He earned is PhD from the University of Florida in plant pathology and has published peer reviewed research and written articles for magazines relating Florida’s plant communities and trees. Dr. Spence has 21 years of combined experience as an educator in middle school, high school, adult continuing education, and at the university level. Dr. Spence is also a Board Certified Master Arborist and is a past member of the Volusia County Code Enforcement Board, a member of the Volusia County Green Ribbon Panel, and he won an elected seat on the Volusia Soil and Water Conservation District in 2006.