Since arriving at NCSU in 2009, the academic journey that has guided my professional path has been the greatest experience one could ask for! In particular, the past five years have culminated in various successes and milestones in my teaching and research programs. This presentation will summarize my experiences, challenges, and successes in the classroom as well as shed some light on my teaching philosophy and future efforts relating to scholarship, student engagement, advising, and mentoring. From the classroom, we will travel below the surface to the depths of the rhizosphere – and explore recent research efforts and outcomes in soilless substrate science, both nationally as well as globally. Finally, I will discuss the future of my program here at NCSU and I will share some of the exciting opportunities and projects that lie ahead!