Two students from the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) returned from an international conference with well-earned recognition. Oluwasegun Olubisi and Justina Odogwu have Mary Lusk, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES), as their advisor. Both presented their research in soil health, nutrient cycling, and water quality at the CANVAS 2025 meeting.
Research Presentations
Olubisi, a doctoral student in the UF School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), describes his presentation as a “detective story happening beneath our feet.” His talk explored how diverse cover crops stimulate enzyme activity. That, in turn, boosts nutrient cycling and soil resilience in Florida’s sandy soils.
He celebrated several accomplishments at CANVAS 2025, including being selected for the Graduate Student Leadership Conference.
“Connecting with peers committed to leadership, science communication, and community building was an energizing start to the week,” Olubisi said.
He also was a finalist in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Student Poster Competition. “I’m grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive scientific community.”
Olubisi said the experience reinforced his passion for soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land management. “Science is not just about data—it’s about translating knowledge into solutions that support resilient ecosystems and communities,” he added.
Odogwu, a doctoral candidate in SWES, earned 5th place in the Student Oral Presentation Competition for the Soil and Environmental Quality Division. Her talk addressed the effects of reclaimed water. Specifically, she examined how it affects soil health, including soil microbial communities central to nutrient cycling and pollutant breakdown.
“The findings help strengthen current knowledge on reclaimed water use,” she explained. “It also provides stakeholders with information to guide best practices for agricultural irrigation.”
Odogwu’s study examined multiple substrate types, three irrigation water sources, and a suite of soil health metrics. The findings provide valuable insights for managers of soil health and water quality.
Lab Team
Dr. Lusk celebrated the pair’s achievements as a reflection of their dedication and the lab’s mission.
“Oluwasegun and Justina embody the curiosity and commitment to real-world problem solving that define our program,” she said. “The recognition at CANVAS 2025 showcases their talent and the importance of advancing soil and water research for Florida’s future.”
You can learn more about Dr. Lusk’s Urban Soil and Water Quality Lab and the work they do at their lab website.
Featured image from the Science Societies.
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