The Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) is proud to celebrate three outstanding members of our community. All three represent UF/IFAS in different ways, but each demonstrates exceptional service worthy of a 2026 Superior Accomplishment Award (SAA). This annual program honors faculty and staff who perform efficiently with innovation. Their work impacts the quality of life for students, their fellow employees, and the broader community.
This year, SWES recognizes its recipients in the Individual Employee Performance category. They reflect excellence across teaching, research, service, and support roles.
Chris Wilson
Dr. P. Chris Wilson, SWES professor and associate department chair, received a Faculty Superior Accomplishment Award in recognition of his leadership, scholarship, and service. Wilson’s contributions span research, teaching, and administration. In each area, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing departmental and UF/IFAS priorities.
“Chris is a well-respected member of SWES for many reasons, but it really comes down to his selflessness and willingness to put the success of others before himself,” said AJ Reisinger, SWES associate professor. “When the administration asked him to serve as the interim chair of the department, he did so without question and without complaint.”
Wilson’s work has strengthened academic programs, supported colleagues and students, and helped foster a collaborative and high-performing departmental culture.
“Beyond research and teaching, Dr. Wilson served as the faculty advisor for our Graduate Student Association,” said Vanesa Rostan, SWES Ph.D. student. “His support and guidance were invaluable – helping us coordinate events, providing feedback, and ensuring that our student voices were heard within the department.”
Brittney Monus
Brittney Monus, a Biological Scientist II, manages the Soil Microbiology Lab of Dr. Sarah Strauss at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. She received a Health Care & Physical Sciences Superior Accomplishment Award. Colleagues nominated Monus for her technical expertise, dedication to high-quality research, and exceptional support of lab and field operations. Additionally, they highlighted her attention to detail, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond.
“Her technical excellence, organizational efficiency, scientific adroitness, and interpersonal skills have made Brittney an indispensable member of our team,” said Adesuwa Erhunmwunse, a postdoctoral researcher in the Soil Microbiology Lab. “She has trained many of us working in the lab and her patience, clarity, and detailed approach helped us all develop the competence and confidence we needed.”
“People within and outside the lab come to Brittney with problems not just because they know she is reliable, but because they trust her to handle issues calmly, logically, and with professionalism and care,” added Sarah Strauss, SWES associate professor.
Emily Colson
Emily Colson received a Student, Academic, and Alumni Services Superior Accomplishment Award for her work at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station. Michael Allen, NCBS director, nominated Colson for her work as Communications Specialist and K-12 Education Coordinator.
“Emily exhibited fantastic leadership and problem solving in 2025 through the effects of Hurricane Helene on our facility,” Allen said. “This storm badly impacted her educational program, and she showed innovation and hard work to modify her program to go to the students, teaching them about living shorelines and infrastructure protection strategies.”
“She is an incredible member of our team who finds ways to get the job done well, despite challenges that arise,” he added. “We are so lucky to have her!”
Outside of work, Colson is a UF Online student majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies – Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources in SWES. As a student, she spent last summer working on seagrass monitoring in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve as part of a state-funded grant program.
SWES congratulates Dr. Chris Wilson, Brittney Monus, and Emily Colson on these well-deserved honors. Their achievements reflect what the Superior Accomplishment Awards are designed to recognize. We are proud to count them among our faculty, staff, and students.
A ceremony is planned for mid-March to present the awards to all recipients.
Featured image of McCarty Hall A is a UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
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