UF/IFAS CAIP Welcomes New Assistant Professor

Dr. Eli Russell is the new Assistant Professor for aquatic plant management at the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP). Eli’s research program will focus on developing integrated weed management strategies for addressing problematic aquatic plants. His extension program will focus on providing relevant management information to plant management professionals and other key stakeholders. 

Researchers in a crop field collecting seeds with a seed impact mill.
Dr. Russell conducting research with a seed impact mill. Photo Credit: Claudio Rubione, GROW Outreach and Extension

Eli grew up just north of the Florida panhandle in Opp, Alabama. He earned his bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science from Auburn University, where he initially became fascinated with weed science. Then, Eli went on to earn a master’s in turfgrass weed science from Auburn University and a PhD in crop weed science from Virginia Tech. Eli loves studying weeds and seeks them out everywhere he goes! 

As Eli begins to build his program, he is looking forward to working with a diverse group of stakeholders on the many unique lake and river systems in Florida. He is also excited for the opportunity to address challenging aquatic plant problems through research. During his PhD, Eli worked with seed impact mills, a new technology that controlled weed seeds during a crop harvest. That experience revealed the importance of using cutting-edge technology to create an integrated approach, involving multiple strategies to control weeds. He is ready to apply that same mindset as he explores innovative management strategies in the world of aquatics. 


Subscribe for more blogs like this one. Questions or comments can be sent to the UF/IFAS CAIP communications manager at caip@ifas.ufl.edu.

UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Turning Science Into Solutions.

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Christine Krebs, Communications Manager for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (UF/IFAS CAIP).
Posted: January 30, 2025


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