GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Michael Dukes, director of the Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, has been named a Fellow by a prestigious national organization.
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers recognized Dukes for his outstanding work on water conservation. As a professor and UF/IFAS Extension irrigation specialist, Dukes conducts research on water conservation and efficient irrigation with a focus on landscape irrigation.
His research is used to inform irrigation professionals, decision makers and other stakeholders on how to implement changes and manage landscape irrigation systems to maximize efficiency while maintaining aesthetically pleasing landscapes. His work is invaluable, said Jack Payne, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
“Dr. Dukes’ work has made a tremendous impact on the state of Florida, the region and the country,” Payne said. “He embodies the mission of the university through strong interdisciplinary research and Extension programs that help conserve our natural resources.”
Dukes has mentored and contributed to more than two dozen graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have entered the profession. His research team has developed and tested commercially available irrigation control technologies that control irrigation based on sensor-based information from irrigated areas.
“Perhaps most importantly, we have documented hundreds of millions of gallons of water being saved that otherwise would have been wasted due to inefficient irrigation,” Dukes said. “Use of these technologies is increasing and being adopted by builders and developers for landscape irrigation throughout Florida and other parts of the United States.”
Dukes has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, and was awarded the 2016 John Deere Gold Medal award by ASABE. He was also elected as a 2017 Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Environmental Water Resources Institute and is a UF/IFAS Water Institute Faculty Fellow.
Dukes will be officially named during ASABE’s annual meeting on July 17 in Spokane, Washington.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
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