Pictured top (left to right) Robert Fletcher, Michelle Danyluk and Bin Gao; second row (left to right) Zhenli He, Jose Eduardo Santos and Gary Peter.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Six University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences faculty members, who are trying to solve global issues like food safety and environmental sustainability, have been named as UF Research Foundation Professors for 2015-18.

The recognition goes to faculty who demonstrate a distinguished record of research and a strong research agenda that’s likely to continue to distinguish them in their fields.

“When I look at the breadth of research exemplified by these talented scientists, I am reminded of the complexity and breadth of the IFAS mission, and how fortunate we are to have people of such high caliber working in a university that places such a high value on research and invests so heavily in the research enterprise,” said Doug Archer, UF/IFAS associate dean of research.

The following UF/IFAS faculty members earned the recognition:

• Gary Peter, a professor in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Peter’s primary research agenda addresses genes that regulate tree growth and how to use trees for biomaterials, bioenergy and biofuels.
• Zhenli He, a professor in soil and water science at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce. His research focuses on the fate of nutrients and contaminants of agricultural production in soil and water and developing best management practices for sustainable agriculture.
• José Eduardo Santos, a professor in animal sciences. Santos’ research focuses on understanding how nutrition, health and endocrine manipulations influence reproduction in dairy cows in order to assure sustainability of the dairy industry.
• Bin Gao, an associate professor in agricultural and biological engineering. Gao’s research mainly focuses on applying novel technologies such as nanotechnology and biochar technology to improve water quality and environmental sustainability.
• Robert Fletcher, an associate professor in wildlife ecology and conservation. Fletcher focuses on improving ecological systems and wildlife species by identifying solutions to reduce impacts of man-made landscape changes on wildlife habitats.
• Michelle Danyluk, an associate professor in food science and human nutrition at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Danyluk identifies food safety risks in fruit and vegetable production and processing and develops practical solutions to prevent food contamination.

These three-year professorships were created by the UF Research Foundation to recognize faculty who have established a distinguished record of research and scholarship that is expected to lead to continuing distinction in their field, said Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

“These six are commended for the key role they are playing in the university’s research enterprise and our growing emphasis on graduate education,” Payne said.

During each of the three years, the award winners receive a salary supplement of $5,000 and a one-time allocation of $3,000 to support their research program.

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By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu

Source: Doug Archer, 352-392-1784, dlarcher@ufl.edu

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