Eajaz Dar earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy and is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cropping Systems at the UF|IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay, Florida. His research integrates field experimentation and modeling approaches to enhance the sustainability and profitability of row crop systems, with a primary focus on cotton. Dr. Dar’s work includes evaluating N and K management strategies to optimize yields while reducing nutrient losses, as well as updating fertilizer rate recommendations for cotton in Florida. A major component of his current efforts involves improving the CROPGRO-Cotton model to estimate leaching losses and simulate alternative management practices for Cotton in Florida. Recently, Dar got associated with the research on integration of cash cover crops within cotton–peanut rotations, with an emphasis on system productivity, soil health, and profitability. He is also engaged in harmonizing large datasets to guide the selection of optimal cover crop species for Florida. Beyond research, Dr. Dar contributes to data analysis, authorship of peer-reviewed and extension publications, mentoring graduate students, facilitating lab meetings, and developing competitive grant proposals.
Alejandra Sierra earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture and is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in Turfgrass Science at the UF|IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay, Florida. Her research focuses on advancing sustainable turfgrass management through projects such as mixed-species evaluations for photovoltaic facilities, germplasm trials in coordination with turfgrass breeders to assess newly developed cultivars, the evaluation of novel products aimed at improving turfgrass performance and resource-use efficiency, and studies on turfgrass culture and management practices. In addition to research, she plays an active role in extension by presenting at statewide and national events and developing extension publications to deliver science-based information to turfgrass professionals and stakeholders. She also contributes to interdisciplinary turfgrass projects and is engaged in securing extramural funding to support the continued growth of UF’s turfgrass research and extension programs.
Alan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Forest Resources and Conservation under Dr. Victoria Donovan. His research explores the effects of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) invasions on forest ecosystems in the Southeastern United States, with a focus on biodiversity loss, wildfire risks, and impacts on wildlife habitat.
Sarah is pursuing a M.S. In Forest Resources and Conservation under Dr. Carissa Wonkka. Her research focuses on characterizing the relationships between invasive cogongrass, fire, and longleaf pine communities in forest ecosystems of the Florida panhandle. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, crocheting, and hanging out in the forest.
Nkem is pursuing a Ph.D. in Agronomy with specialization in Cropping Systems. He is interested in crop nutrient management, sustainable land management practices, soil health and climate change management studies. His research is focused on evaluating the influence of cover crops and nitrogen fertilizer rates in optimizing cotton yields, nitrogen dynamics, soil moisture and soil quality/health improvement. He is also actively evaluating the best nitrogen fertilizer rates and sources for optimal fiber and seed yield of Industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa) in Florida.
Akash is an international student from Nepal currently pursuing his Master’s in Agronomy with a concentration in Agroecology. His research focuses on nutrient management in row crops, with an emphasis on nitrogen fertilizers and their application methods. The objective of his research is to optimize nitrogen fertilization in dryland cotton using different blends of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) and urea and to determine cotton's response to these fertilizers under different placement methods. In my free time, he enjoys photography, listening to music, and walking.
Kulpreet Singh is master's student specializing in cropping systems. His research focuses primarily on nutrient management in row crops, with a particular emphasis on nitrogen fertilizers and their application methods. In his research, he is evaluating the efficacy of different nitrogen fertilizer rates and application methods, particularly in rainfed cotton systems and seeks to identify strategies that minimize nitrogen losses while maximizing crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
Satinderpaul is a master's student in agronomy, his research focuses on evaluating the impact of prohexadione calcium on peanut plant height, peg strength, pod yield, and spray coverage. This work is aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Outside of research, He enjoys movies, photography and music.
Amina Twaibu is an international student from Malawi pursuing a Ph.D. in Entomology. With a passion for understanding and mitigating agricultural challenges, Amina’s research focuses on Insect Resistance Management in Row Crops. Having a master's degree in Entomology from the University of Arkansas, Amina brings the knowledge and experience to her doctoral studies. Her dedication to addressing the complex issues surrounding insect resistance in agricultural systems stems from her desire to contribute meaningfully to global food security.
Noah is pursuing a M.S. in Forest Resource and Conservation under Dr. Victoria Donovan. His research is focused on characterizing wildfires in the wildland-urban interface within the eastern United States using geospatial data. In his free time, Noah enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time in nature. His personal website can be found at https://www.noahweidig.com.
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