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 the end of summer draws near, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chair of SWES and to learn more about the people, programs, and partnerships that make this department extraordinary. My conversations over the past several months reinforced what I shared in the spring: the strength of SWES comes not only from the expertise of our faculty and staff, but also from our ability to connect that expertise with the needs of communities, producers, natural resource managers, and partners across Florida.
That connection is especially evident in our Extension mission. This issue of the newsletter highlights the many ways our Extension faculty are contributing to Florida Cooperative Extension’s Pathway to Creating Engagement Through Innovation & Excellence, a strategic framework that will help guide programming throughout the state. Our department brings tremendous depth in soils, water, nutrient management, environmental stewardship, and ecosystem resilience and I am excited to see SWES faculty helping shape this vision.
The Pathway document places renewed emphasis on strengthening collaboration among Extension specialists, county faculty, and campus partners while increasing the visibility and impact of Extension programming statewide. These priorities closely align with SWES’s mission of integrating research, teaching, and Extension to address Florida’s most pressing soil, water, and ecosystem challenges. Our Extension programs allow us to translate our expertise into meaningful impacts across the state. Just as important, our relationships with stakeholders help us identify emerging needs and opportunities for research, teaching, and outreach.
There are also a few developments within the department that I am pleased to share. Congratulations to Dr. Lakesh Sharma on his promotion from assistant professor to associate professor in soil fertility and sustainable nutrient management. This recognition reflects his accomplishments and contributions to the department through research and Extension, and I look forward to seeing his program continue to grow.
We are also moving forward with developing the SWES Experiential Learning Lab. The initial planning committee submitted its report, and I have begun meeting with representatives from UF/IFAS Facilities and an architecture firm to discuss potential site plans. This is an exciting step toward creating a SWES space that can support innovative, hands-on learning and strengthen the connections among our teaching, research, and Extension missions.
Although the summer has been relatively quiet, I see this period as an important positioning time for the future of SWES. The conversations and deliberations we have now will help shape the opportunities we create for our faculty, staff, and students in the years ahead. It is energizing to see talent and commitment throughout SWES and by the many ways our people contribute to UF/IFAS and communities across Florida. Thank you for all you do to advance our department’s mission. I look forward to continuing this work together and to sharing more of our progress in the months ahead. Additional thanks to our alumni and stakeholders for staying connected as we continue to reach out through Extension, research complex challenges, and educate the next generation of scientists. Please do not hesitate to contact me at crows@ufl.edu.
The Florida Cooperative Extension Service's Pathway to Creating Engagement Through Innovation & Excellence provides the strategic framework for Extension programming across the state. The document outlines seven priority initiatives and five organizational goals designed to remain responsive to Florida's evolving agricultural, environmental, and community needs. It reinforces Extension’s mission of delivering research-based education that advances healthy communities, a resilient environment, and a strong economy.
The Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is well positioned to contribute to this vision. SWES faculty serve as “Associated Extension Faculty” in six of the seven statewide initiatives.
“Our Extension faculty members’ involvement reflects their broad expertise and commitment to translating science into practical solutions,” said Susan Crow, professor and chair of SWES. “The department is proud to serve Floridians in a variety of ways.”
AJ Reisinger, associate professor of urban soil and water quality, chairs Initiative 2: Enhancing and Protecting Water Quality, Quantity, and Supply. He will help coordinate statewide Extension programming focused on protecting water resources through best management practices, water conservation, and education. The initiative promotes lasting behavior changes among agricultural producers, landscape professionals, homeowners, and communities that improve water quality and conservation.
“Cooperative Extension recognizes that safeguarding Florida's finite water resources is essential to the state’s environmental health,” Reisinger said. “Water quality and quantity are also vital to the economy and affect our quality of life.”
Ashley Smyth, associate professor of biogeochemistry, is on the leadership team for Initiative 3: Enhancing and Conserving Florida’s Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. Through Extension, faculty help residents, land managers, and communities better understand the value of Florida’s natural resources and make informed decisions that sustain those resources for future generations.
“That means understanding how ecosystems function and applying science-based practices that protect the benefits they provide,” Smyth said. “Extension is uniquely positioned to connect that science with the people and communities making decisions about Florida’s natural resources every day.”
Beyond these leadership roles, SWES Extension faculty contribute their expertise across most of the other priority initiatives:
Initiative 1 – Increasing the Sustainability, Profitability, and Competitiveness of Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises: SWES faculty advance sustainable production systems, nutrient management, soil health, and environmental stewardship through research and Extension, helping Florida producers remain productive and resilient.
Faculty members: Jehangir Bhadha, Golmar Golmohammadi, Davie Kadyampakeni, Yuncong Li, Cheryl Mackowiak, Frantisek Majs, Rao Mylavarapu, Arnold Schumann, Sarah Strauss, and Nikolaos Tziolas Jehangir Bhadha, Golmar Golmohammadi, Davie Kadyampakeni, Yuncong Li, Cheryl Mackowiak, Frantisek Majs, Rao Mylavarapu, Arnold Schumann, Sarah Strauss, and Nikolaos Tziolas
Initiative 2 – Enhancing and Protecting Water Quality, Quantity, and Supply: Protecting Florida’s water resources through education on water quality, best management practices, water conservation, efficient irrigation, reclaimed water, and other strategies that promote sustainable water use.
Faculty members: Jehangir Bhadha, Mark Clark, Golmar Golmohammadi, Davie Kadyampakeni, Yuncong Li, Mary Lusk, Frantisek Majs, Rao Mylavarapu, and AJ Reisinger
Initiative 3 – Enhancing and Conserving Florida’s Natural Resources and Environmental Quality: SWES faculty support healthy, resilient ecosystems through research and Extension focused on conservation, restoration, watershed management, and biodiversity.
Faculty members: Jehangir Bhadha, Mark Clark, Golmar Golmohammadi, Yuncong Li, Frantisek Majs, AJ Reisinger, Laura Reynolds, Ashley Smyth, and Nikolaos Tziolas
Initiative 4 – Creating Sustainable Urban and Suburban Communities: SWES expertise in urban soils, stormwater, green infrastructure, water conservation, and environmental planning helps balance continued growth with the protection of natural resources.
Faculty member: AJ Reisinger
Initiative 6 – Strengthening Community Resources and Economic Development: SWES faculty strengthen community resilience through disaster preparedness, natural resource management, and sustainable community development.
Faculty member: Nikolaos Tziolas
Initiative 7 – Preparing Youth to Thrive as Responsible Citizens and Productive Members of the Workforce: Preparing youth for future success through positive youth development, volunteer and educator development, workforce readiness, and strategic growth, including hands-on learning, leadership, and career exploration.
Faculty member: Nikolaos Tziolas
The Pathway document also emphasizes stronger collaboration among Extension specialists, county faculty, and campus partners. In addition to this UF/IFAS network of experts, the initiative teams will partner with governmental, non-profit, and private sector stakeholders. These priorities closely align with SWES’s mission of integrating research, teaching, and Extension to address Florida's soil, water, and ecosystem challenges.
As Florida faces rapid population growth, increasing pressure on natural resources, and environmental change, SWES faculty play an integral role in delivering research-based solutions.
“In leadership and participation across multiple statewide initiatives, SWES continues to advance environmental resilience and sustainable agriculture throughout Florida,” Crow said.
Across the Panhandle, UF/IFAS Extension faculty, graduate students and scientists used recent Field Days to showcase research into more efficient nitrogen management for corn and cotton.
Learn how banded applications, winter cropping systems and the 4Rs approach could help growers reduce nitrogen losses, protect soil and water resources, and maintain crop productivity.
Read Advances in Nutrient Management
Understanding what happens underground is essential for growing healthier crops and protecting natural resources.
Read more about how SWES researchers are combining AI and imaging to bring real-time AI soil intelligence to the field.
Two SWES graduate students took their research to an international stage at the World Congress of Soil Science, sharing work focused on challenges facing Florida agriculture.
Their experiences demonstrate the spirit of Extension: connecting science, people and practical solutions to strengthen agriculture and natural resource management—from Florida fields to a global audience.
Listening beneath the waves is giving researchers a new way to study life along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Read how a doctoral student is using passive acoustic technology to study fish communities across Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
New research reveals why reducing nitrogen in coastal watersheds is more complicated than simply restoring streams—and why environmental benefits, community needs and public investment don’t always align.
Using a combination of hydrology, ecology, economics and social science, researchers, including SWES Associate Professor A.J. Reisinger, identified where restoration projects are most likely to succeed and where important tradeoffs may limit their effectiveness.
Faculty and researchers from the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences presented their research at the Gulf of America Alliance's Gulf Conference 2026. The conference brought together scientists, resource managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss research that supports Gulf ecosystem resilience and restoration. Department presentations focused on protecting and restoring seagrass ecosystems. These habitats support fisheries, improve water quality, store carbon, and protect coastlines.
Postdoctoral associate Enie Hensel shared early findings from the SCAR MAPS project, which is evaluating the ecological impacts of boat propeller scarring on seagrass ecosystems. The research will help guide future management decisions. Associate Professor Laura Reynolds presented research on how genetic diversity and connectivity can improve seagrass restoration and management. Associate Professor Mark Clark discussed how artificial intelligence and aerial imagery can improve the detection and mapping of propeller scars. His work offers managers a faster and more cost-effective way to monitor and protect Florida's valuable seagrass habitats.
Dr. Enie Hensel (top) and Dr. Mark Clark present their research at GulfCon 2026.
(Photos from UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station)
Below is a list of recently published or updated, peer-reviewed Extension documents from SWES faculty, postdoctoral associates, and lab members.
You can find more SWES-related documents on the Ask IFAS website.
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Noor Ul Basar (Kadyampakeni & Shahid)
Karun Katoch (Sharma & Singh)
Md Anik Mahmud (Bhadha & Judy)
Suraj Melkani (Bhadha)
Perseveranca Mungofa (Schumann & Grunwald)
Justina Odogwu (Lusk & Kadyampakeni)
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Guiliana Caprotti (Kadyampakeni & Vashisth)
Hayden Casey (Nunes)
Karamvir Kaur (Sharma & Sandhu)
Taite Miller (Daroub)
Katherine Morris (Reisinger)
Dante Palumbo (Osborne)
Christine Russo (Osborne)
Sarah Thompson (Lin)
Gurjoban Tiwana (Golmohammadi)
Soil and Water Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Anthony Buchko (Inglett)
Interdisciplinary Ecology
(via School of Natural Resources & Environment)
(Advisors in parentheses)
Jelvi Fika (Gerber)
Fertilizer Science and Technology
(Advisor: Wilson)
Monika Peddapuli
SWES graduates and their faculty advisors at the Doctoral Commencement ceremony.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
(Advisors: Enloe & Sisk)
Georges Desliens
Xavier Diaz
Sheridan Easkins
Hailey Hatt
Luis Ruiz
Support the future of environmental stewardship and agricultural innovation through the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences. Tax-deductible gifts help enhance teaching, research, extension programs, and student opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and program enrichment funds.
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Alia Ortiz Bayron (Bhadha)
Taylor Breton (Reynolds & Smyth)
Akash Shah (Sharma & White)
Interdisciplinary Ecology
(via School of Natural Resources & Environment)
(Advisors in parentheses)
Gabrielle D’Alonzo (Meyers)
Mike D’Imperio (Reisinger)
Miranda Mays (Hensel & Osborne)
Javier Pujols (Smyth)
Joy Sarker (Bhadha)
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors in parentheses)
Maria Alvarez (Daroub-temporary)
Jacob Bronson (Daroub-temporary)
Ian Claudio (Daroub-temporary)
Alexander Heacock (Daroub-temporary)
Sofia Huber (Strauss)
Noah Long (Maltais-Landry)
Julian Mendis (Daroub-temporary)
Daphne Meyer (Maltais-Landry)
A. P. (Daroub-temporary)
Erin Petersen (Wilson)
Arely Quintana (Daroub-temporary)
Evangelina Reyes (Daroub-temporary)
Ethan Scisciani (Daroub-temporary)
Jordan Simpson (Daroub-temporary)
Carolina Alejandra "Lina" Souza (Reynolds)
Glauco Mariano Teixeira, Jr. (Nunes)
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
(Advisors: Bonczek & Sisk)
David Cagle, Water Science specialization
Catharina Precendo Cardoso, Soil Science specialization
Michael Chimineti, Soil Science specialization
Cooper Johnson, Soil Science specialization
Tai Trinh, Water Science specialization
Layla Wellhoner, Water Science specialization
Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
(Advisors: Enloe & Sisk)
Samuel Caballero
Katelin Hagerty
Savannah Jenkins
Alec Nash
Alejandro Santiago
Andrew Sarson-Faison
Ella Sharp
Morgan Sherry
Chloe Vosdoganes-Forman
Dr. Jehangir "Jango" Bhadha was recognized with an IFAS Large Grant Leadership Award for securing $1,030,587 from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The award highlights critical issues UF/IFAS faculty are exploring to help 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.
The funding supports a five-year Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in South Florida. As part of this project, Bhadha and colleagues will be evaluating the impact of agricultural conservation practices such as crop rotation, cover crops, and application of soil amendments on soil and water quality within the EAA. The project also aligns with the goals of USDA-NRCS that seek to advance extension partnerships among stakeholders across sectoral boundaries.
"Our extension program is dedicated to advancing a 'Farmers First' approach in Florida and beyond," he said. "The project utilizes information generated from research findings to educate growers, extension agents, and the public on topics related to soil sustainability, water quality, and nutrient management for Florida's sugarcane, vegetables, and rice commodity groups."
Jango and Zenn Bhadha hold the "Golden Gator" at the UF/IFAS Research Awards Ceremony.
The project is outcome-oriented and will help conservation decision making based on stakeholder involvement. Bhadha, an associate professor of soil, water, and nutrient management, is based at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center. Kevin Herron with UF/IFAS Sponsored Programs was the research administrator for the grant.
Dr. Jonas Pereira de Souza Jr. and Dr. Davie M. Kadyampakeni received the Florida State Horticultural Society’s 2026 Best Paper Award: Citrus Section "Comparative Analysis of Stabilized and Non-Stabilized Silicon Sources on Photosynthetic Performance of Young Orange Trees."
Cyrus J. Januarie (Kadyampakeni), Dr. Lakesh Sharma, Dr. Joao Vendramini and Dr. Davie M. Kadyampakeni received the Florida State Horticultural Society’s 2026 Best Paper Award: Agroecology and Natural Resources Section for "Evaluation of phosphorus fertilization rates on Florida young bamboo in a controlled environment."
Ashley Hennessey (Reisinger) is a UF Water Institute Ambassador for 2026-2027. Ashley also received the Sandy Young Scholarship from the Florida Section of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), which recognizes students researching/publishing work related to water resources in Florida. Ashley presented “Reclaimed Water in Florida: What It Contains and What It Changes” at the AWRA Florida Annual Meeting in Key West. The research focused on how reclaimed water quality varies across the state and why those differences matter as Florida continues to expand water reuse.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Florida Section Annual Meeting
Singh, Dr. Golmohammadi, and Ghimire at the ASABE-Florida Section meeting.
Armaanjot Singh received 2nd place for his poster presentation, "Machine-Learning Estimation of Pasture Biomass Using Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imagery" and Namrata Ghimire received 2nd place in the oral presentation graduate student competition for "Enhancing red tide forecasting using image processing and deep learning techniques." Dr. Golmar Golmohammadi advises both students at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center.
Suraj Melkani (Bhadha) and Berson Valcin (Bhadha) received 1st and 3rd Place, respectively, at the South Florida Student Research Symposium held at UF/IFAS Tropical REC.
The SWES Graduate Student Association (GSA) announced its new officers for the 2026-2027 school year. The students' advisor(s) are in parentheses.
President: Ashley Hennessey (Reisinger)
Vice President: Nikhil Deep (Babaeian)
Treasurer: Sean Westley (Osborne)
Distance Vice President: Daichi Furukawa (Mackowiak)
Secretary: Olanrewaju Ologunde (Nunes)
Faculty Representative: Gabrielle "Gabi" Foursa (Smyth)
Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni received the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s 2026 Conservation Research Award. It recognizes Society members whose research has led to exceptional improvements in soil conservation, water conservation, and/or related natural resources research. Kadyampakeni is an associate professor of citrus water and nutrient management at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center.
Dr. Susan Crow and Dr. Jango Bhadha are part of Cohort 18 for the LEAD IFAS program. The three-session professional development program is tailored specifically for IFAS faculty and staff. It is designed to enhance leadership skills, foster collaboration, and promote innovation across IFAS.
Gabrielle “Gabi” Foursa (Smyth) received the Aylesworth Foundation Scholarship through Florida Sea Grant. The scholarship awards graduate students who are conducting applied research to support Florida’s coastal resources and working waterfront communities.
Monika Peddapuli (Kadyampakeni) received a 2nd Place Award for the Association of Horticulturalists of Indian Subcontinent Lightening Talk competition at the American Society of Horticultural Science Annual conference in Dallas. She received travel grants from UF/IFAS and the UF Office of Research to attend the conference.
Labake Agunbiade (Kadyampakeni) received 3rd Place in the oral presentation competition at the Florida State Horticultural Society annual conference.
Noor Ul Basar, Labake Agunbiade, Samuel Oluwatuyi, Mark Mumpande, and Giuliana Caprotti (all advised by Kadyampakeni) each received travel scholarships from Florida State Horticultural Society.
Anthony Halcyon (BS '21, MS '23) was recognized among 40 Gators Under 40. He is a senior environmental scientist with Hillsborough County. Anthony also is a member of The Explorers Club.
SWES graduate students and friends kicked off the summer with an educational excursion on the Santa Fe River, one of Florida's most iconic freshwater ecosystems. The trip provided an opportunity to experience the region's unique hydrological and ecological features; strengthening connections between concepts discussed in the classroom and real-world environmental systems.
As students paddled along the river, they observed spring-fed waters, riparian vegetation, and diverse aquatic habitats, gaining a deeper appreciation of the interactions among soil, water, and ecosystem processes. As a result, many discussions developed along the way about freshwater conservation, watershed management, and the importance of protecting Florida's natural resources.
For many participants, this was their first time canoeing, which added a memorable hands-on component to the day's learning. It also fostered confidence, teamwork, and a stronger appreciation for the natural surroundings. Just as important, bringing together graduate students from diverse research backgrounds to network outside the classroom or lab, gave way to ideas for collaboration, reinforcing the department's commitment to experiential learning and an inclusive academic community. There were also plenty of smiles and laughter throughout the day.
SWES continues to support opportunities that combine scientific learning with field-based experiences, preparing students to become future leaders in soil, water, and ecosystem sciences. These opportunities also strengthen the connection to Florida's unique natural environments. The participants extend their sincere appreciation to the GSA executive team that coordinated this event and made it possible, including Nikitha Reddy Kovvuri (President), Ashley Hennessey (Treasurer), and Benjamin Reimer (Event Coordinator). We also thank Dr. Jay Capasso, UF/IFAS Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent and SWES alumnus, for his informative guidance and educational insights during the trip.
Story by Olanrewaju Ologunde, graduate student, Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.
Photos by Ashley Hennessey, Olanrewaju Ologunde, Nikitha Reddy Kovvuri and Mohkam Singh.
Operation TRAP held its second year webinar detailing its Cedar Key and Pasco County trash collection efforts to prevent debris from entering the Gulf.
SWES B.S. alumna and incoming graduate student Erin Petersen recaps her spring semester at the SWES Experiential Learning Lab.
The St. Johns River Water Management District highlights the Indian River Lagoon restoration project which includes Dr. Todd Osborne's clam breeding and reintroduction program.
