The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) has named Dr. Maria Silveira a 2024 SSSA Fellow. Silveira is a professor of grassland biogeochemistry in the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES). She was selected for her contributions to soil science over the past two decades. Silveira conducts her research and extension activities at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Fla.
“It is a great honor to be named SSSA Fellow,” Silveira said. “I am immensely thankful to all my colleagues and students for helping me achieve this important milestone in my career. Dr. Reddy’s support and encouragement have been invaluable.”
Dr. K. Ramesh Reddy, SWES graduate research professor of biogeochemistry and director of the UF School of Natural Resources and Environment, nominated Silveira. His nomination highlighted Silveira’s creativity in research and extension to address critical issues in grassland ecosystems.
“Florida is home to the nation’s largest cattle ranches. Dr. Silveira is a leading expert in nutrient management and water quality,” explained Reddy, who became an SSSA Fellow in 1988. “Her work is having a positive impact on economic and environmental sustainability.”
Reddy noted that Silveira’s research program has received more than $16 million in funding since 2006. He added that her extension work complements her research by teaching stakeholders and county extension faculty the importance of sustainable use of soil and water resources.
“Her research and extension efforts provide state and federal agencies with technical expertise and scientific basis for the development of environmental regulations,” Reddy said.
We congratulate Dr. Silveira on this well-deserved honor,” said Dr. Matt Whiles, professor and SWES chair. “Her research is beneficial for the cattle industry, but she also investigates grazing lands’ capacity to store large amounts of soil carbon, which has global implications for us all.”
Service and Teaching
Silveira’s involvement in SSSA includes being a member and former chair of the Soil and Water Management and Conservation Division and serving on numerous committees including the Best Paper Award, Young Scholar Award, and Cross-Cultural Experience Program Scholarship. In addition, she is a member of the Crop Science Society of America, the Agronomy Society of America, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. Silveira also served as an associate journal editor with those three organizations.
While primarily focused on research and extension, Silveira views teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists as equally important. She served as a chair or co-chair of nearly a dozen graduate students. She also served as a member of another 33 graduate student committees. Additionally, Silveira has hosted more than 30 undergraduate and graduate students and visiting scientists from Brazil, Honduras, and China.
The SSSA will recognize Silveira and its other 2024 Fellows at the annual meeting. This year’s event is November 10-13 in San Antonio, Texas. SWES now has 10 current faculty members who are SSSA Fellows and just as many emeritus faculty members with that distinction.
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