UF/IFAS professor Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski will begin her role as director of the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center on August 1.

As director, Pelz-Stelinski will lead faculty, staff and students at the Apopka research center. The center, currently known for its support to the ornamental horticulture industry, has potential to expand the research focus to serve the urban growth in the area. Future research projects may include controlled environment agriculture.

“I look forward to working with the MREC faculty, staff and students to promote a vision for the center that will maximize its full potential,” she said. “I’m excited to visit with nursery, greenhouse, and controlled environment industry members throughout Florida to build relationships and ensure that their viewpoints continue to inform the strategic priorities for MREC into the future.”

Pelz-Stelinski brings experience as associate center director of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center and as an accomplished professor of entomology. In her role as associate center director at CREC, she has revitalized the graduate student experience and successfully managed customer service operations and facilities.

“Her ability to effect positive change at CREC makes her an excellent candidate to lead MREC through the center’s next chapter,” said Scott Angle, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS. “In addition to supporting center faculty and staff, Pelz-Stelinski understands the importance of engaging the local community and industry, a critical component to bringing industry collaboration and visibility to the center.”

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