The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has selected Joe Bisesi as the new associate director of the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP). The center focuses on developing and sharing environmentally sound management techniques for aquatic and natural area invasive plant species.
Bisesi, formerly the associate chair of UF’s Department of Environmental and Global Health, brings a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise and leadership experience to the role.
He served as an associate professor and Ph.D. program director in his previous department and holds additional affiliations with UF’s Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Water Institute and Emerging Pathogens Institute. He comes with a background in land-grant university research, earning his Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson University, and has spent over a decade at UF in management, research and teaching roles.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to the team,” said CAIP Director Jason Ferrell. “His rich expertise in environmental monitoring is exactly what we need to support both the current and future goals of the Center. Joe brings a fresh, innovative focus to our work that will connect our current scientists to a whole new group of collaborators. His proven track record in research, teaching and administration makes him a perfect fit for this role, and we’re excited to see the new ideas and connections he will bring to our work.”
In his new role, Bisesi said he will focus on three primary goals: promoting the development of safe and effective management strategies for aquatic invasive plants, strengthening CAIP’s reputation through enhanced communication and collaboration and growing existing relationships with state, federal and industry partners.
“I want to help the center to continue developing efficient management strategies that are effective and efficient, benefiting both the environment and our stakeholders by lowering costs. At the same time, I want to ensure native species are protected and that our approaches are safe and science-driven,” Bisesi added.
He plans to expand CAIP’s research capacity and integrate his expertise with aquatic systems, aquatic toxicology and public health.
Bisesi brings a strong track record of university interdisciplinary engagement. He already has several established collaborations with faculty in UF/IFAS and has cultivated relationships with researchers at the College of Public Health and Health Professions (PHHP), College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as federal and state stakeholders.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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