GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Michael Dukes, a University of Florida agricultural and biological engineering professor and Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences faculty member, has been named director of the Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology, where he’d been interim director since November 2011.

Dukes specializes in irrigation engineering and water conservation issues.

“Dr. Dukes is uniquely qualified to direct the center. As the leading interdisciplinary unit for urban landscape issues, he brings a vision for research and extension efforts,” said Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

The appointment was made in late December.

The center focuses on social, environmental and economic issues affecting urban Florida landscapes. In his time as interim director, Dukes increased communication within the center, implemented an internal enhancement grants program and strengthened ties with the industry.

“I look forward to working with faculty, IFAS units, and green industry stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the center to conduct research, develop and promote sustainable landscape practices,” Dukes said.

Dukes’ work has focused mostly on the use of soil moisture monitors by both agricultural and residential users. When used properly, the monitors continuously check soil moisture levels and prevent irrigation and sprinkler systems from operating when watering is not needed, he said.

Dukes is a faculty member with UF/IFAS’ department of agricultural and biological engineering.

He received a doctorate in biological and agricultural engineering from North Carolina State University, holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware. Dukes came to UF in 2000 as an assistant professor, after spending three years as a graduate research assistant and teaching instructor at North Carolina State.

He won the EPAF Wells Fargo Extension Professional and Enhancement Award in 2013, the ASABE Young Extension Worker Award in 2011, and was awarded a UF Research Foundation Professorship in 2010.

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Contacts

Writer: Emily E. Eubanks, 352-273-4511, eee@ufl.edu

Source: Michael Dukes, 352-392-1864, ext. 205, mddukes@ufl.edu

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