Lourdes Mederos is a public relations manager at UF/IFAS Communications. She is blessed to work at UF/IFAS while living in South Florida with her family. Lourdes' passion is to bring awareness of innovative work, research breakthroughs, and science-based solutions to all of Florida. She does this by connecting the work generated by dedicated UF/IFAS scientists, faculty, students, and Extension agents in Florida's southeast region with the residents and visitors of the Sunshine State through the power of public relations. Based out of UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, she serves five research facilities and 13 Extension offices from the Treasure Coast to the Florida Keys. In addition, Lourdes leads the efforts to make strides in the Spanish-speaking community so UF/IFAS can expand the reach of its research, programs, and services. You may reach Lourdes at rodriguezl@ufl.edu.

Posts by Lourdes Mederos:

• Find Your Frugal: Five tips to help you save on hurricane preparedness expenses
• UF/IFAS study leads to milestone advances in understanding lethal bronzing of palm trees
• UF/IFAS, Broward County’s public middle schools partner to showcase global ideas on water sustainability
• On National Alligator Day, May 29, there’s plenty to appreciate about these toothy reptiles, UF/IFAS experts explain
• Miami-Dade County 4-H, part of $12.5M grant to empower underserved communities
• Cheers to moms, including the wild ones
• Floods, warm temperatures promote mosquito production, UF/IFAS expert explains what to expect, how to protect
• South Florida joins citizen scientists across the globe to compete in city nature challenge April 28-May 1
• UF/IFAS scientist works to identify, control pest invading beans, peas, legumes grown in Florida, internationally
• Business of Farming Workshop offers agriculture entrepreneurs keys to starting small-scale operations

• Growing herbs for the first time? UF/IFAS expert offers beginners tips to getting started
• UF/IFAS, FNGLA bring palm experts, latest research together for first time at April 12-13 Palm Quest Conference
• Keys to keeping Southeast, Southwest Florida trees and landscapes thriving is focus of monthly UF/IFAS webinar series
• UF/IFAS termite scientists confirm first spread of Asian Subterranean termites in Tampa
• UF/IFAS study: New mosquito species reported in Florida
• Meet Katia Viana Xavier: A UF/IFAS plant pathologist forging change for food security in the EAA
• Invasive apple snails in your backyard, waterways? UF/IFAS study dives into their threat to Florida’s wetlands
• UF/IFAS entomologist lists top eight invasive species that invade households and empty wallets
• UF/IFAS scientists lure Burmese pythons using radio telemetry during mating/breeding season
• Scientists urgently seek Florida residents to report nonnative lizards as early detection prevents invasive spread

• UF/IFAS new global ecologist to address biodiversity in South Florida and beyond
• Miami-Dade 4-H teens head to Washington D.C. to showcase skills in agricultural technology
• February 7: Free UF/IFAS Extension webinar to provide updates on silent killer of St. Augustinegrass
• Feb. 5: Join Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch
• UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center Celebrates a Century of Science
• UF/IFAS Breaks Ground on Graduate Dormitory, Honors Emeritus Professor Contributions
• Florida Sea Grant and partners issue Winter 2023 Overview of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
• UF scientist to investigate cost-effective methods to combat nematode pests, diseases in turfgrass
• UF/IFAS Study: Termite queen and king are the best parents in the world, until they’re not
• Nov. 5 Art in the Garden offers native plant sale, 4-H youth activities, gardening demonstrations, art workshop and more

• NOV. 5 dormitory groundbreaking celebrates gift, successes of first Black female entomology student at UF
• A UF/IFAS assistant professor and award-winning engineer uses artificial intelligence to conserve water
• Graduate dormitory housing is focus of UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center groundbreaking, fundraiser, Nov. 5
• Director of UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory leads a team of scientists on the frontlines of mosquito research from Florida
• This UF/IFAS assistant professor and 2022 Extension Specialist of the Year is at the forefront cultivating sustainable lettuce varieties for Florida
• UF/IFAS St. Lucie Ag-Extension Fall Festival offers plants, petting zoo, programs and more
• What to know about mosquitoes and hurricane recovery
• UF/IFAS Extension Collier offers Spanish classes for commercial pesticide, fertilizer licensing required by FDACS
• Hispanic Heritage Profile: Meet Luz Bahder
• Nonnative lizard that appears to walk on water thrives in Florida

• UF/IFAS appoints internationally acclaimed scientist to lead new Invasion Science Research Institute
• UF/IFAS study sheds light on termite colony longevity and reproductive strategies over decades
• Find Your Frugal: Six tips to save money at the farmers market
• MEDIA ALERT: August 18 honey taste-testing event with UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie, partners, to commemorate World Honey Bee Day
• UF/IFAS scientist develops detection method for lethal palm disease that saves time, money, property
• Find Your Frugal: Low-cost, free summer family fun ideas
• Learn signs of algae blooms from UF/IFAS expert at free virtual webinar Aug. 2
• MEDIA ALERT: Miami Dade HS interns explore urban food production with partners, historic Red Rooster Overtown
• Find Your Frugal: More ways to curb school supply costs
• Find Your Frugal: Six ways to save on school supplies

• Find Your Frugal: Five ways to save on banking, avoid fees
• Find Your Frugal: Five tips to getting, keeping credit
• UF/IFAS research on crocodiles provides key insights on wildlife aging
• Find Your Frugal: Five ways to save on auto expenses
• June 25: Join UF/IFAS to support conservation of imperiled crocodile species
• UF/IFAS, Mississippi State seek input to assess potential expansion of U.S. passion fruit industry
• What is your termite risk in Florida? UF/IFAS scientists explain - it depends where you live
• Starting May 2: UF/IFAS program connects small-scale growers, entrepreneurs with digital marketing tools
• Free UF/IFAS Extension webinars for South Florida landscapes address challenges, offer tips
• ​UF/IFAS expert: Don’t disturb bats during maternity season​

• UF/IFAS scientists record first case of harmful bacteria in ubiquitous weed throughout U.S.
• A lifetime passion for livestock attracts new agent to UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County
• UF/IFAS expert explains what to expect when midges invade your pond, lake
• Water Conservation Month approaching: UF/IFAS expert explains why saving water matters
• Termite season: UF/IFAS scientist answers common questions, corrects misconceptions
• Women in Science: A conversation with the UF/IFAS scientist behind the Smartt Lab
• UF/IFAS scientist shares how love for learning led to lifetime of teaching, international work
• UF/IFAS Extension, College of Medicine, local partners join to provide farmworker health fair
• UF/IFAS Turfgrass Field Day and Expo brings trends, research to South Florida counties
• UF/IFAS scientist battles ‘hidden enemies’ in South Florida’s soil

• UF/IFAS, SFWMD ask residents to identify, report invasive snakes
• Termite season is coming: Local UF scientist explains what to know at free March 1 webinar
• A silver anniversary celebrates a golden UF/IFAS Extension idea
• Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus love to bite non-native lizards: What’s next?
• Internationally acclaimed scientist to lead UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center
• Need help with palm trees? Meet the UF/IFAS experts in Orlando, Feb. 25
• UF/IFAS receives nearly $1 million grant to engage more low-income students in geomatics
• Horseshoe crabs need your love, South Florida. Join the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch on Feb. 12
• USDA Grant To Enhance UF/IFAS Vanilla Research, Promote Domestic Industry
• UF/IFAS experts address palm pest spreading into two additional South Florida counties- February 9

• UF/IFAS Extension offers free webinar on virus killing St. Augustinegrass – January 18
• Hibiscus flowers not flowering? Scout for the hibiscus bud weevil, UF IFAS scientists suggest
• Holidays are primetime for pork, the protein that packs a punch with Florida goodness
• One Night in the Tropics paves the way for new UF/IFAS graduate housing
• Can antiviral agents help immune systems fight mosquito-borne dengue?
• UF/IFAS study: Forget the queen, kill the brood to eliminate subterranean termite colonies
• University of Florida faculty joins national team awarded $7.5M USDA-NIFA grant
• New fungus brings truffle-like fungi, wilting leaves, unpleasant smell in potted Boston Ferns
• UF/IFAS awarded grant to boost shellfish aquaculture industry, water quality initiatives
• Insecticide targeting juvenile mosquitoes can enhance Zika transmissions

• Fighting the tegu spread, protecting Florida’s wildlife, natural areas through sustained multiagency efforts
• Community moved to sponsor UF/IFAS graduate housing, tomorrow’s scientists
• Using 1.68M termites, UF/IFAS students show how only a few need to feed on baits to eliminate the colony
• Hurricane Heroes: Jonathan Crane
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage through the legacy of a 2021 Great Immigrant at UF/IFAS
• Fall in Florida is primetime for growing lettuce at home hydroponically, UF/IFAS explains
• New 4-H youth development agent returns home just in time for National 4-H Week
• Termite study: Scientists zero in on how termites coordinate mating behavior for colony success
• Vero Beach 4-H youth wins dairy calf to raise, promotes sustainability message
• Communicating relevant, real-time red tide events, Florida Sea Grant report explains

• UF/IFAS scientists tapped to join national research effort advancing phosphorus sustainability, funded by NSF
• UF/IFAS scientist reaches turning point on palm disease research
• UF/IFAS researchers explain science behind genetically modified mosquitoes
• Starting September 20, learn sustainable urban food production tips in South Florida with UF/IFAS
• Majority of Florida mosquito species are understudied, UF/IFAS survey illustrates
• UF/IFAS scientist publishes new data on insect causing lethal disease in palm trees
• Mark your calendars for One Night in the Tropics on November 6 - A UF/IFAS event for graduate housing
• Back by popular demand: UF/IFAS Extension Broward Urban Sustainable Food Production Short Course
• Come across this giant whip scorpion in your area? UF/IFAS expert explains what to expect
• Free Youth Fishing Clinic set, August 5, let your 8- to 14-year-old get hooked with skills

• Papaya consumer popularity prompts UF/IFAS trial for commercial expansion
• UF/IFAS appoints visionary leader as director of Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
• UF/IFAS study validates disputed control efforts for invasive mosquito outbreak in California
• UF/IFAS study links soil fertility, nutrient loss in organic soils to activity of archaeal microbes
• Container mosquitoes on your property? UF/IFAS scientists help you identify
• Fall may be prime for specialty pumpkins, but June is just right for growing calabaza
• UF/IFAS, Miami chocolatier cook up winning recipes with Florida-grown vanilla
• UF/IFAS Tropical Fruit Tuesdays sows what you need to grow, maintain tropical fruit trees
• UF/IFAS study connects how health status of American Crocodiles is influenced by salinity levels in Florida Everglades
• UF/IFAS connects small scale growers with post-Covid-19 digital marketing options

• New director takes lifetime work in Ag, 4-H to the next level at UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County
• UF/IFAS, Australia formalize to collaborate on fruit, crop research
• UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County announces new director
• Let simple Florida Friendly Landscape™ practices attract wildlife into your backyard - A citizen science opportunity
• Let simple Florida Friendly Landscape™ practices attract wildlife into your backyard - A citizen science opportunity
• Let simple Florida Friendly Landscape™ practices attract wildlife into your backyard - A citizen science opportunity
• Many UF/IFAS Extension offices branch out with options to commemorate National Arbor Day
• Want to grow your own vegetable garden? New UF/IFAS guide helps estimate costs, savings
• UF/IFAS Study: Does paternal health status in mosquitoes influence maternal offspring results?
• Cultivating better Florida mangoes - UF/IFAS scientists sequence DNA to support, grow a domestic industry

• Should your passion for pumpkins include the calabaza? UF/IFAS scientists laying the groundwork for chefs, growers, consumers
• Zika-infected mosquitoes harboring insecticide-resistance, UF/IFAS study shows
• UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant survey seeks public input on existing Florida red tide communications
• UF scientists predict potential spread of disease vector mosquito new to Florida
• Public input needed for Southeast Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area
• As Florida enters termite swarm season, UF/IFAS scientists tell consumers what to know
• UF/IFAS scientists provide insight on HEMP mites for growers
• UF/IFAS indigo field trials yield success as synthetic dyes lose appeal
• Barn owl conservation efforts in South Florida -- a soaring success for species, growers, environment
• Shellfish may improve water quality in north Florida estuary

• Looking to grow heart-healthy dragon fruit? UF/IFAS scientists offer latest insights on pests, beneficial insects
• Philanthropy on Gator Nation Giving Day helps South Florida’s UF graduate students
• USDA/NIFA grant looks at mitigating climate change impacts on Florida grasslands
• Can sargassum seaweed’s brown pungent properties serve as a green solution to topsoil?
• UF study on termites’ evolution tells us they are much more than wood-eating roaches
• Eco-friendly resolutions to top off your 2021 list if you live on Florida's east coast
• Top five eco-friendly resolutions for 2021 just for Southeast Florida
• Cracking the code on growing vanilla: DNA mystery uncovered by latest UF/IFAS research in South Florida
• Pondering adding passion fruit to your edible home landscape? UF/IFAS offers troubleshooting tips, tricks
• Latest non-native lizard to expand in Florida, UF/IFAS scientists warn

• Applications online to join UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Scholarship Program Introduced
• Florida Sea Grant leads call to action on Greater Amberjack, public input needed
• UF/IFAS Extension Farm Labor Education program goes online in English and Spanish
• Could the Miracle Fruit be for South Florida? New study uncovers data showing how bountiful it can grow in the subtropics
• Blue-green algal blooms polluting your ponds? UF/IFAS scientists empower communities with resources
• UF scientists show how long toxins produced by HABs of blue-green algae remain in the air
• Florida Sea Grant, DOH launch outreach to help dog owners protect pets from becoming a blue-green algae fatality statistic
• UF/IFAS Extension works with FDACS to help farmworkers stay safe from COVID
• UF/IFAS scientists to develop methodology for measuring crop evapotranspiration using sensors, drones, artificial intelligence
• UF/IFAS entomologists give reason to celebrate rice in Florida

• New food and resource economics researcher hopes to bring a competitive edge to growers in south Florida
• How toxic is the air from red tide today? FWC grants UF scientists $200K to develop new technology
• UF/IFAS scientists on the lookout for Nile monitors seek assistance from Boca Raton residents
• Helping Treasure Coast residents clean up their credit file, goal of UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie workshop
• UF/IFAS study finds mosquitoes bite manatees, making them vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases
• UF/IFAS scientists to shed light on aquatic symbiosis with a squid
• UF/IFAS scientist in search of effective control of mosquito that spreads West Nile virus in south Florida
• St. Lucie atala butterfly conservation program awarded national designation
• Sea turtle nests and hurricanes, here is what UF /IFAS experts want you to know
• Celebrating avocados July 31st? UF/IFAS researchers making great strides on saving the Florida avocado industry

• FFWCC awards UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant $92K to create communication plan alerting public of expected Florida red tide events
• With COVID case concerns in key southeast industries, Department of Health, UF/IFAS Extension amplify workplace safety outreach
• UF/IFAS scientist discovers parasite introduced by invasive pythons is threatening Florida’s native snakes
• UF/IFAS Extension Broward series promotes sustainability and community resilience through urban food production
• Summer camps canceled in Palm Beach County? 4-H Offers Camp to Go kits
• UF/IFAS scientists assess iNaturalist’s data quality of termite records
• UF/IFAS Extension Broward 4-H granted $10K from Glick Philanthropies to expand nutrition, gardening project for residents amid COVID-19
• UF/IFAS awarded $850K USDA grant to lead multistate research, study disease resistance in lettuce, boost cultivar production
• Is indoor farming a solution? UF/IFAS scientists explain
• UF/IFAS appoints interim director of Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center to support team’s urban initiatives, successes

• UF/IFAS scientists on the lookout for Argentine tegus, Nile monitors, seeking assistance from south Florida residents
• UF/IFAS scientists learn ‘threatened’ wood storks are showing flexible traits
• With Extension connections – alternative markets taking shape
• In Florida two invasive termite species are mating due to sex pheromone confusion
• 4-H hatches virtual learning ‘egg-sperience’ at Palm Beach schools
• Cafe Latino: A UF/IFAS Extension resource for Hispanics during COVID-19
• Extension dropbox, online services offer solutions to consumer concerns
• Master Gardener training cultivates new volunteers through virtual learning
• UF/IFAS Spotlights: Marjorie Moore, An Agent of Change
• Termite season is coming in Florida : Be proactive to protect your home, trees

• UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Continues to Take Root, Successes in 2019 Set Course for Continued, Expanded Research in 2020
• UF/IFAS, EFNEP Build Food Security Through Education, Demonstrations, Mobile Food Pantry
• Get in Touch with Nature on April 19: Join the BioBlitz at Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie
• Looking to Become an Ambassador, Guardian of Florida’s Coastline? Florida Master Naturalist Course Ready to Take New Members
• Navigating Majors, College Choices Through Experience: UF/IFAS CALS Tools Offer Aid
• UF/IFAS Scientists Generating Recipe for Growing Vanilla in South Florida
• Researching the Next Niche Crop in South Florida: New Breeds of Pumpkins, Calabazas Making Headway
• There’s Plenty to See, Do, Learn: UF Open House on Dec. 4 Invites Community to Engage with Science
• South Florida Community, UF/IFAS TREC Celebrate 90 Years of Milestones for Agricultural Sustainability
• Florida Chapter of ISA Infuses UF/IFAS Arboriculture Research with $320K in Grants

• UF/IFAS Extension Broward Family Nutrition Program Recognized For Impact to Community’s Health by Broward County Commissioners
• Spooky Insect Facts Unveil How Cannibalism Is All About Recycling
• UF/IFAS, United States Coast Guard Take Steps to Bridging the Gap During Disaster Recovery
• Get in Touch with Nature, Work with Scientists on November 2: Bill Keith Preserve Park in Fort Lauderdale Is Where to Connect
• There’s Plenty to See, Do, Learn at Everglades Research and Education Center: Nov. 7 Open House Joins Community with Faculty, Scientists and Research
• Learn about Butterfly Gardens, Florida Friendly Landscaping™, How to Incorporate Art into Green Space At UF/IFAS Extension Art in the Garden on November 16
• UF/IFAS TREC Plant Diagnostic Clinic: Keeping Florida’s Diverse Horticulture Industry Healthy
• UF/IFAS Researchers Take Lethal Bronzing Research to the Masses
• UF/IFAS Researchers Continue Work on Saving Guacamole's Key Ingredient
• A Glimpse at Emergency Operations Center with UF/IFAS Extension Agent

• UF/IFAS TREC Celebrates 90 Years of Innovative Research for Florida Agriculture
• Considering Iguana Meat as Protein? Consider Food Safety First
• Back to School Sports Survival Tip #1: Include A Water Jug for Hydration
• Ready to Lead Haiti’s Agricultural Sector, Scholars Prepare to Head Home with UF Master’s Degrees
• Preventing Summer Slide Made Easy: How Youth Engaged in UF/IFAS 4-H Marine Science Camp
• What's the Likelihood of a 'Crawl' Situation? UF Experts Dispel Alligator Attack Misconceptions

Blog Series:

• Invasive Species
• Find Your Frugal
• Vanilla at TREC
• Hispanic Heritage