By Carolina Vendrame
January 30, 2026
Gainesville, Fla. —The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Dr. James Watson Fellowship, an honor recognizing emerging leaders in turfgrass science. Among this year’s three distinguished fellows is Mikerly Joseph, a University of Florida Ph.D. researcher whose innovative work is reshaping the future of turfgrass weed management.
Awarded annually, the Watson Fellowship—supported by The Toro Company and administered by the GCSAA Foundation—celebrates graduate-level researchers who are advancing the turfgrass industry through groundbreaking scientific contributions. Each fellow receives a $5,000 scholarship and an invitation to attend the 2026 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, one of the premier gatherings for the turfgrass and golf course management community.
Mikerly Joseph: Advancing Turfgrass Science Through AI-Powered Innovation
As a Ph.D. student in the University of Florida/IFAS Agronomy Department, Mikerly Joseph focuses on the intersection of turfgrass and weed science. His research stands out for its integration of artificial intelligence to develop a turfgrass specific, ground based targeted herbicide application system—a forward thinking approach aligned with the industry’s increasing emphasis on sustainability, precision, and efficiency.
Joseph’s work reflects the future-forward mindset that the Watson Fellowship aims to uplift. As GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans noted, the long-term sustainability of golf depends on innovative researchers whose work strengthens environmental stewardship and turf management practices.
A UF/IFAS Environment that Fosters Innovation
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) continues to strengthen its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge turfgrass research. Under the leadership of Dr. Pawel Petelewicz, the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department cultivates an environment where innovation, mentorship, and scientific excellence thrive.
Guided by Dr. Petelewicz’s expertise and vision, graduate students such as Mikerly Joseph are empowered to push the boundaries of turfgrass science through forward-thinking research and sustainable land‑management solutions. This collaborative dynamic between faculty leadership and emerging scholars exemplifies UF/IFAS’s commitment to advancing agronomy, environmental stewardship, and applied agricultural science.
Looking Ahead
As Mikerly Joseph prepares to share his work at the 2026 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show, the UF/IFAS community celebrates this well-deserved recognition. His innovative AI-driven approach to herbicide application has the potential to make a lasting impact on turfgrass management, sustainability, and the broader agricultural sciences.
Congratulations to Mikerly Joseph—a remarkable researcher helping lead the way toward a smarter, more sustainable future for turfgrass science.
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