivan is deeply motivated by practical solutions and focuses on building tools and processes that translate vision into execution.
Environmental Scientist
Natalie
Valdes
Natalie Valdes is an environmental scientist with a BS in Environmental science and experience in laboratory work and environmental research. She has spent years working hands-on with data and research to better understand how plants interact with their environment. She’s passionate about turning science into something practical and accessible.
Partners & Collaborators
Awards & Recognition
Florida League of Cities Award
USDA-NIFA Fellowship