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
Greetings, from the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.
As we move into the summer, I want to reflect on the great momentum within the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES). This spring, we celebrated major faculty achievements, student successes, and departmental milestones that align with our mission and values. Two of our faculty members—Dr. Zhenli He and Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni—were elected Fellows of prestigious scientific organizations, recognizing their contributions to soil biogeochemistry and citrus water and nutrient management, respectively. We also recognized Dr. Lakesh Sharma and Dr. Kadyampakeni for receiving large, competitive research grants that will directly benefit Florida agriculture and natural resources. At our 21st SWES Research Forum, we saw exciting work from students and faculty, particularly in the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and ecosystem sciences.
A major step forward for our department is the replacement of our former “Thrust Areas” with six new SWES Program Areas that better describe the work that we all do. These areas represent the full breadth of our teaching, research, and extension efforts and offer a clearer structure for communicating our work. The six areas are:
These program areas will help us foster collaboration, identify strategic priorities, and highlight the expertise of our faculty to both internal and external audiences. We’re excited to feature these on our website soon, where each area will be accompanied by faculty involved in its core activities.
Finally, I want to share an update on the SWES Department Chair Search. After a national search launched earlier this year, the committee has selected three outstanding candidates for on-campus interviews this June and July. The finalists are:
We look forward to welcoming each of them to Gainesville and hearing their vision for the future of SWES. I encourage all faculty, staff, and students to participate in the interview process and provide feedback.
Thank you for all you do to make SWES a vibrant, forward-looking department. I’m proud to serve as your Interim Chair during this exciting time. As always, we love to hear from our alumni and friends. Reach out to us anytime and you can contact me at pcwilson@ufl.edu.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has elected Zhenli He, SWES professor of soil fertility and environmental chemistry, a Lifetime Fellow. He is currently a research foundation professor at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center. His research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, nutrient management, and the remediation of contaminated soil and water. He teaches courses on soil quality and nanotechnology applications in food, agriculture and environment. He serves on editorial boards for multiple scientific journals and was elected as a fellow for the Soil Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) has elected Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni, SWES associate professor of citrus water and nutrient management, a Fellow. A native of Malawi, he earned a BS in Ag Engineering and MS in Agronomy from what is now Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He came to UF for his PhD in Soil and Water Science and then conducted research in Ghana for two years. Dr. Kadyampakeni returned to SWES in 2016 as an assistant professor. His Water & Nutrient Management Lab at the UF/IFAS Citrus REC develops and implements sustainable strategies that optimize water management for citrus production, conservation of water, and water quality.
Two SWES faculty members have been recognized with IFAS Large Grant Leadership Awards for securing substantial funding in support of impactful research and outreach initiatives. The award underscores the critical issues UF/IFAS faculty are studying to support Florida agriculture and protect the state's natural resources. It also acknowledges the time, dedication, and effort required to earn grants of this size and the impact it will have on Florida and beyond.
Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni, associate professor of citrus water and nutrient management, received a nearly $2 million grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for his project titled "Sustainable Organic Citrus Production Using Improved Agroecological Management Strategies." The research aims to improve organic citrus production and sustainability through improved soil health, horticultural and pest management practices, and fruit yield.
Dr. Lakesh Sharma, assistant professor of soil fertility and sustainable nutrient management, was awarded a little more than $1 million by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy. His project, "Outreach and Education in Support of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy’s Best Management Practices Program," focuses on promoting responsible water use and agricultural practices through comprehensive outreach and education efforts.
Dr. Marc Hensel has earned a prestigious early-career fellowship from the National Academies’ Gulf Research Program. With a deep connection to Florida’s coasts and a focus on climate resilience, Hensel's research questions focus on the future of these ecosystems and the communities dependent on them.
Dr. Marc Hensel
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Julia Barra Netto Ferreira (Maltais-Landry & C.H. Wilson)
Jay Capasso (Morgan & Bhadha)
Shankar Shrestha (Schumann)
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Elaine Beauvais (Strauss)
Connor Blais (Bhadha)
Taylor Burgess (Osborne)
Ashley Colon (Bhadha)
Alexi Dinerstein (Ogram)
Emily Elliott (Smyth)
Deborah Holt (Reynolds)
Jonathan Infinger (Wilson)
Catherine Kaylor (Smyth & Reynolds)
Jessica Marquis (Smyth)
Ellen Oldham (Maltais-Landry)
Megan Phillips (Li)
Savannah Tota (Bhadha)
Interdisciplinary Ecology
(School of Natural Resources & Environment)
(Advisors in parentheses)
Amanda Castaing (Gerber)
Xinlin Wang (Sharma & Lin)
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Naomi Franklin (Babaeian)
Soil Ecosystem Services
(Advisor: Strauss)
Connor Blais
Dylan Stout
Sustainable Land Resource and Nutrient Management
(Advisor: Daroub)
Julian Avila Bernal
Wetland and Water Resource Management
(Advisor: Clark)
Anthony Buchko
Taylor Burgess
Elizabeth Kelly
Kelly Laplante
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors: Bonczek & Sisk)
Zaed Christie (Water Science specialization)
Jaclynne Fatone (Water Science specialization)
Amber Lopez (Water Science specialization)
Audrey Plauche (Soil Science specialization)
Soil and Water Sciences
(Advisors: Bonczek & Sisk)
Savannah Wright (Soil Science specialization)
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
(Advisors: Enloe & Sisk)
Elizabeth Adikes
Johnathan Ballou
Maggie Brown
Dante Del Rosario
Michael Fox
Jessica Gonzalez
Nicholas Gonzalez
Alexander Heackock
Katya Kasprzak
Thalia Mejia
Judy Nail (DiMarco)
Aralyn Nunez
Jack Purkerson
Gabriella Rutan
Sydney Schalk
Alexis Viti
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Marley Conha
Savanah Kendrick
Laura Kleckner
Ari Siegel
Soil and Water Sciences
Avah Avonda
Hailee Belcher
Miranda Mays
Rachael Tuck
We send best wishes to Dr. Maria Silveira, SWES professor of grassland biogeochemistry at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, who is departing for a new opportunity with the Noble Research Institute. Dr. Silveira has conducted her research and extension work at the Ona facility for nearly 19 years. Prior to that, she worked at Texas A&M University, UF, and University of California. A native of Brazil, she earned all three of her degrees at University of Sao Paulo.
In her new role at Noble (based in Ardmore, OK), Dr. Silveira will lead a team of scientists focused on grazing land conservation research. The Institute is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to farm and ranch management education. One of its goals is to build soil health on U.S. farms and ranches.
"Leaving UF is certainly bittersweet as I will miss all the friends, colleagues, and the incredibly rewarding experiences I had over the years," Maria said. "However, I'm also excited for the opportunities ahead the potential to make greater contributions in my new role."
During her time with UF/IFAS, Dr. Silveira has advised or co-advised about a dozen graduate students, served as a committee member for three dozen other students, and supervised two dozen postdoctoral research associates and visiting scientists.
She has authored or co-authored nearly 400 publications. Her involvement with the USDA/Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network spans more than a decade and Dr. Silveira was named a Soil Science Society of America Fellow last year. You can reach Maria at: mlas@ufl.edu
Noel Manirakiza (left) with advisor, Dr. Jango Bhadha, and Yaslin "Yaz" Gonzalez (right) with advisor, Dr. Gabriel Maltais-Landry, each received the Gerald O. Mott Meritorious Graduate Student Award in Crop Science. The award "recognizes top-notch graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in crop science disciplines." Noel is a student at the UF/IFAS Everglades REC while Yaz is student at the UF Main Campus.
Dr. Ann Wilkie, SWES research professor of bioenergy and sustainable technology, holds her Champions for Change award from the UF Office of Sustainability. She is the founder of the Compost Cooperative and Gardens (CCG). The Office of Sustainability recognizes her for transforming waste reduction practices through her innovative outreach program. Starting with one composter in 2009, the program now includes multiple composters, rainwater harvesters, and a regenerative garden, engaging hundreds of visitors annually. Dr. Wilkie’s dedication to education and community collaboration has made composting accessible and fostered a strong sense of teamwork and environmental stewardship. She is pictured with Katya Kasprzak, CCG compost manager, (left) and Ryan Champiny, CCG garden manager.
Dr. Monica Wilson (left) and Dr. Laura Reynolds hold their Champions for Change awards from the UF Office of Sustainability on behalf of the Operation TRAP team. Reynolds is a co-principal investigators on the project that has successfully captured more than 1,200 pounds of trash and nearly 4,000 large items from storm drains in two Gulf Coast communities. Wilson is the project coordinator. This UF, state, and local collaboration uses interception technologies and volunteers to prevent litter from entering aquatic preserves. The data collected informs education and outreach programs, encouraging local governments to adopt similar practices.
Additionally, Operation TRAP won a Silver Award for Promotional and Marketing Materials from the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals and a silver award in that category from the Florida Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals. Along with Reynolds and Wilson, team members from SWES include Morgan Edwards, biological scientist; Hayden Henke, graduate student; and Mike Loizzo, communications specialist. Operation TRAP is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Adam Searles is a recipient of the 2024-2025 Graduate Student Mentoring Award from the UF Graduate School. In recognizing him, the award committee stated, "As a mentor, Adam Searles shares his solid track record of research, professional experience, and educational connections across academic, state, and federal institutions with his mentees. He sees them as active stakeholders in the classroom, lab, and field — and as the next generation of mentors."
An Interdisciplinary Ecology Ph.D. candidate in the School of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Laura Reynolds, SWES associate professor, co-advises Adam with Dr. Charlie Martin.
Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni’s lab members volunteered as judges for the 70th Annual State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in March. (left to right) Dr. Jonas Pereira de Souza Jr, Tunde “Samuel” Oluwatuyi, Labake Agunbiade, Kondwani Kamsikiri, Dr. Alisheikh Atta, Cyrus Januarie, Noor Ul Basar, Monika Peddapuli, Giuliana Caprotti, Jose Prieto.
(Advisors in parentheses)
Namrata Ghimire, Ph.D. student (Golmohammadi)
Aryan Beharry, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Joshua Farre, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Daichi Furukawa, M.S. student (Mackowiak)
Kate Horne, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Grace Kalowsky, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Kayla Manson, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Madison Platow, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Christine Russo, M.S. student (Osborne)
Kyle Stella, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Hannah VanBuren, M.S. student (Daroub-temporary)
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
(Advisors: Dr. Enloe, Mr. Sisk)
Ethan Hatcher
Kendall Johnson
Maya Khokhlov
Polly Pritz
Finley Spurling
The Compost Cooperative and Gardens (CCG) hosted members of the UF and Gainesville communities as part of the city's Zero Waste Week. The CCG, part of Dr. Ann Wilkie's BioEnergy and Sustainable Technology (BEST) Laboratory, advocates for food waste composting and provides an opportunity for community members to compost their own food waste as part of the cooperative.
See the photo gallery of the event held in March on the SWES Flickr page: flic.kr/s/aHBqjC8qpU
The CCG holds an orientation session on Friday evenings. Learn more here: go.ufl.edu/ccg
UF/IFAS Extension faculty from SWES and the Nature Coast Biological Station authored a comprehensive manual to support the construction and monitoring of “reef prisms.” These modular structures, made from environmentally friendly material, aid in oyster reef restoration. The effort is part of the Plastic-free Restoration of Oyster Shorelines (PROS) initiative with funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Sea Grant. The guide highlights the use of jute reinforced with calcium sulfoaluminate cement, an alternative to traditional cement due to its faster curing time, lower carbon footprint, and more neutral pH. The new publication enables communities and volunteers to build effective, sustainable living shorelines without plastic.
Read the full publication here: Guide to Reef Prisms and Panels
Artificial Intelligence in Agricultural Water Resources Management
Class Visit to the Experiential Learning Laboratory
Pasture Management: Soil Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
