Myakka Fall 2024
Myakka gives a special identity to the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.
It is the Seminole word for “big waters” and the name of Florida’s state soil: Florida's State Soil - Myakka Fine Sand.
2181 McCarty Hall A, PO Box 110290 | Gainesville, FL 32611-0290 | (352) 294-3151
Message from the Interim Chair
Greetings, from the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.
As we step into a new chapter for the department, I want to begin by thanking Dr. Matt Whiles for his service and leadership as department chair over the past five-plus years. Under his guidance, we expanded the scope of our department to include ecosystem sciences and adopted the new name to better reflect what we do. Matt also oversaw the hiring and promotions of several junior faculty members who fill critical extension, research, and teaching roles. I’m happy that Matt will continue to serve as a professor in the department.
It is my privilege to stand in the gap and serve as interim chair of SWES. We have an incredibly talented and diverse department, with faculty at nine Research and Education Centers, the Whitney Lab, and in Gainesville, researching and teaching a wide range of topics focused on soil, water, and ecosystem sciences. This diversity makes our department very unique in the world of academia! I see my role during this period as making sure we all have what’s needed to be successful, and to ensure that the department is in good condition for our next leader. During my time as interim chair, I will continue to support day-to-day activities as well as several initiatives that were started under Matt’s leadership, including recruitment of faculty for our Soil and Water Sciences Lecturer position and a Nutrient Management position. Please be prepared to participate in these searches as much as possible.
We are also in the planning stages to hold a teaching retreat in May (15-16th) to review our curricula and identify areas-of-opportunity where new courses can further enhance the value of our degree programs for our students - stay tuned for more information in the spring. In the meantime, save the dates and be sure to contribute to these valuable discussions and the future of our academic programs. While the retreat is designed for faculty participation, we would also love to hear from those of you outside of our current programs if you have suggestions for improvement. You can send comments/suggestions to me.
Regarding the search for our new chair, the search committee has been formed (chaired by Dr. John Arthington, Chair of the Animal Sciences Department) and officially charged with conducting a national search. The search committee has already met to develop the job description, and they anticipate that the position will be advertised in mid-January. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available and be sure to participate in these important interviews.
Lastly, please enjoy this edition of the Myakka. In it we highlight some new research projects that were recently started or that will start soon. In November, we had our annual awards banquet and recognized our outstanding graduate and undergraduate students. You can find information on the award recipients and photos from the event here. Likewise, we congratulate our students who are graduating this semester, and we welcome those joining us in the spring.
On behalf of the SWES faculty and staff, I wish you happy holidays and a healthy and successful 2025! We love to hear from our alumni and friends. Reach out to us anytime; you can contact me at pcwilson@ufl.edu.
Research Highlights
Find all of our Fall 2024 research seminars here: SWES Seminar Archives
Protecting the Everglades
The Florida Everglades faces a silent but dangerous threat: excess phosphorus. Despite decades of efforts, this nutrient continues to harm water quality, native vegetation, and wildlife habitats. Dr. Jehangir “Jango” Bhadha's research project, Treatment Technologies for Phosphorus Mitigation, seeks to turn the tide by identifying and testing advanced materials-based solutions for phosphorus capture. By collaborating closely with local stakeholders, this project not only aims to protect the Everglades but also promises new applications for clean water technologies worldwide.
Read more...
Seaweed Aquaculture
Florida’s warm Atlantic waters may hold the key to a new wave of sustainable aquaculture. Backed by a $250,000 NOAA grant, UF/IFAS and Florida Sea Grant researchers are exploring the untapped potential of tropical seaweed farming. This three-year study, led by Dr. Ashley Smyth, aims to establish Florida as a leader in seaweed aquaculture, creating economic opportunities while benefiting the environment. By identifying the best local species, scalable farming methods, and market demand, the team hopes to launch a versatile industry with applications ranging from food and cosmetics to biofuels and waterway cleanup.
Read more...
Students & Alumni
Experiential Learning Undergraduate Research Published
The Experiential Learning Lab (ELL) engages undergraduate students with real-world issues, empirical observation, cutting-edge technologies, and the sense of excitement that comes from hands-on work to investigate important questions. Colleen Mondell (B.S. 2023) contributed her research findings in a study of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) in an article recently published in the journal Agronomy. Kenaf is an annual crop renowned for its cellulosic fiber and boasting exceptional biomass productivity. The article explores the many applications of kenaf, highlighting those with the greatest future potential.
Colleen Mondell (left) holding kenaf at the Research Forum with Dr. Ann Wilkie.
Previously, in Summer 2022, Mondell enrolled in SWS 4911: Supervised Research in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, advised by Dr. Ann Wilkie (SWES professor). She studied the sustainable ways that each part of the kenaf plant can be used in multiple industries and the potential for kenaf to be utilized as a commercially valuable crop in the state of Florida. Mondell prepared a report on "The Sustainable Uses of Kenaf" and presented her research at the 2023 SWES Research Forum. She conducted her research at the SWES Experiential Learning Laboratory, which Dr. Wilkie leads. Students at the ELL can participate in research on a range of topics, including biogas production from food waste and other organic wastes, algae cultivation for carbon capture and utilization, composting, and soil carbon sequestration, among other sustainable practices. The Agronomy article was co-written with Dr. Wilkie, Conner Austin, a postdoc in the Department of Environmental Horticulture, and Dr. David Clark, his faculty advisor.
Research Experience in Ecuador
What’s it like to conduct research in the heart of the Amazon? SWES senior Amber Lopez spent her summer in Ecuador tackling water quality challenges as part of an international research project. Working alongside scientists and immersing herself in Ecuadorian culture, Amber installed automated water samplers and uncovered the impacts of nutrient pollution on local ecosystems.
Read more...
Congratulations, Fall 2024 Graduates!
Doctor of Philosophy: Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Rachel Howard (Meyer)
Love Kumar (Deitch)
Simranpreet Kaur Sidhu (Sharma & Zotarelli)
Master of Science: Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Jordan Cuoco (Bhadha)
Emily Harmon (Deitch)
Brooke Johnson (Wright)
Michael Pierce (Deitch)
Nevaeh Renwick (Judy)
Shraddha Sharma (Mylavarapu)
Hayden Shellenbarger (Sharma & Bryn)
Rajkaranbir Singh (Sharma & Sidhu)
Sukhdeep Singh (Sharma & Sidhu)
Master of Science: Soil and Water Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Shahd Alrabia (Mylavarapu)
Simon Sokolof-Kemp (Reisinger)
Graduate Certificates
Biodegradation and Bioremediation
(Advisor: Ogram)
Brierra Mack
Soil Ecosystem Services
(Advisor: Strauss)
Brooke Johnson
Emily Weaver
Sustainable Land Resource and Nutrient Management
(Advisor: Bacon)
Emily Elliott
Jessica Marquis
Wetland and Water Resource Management
(Advisor: Clark)
Karthik Boregowda
Emily Harmon
Sierra Lauck
Michael Pierce
Savannah Tota
Bachelor of Science: Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors: Bonczek & Sisk)
Tanya Charan (Water Science specialization)
Bachelor of Science: Interdisciplinary Studies-Environmental Management in Agriculture & Natural Resources
(Advisors: Enloe & Sisk)
Syndey Barker
James Covington
Maia Drobniewski
Darci Griffin
Max Mayall
Aidan Patterson
Michelle Poirier
Marilyn Young
Undergraduate Minor: Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
MeKeila Lightfoot
Welcome, New Students!
Graduate Students
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Ph.D. Students:
Nikhil Deep (Babaeian)
Ashley Hennessey (Reisinger)
Samuel Aregbesola (Tziolas)
Berson Valcin (Bhadha)
M.S. Students:
Aryan Beharry (Daroub)*
Chelsea Brown (Daroub)*
James Brown (Daroub)*
Sarah Fernandez (Daroub)*
Daichi Furukawa (Mackowiak)
Karamvir Kaur (Sharma)
Taite Miller (Daroub)*
Caleb Morrow (Daroub)*
Michael Naymik (Daroub)*
Amir Sabir (Daroub)*
Samantha Smith (Wright)
Gurjoban Tiwana (Golmohammadi)
* Temporary Advisor
Undergraduate Students
Interdisciplinary Studies-
Environmental Management in Agriculture
and Natural Resources
(Advisors: Enloe & Sisk)
Michael Ferris
Alex Freeland
Jimmy Jean
Tyrese Osborne
Ashley Ryan
Interdisciplinary Ecology
(School of Natural Resources & Environment)
(Advisors in parentheses)
Ph.D. Student:
Rajkaranbir Singh (Maltais-Landry)
M.S. Student:
Andre Brebion (Osborne)
Jelvi Fika (Reddy)*
Chantille Weber (Reddy)*
* Temporary Advisor
Soils Judging Team Returns to Action
After a 20-year hiatus, the UF Soils Judging Team returned to the field at the 2024 Southeast Regional Collegiate Soils Judging Contest. Showing teamwork and a passion for soil science, the team navigated host-site Kentucky's unique soil profiles. Guided by Dr. Heather Enloe, coach, and graduate student Tess Thompson, assistant coach, this journey offered more than competition—it fostered professional growth and hands-on learning.
Read more...
Awards & Recognition
Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Fellowships & Scholarships
Graduate Students
V.W. Carlisle Fellowship: Franky Celestin and Yaslin Gonzalez
George Hochmuth Education Enrichment Award: Swarnali Mahmood
Sam Polston Fellowship: Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira
William Robertson Fellowship: Laura Cano Castro, Suraj Melkani, and Vanesa Rostan
Ben Skulnick Fellowship: Cyrus Januari
Biogeochemistry Graduate Fellowship Award: Ryan Champiny, Shelby Kucharski, and Kendall Mackin
Undergraduate Students
Donald A. Graetz Education Award: John Ballou
Frederick Smith Award: Savannah Wright
George J. Hochmuth Education Award: Katya Kasprzak
Outstanding Undergraduate Award: Amber Lopez
View 2024 Awards Banquet Photos on Flickr:
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Fellowships & Scholarships
Graduate Students
A.S. Herlong Scholarship: Jaya Nepal and Simranpreet Sidhu
Agricultural Women's Club Scholarship: Rajkaranbir Singh
Ofelia Anzola Memorial Scholarship: Yaslin Gonzalez
William C. and Bertha M. Cornett Fellowship: Emma Dawson and Noel Manirakiza
Grebe-Wahlberg Memorial Scholarship: Zoe Spielman
Doris and Earl Lowe and Verna Lowe Scholarship: Xue Bai, Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira, Moges Biru, Ryan Champiny, Justina Dacey, Love Kumar, Vanesa Rostan, Mohkam Singh, and Ravinder Singh
Undergraduate Students
Branan Scholarship: Jade Hua
Florida Rural Rehabilitation Corporation Scholarship: Aralyn Nunez and Zoe Orange
Lakes and Hills Garden Club Scholarship: John Ballou
Doris Lowe and Earl and Verna Lowe Scholarship: Sydney Barker, Katya Kasprzak, Amber Lopez, Campbell Scharer, and Savannah Wright
Orange County Farm Bureau Scholarship: Nathan Goyer
Awards from the 2024 annual meetings of the Agronomy Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America:
- Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira received the SSSA Soil and Water Management and Conservation Division Graduate Student Award.
- Anik Mahmud received 1st place for Ph.D. Oral presentation in the SSSA Soil Chemistry Division.
- Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira received 1st place in the ASA Environmental Quality Section Oral presentation.
- Zoe Spielman received 1st place oral presentation in the SSSA Wetland Soils Division.
- Ayush Sharma received 1st place for oral presentation in the ASA Airborne and Satellite Remote Sensing Section.
- Sukhdeep Singh received 1st place in M.S. oral competition ASA Community: Nutrient Management Professionals Section: Advances in nutrient management
- Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira received 1st place in the ACS Diversity Poster session.
- Rajkaranbir Singh received 2nd Place in oral presentation ASA Sensor-based Nutrient Management Community
- Xue Bai received 3rd place for the Ph.D. Oral presentation in the ASA Nutrient Management Professionals Community.
- Ankita Datta received 3rd place poster presentation in the SSSA Wetland Soils Division.
- Zoe Spielman received 3rd place poster presentation in the SSSA Wetland Soils Division.
- Shelby Kucharski received 3rd place in Graduate Student 5-minute Rapid Oral and Poster Competition SSSA Soil Biology and Biochemistry Division.
- Rajkaranbir Singh received Honorable Mention in Graduate Student 5-minute Rapid Oral and Poster Competition SSSA Soil Fertility & Plant Nutrient, Nutrient Management & Soil Plant Analysis Division
- Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira was selected as an Encompass Fellow. The year-long fellowship includes one-on-one mentoring with Bayer.
Dr. Marc Hensel was named an Early-Career Research Fellow in Environmental Protection and Stewardship with the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Dr. Nikolaos Tziolas received a UF/IFAS Archer Early Career Seed Grant award.
Dr. Sunny Liao, Dr. Nikolaos Tziolas, and Dr. Sarah Strauss received UF/IFAS – Embrapa, Brazil Climate Change Research awards.
Dr. Nikolaos Tziolas was named a Global Fellow with the UF International Center.
Dr. Tanjila Jesmin received the Rising Star Postdoc Award for demonstrating significant achievements in leadership and service at UF.
Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni and Carina Dybevick, Human Resources Generalist II, completed the LEAD IFAS program.
Gabriela "Bella" Reyes was named a 2024 Florida Sea Grant Graduate Research Fellow.
Labake Agunbiade received the Florida Fertilizer and Agrochemical Association Scholarship.
Cyrus Januarie won Third Place in the MS Poster Competition at the annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science.
Emma Dawson received the Young Minds Award for her oral presentation at the International Society for Horticultural Science & International Citrus Congress.
Taryn Chaya received Best Student Poster Presentation Award at the Society of Wetland Scientists.
Yasmeen Ahmed Saleem received a Research Abroad for Doctoral Students Award from the UF International Center.
Paula Sanchez Garzon received the Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation Scholarship.
Recipients of the Fall 2024 Water Institute Travel Awards: Love Kumar, Taryn Chaya, and Zoe Spielman.
