For more than 15 years, Ann Wilkie has helped spark curiosity, confidence and discovery in undergraduate researchers at the University of Florida. This accomplishment makes her a fitting recipient of the UF Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) 2026 Catalyst Award.
CUR recognized Wilkie, a professor in the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES), April 7 at the 2026 Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium as one of five faculty members with a longstanding commitment to mentoring students and helping shape the next generation of researchers. This year’s honorees all mentored undergraduate researchers during CUR’s first year and continue to do so today. As catalysts, they have had a sustained impact on UF undergraduate students. That includes serving as research role models and exposing students to the collaborative nature and culture of scientific investigation.
Wilkie’s research focuses on bioenergy and sustainable technology, with an emphasis on microbial processes, the circular economy and biomass-to-biofuel conversion. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in biodigestion technology. For Wilkie, undergraduate research is a cornerstone of her academic program. She developed the SWES’ Experiential Learning Lab (ELL) for hands-on learning in soil, water and environmental sciences. The ELL offers undergraduate research, field and lab activities, demonstration areas, and a composting and gardening area.
“As a researcher and educator, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring through experiential learning,” Wilkie said. “This approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.”
A Catalyst Award Legacy
Susan Crow, SWES department chair and professor, praised Wilkie for creating an environment for discovery that encourages undergraduate students to engage with science through hands-on experience.
“Her dedication to the SWES Experiential Learning Lab expanded opportunities for countless students to connect classroom concepts with real-world challenges,” Crow said, “leaving a legacy for our department to build on and a long-lasting impact on the students she has mentored.”
“The best way to study science is to learn from scientific experimentation,” Wilkie said. “Undergraduate research contributes significantly to the learning and development of the student, building self-confidence and fostering initiative, creativity and accomplishment.”
At UF, Wilkie has mentored 75 UF/IFAS interns, 20 University Scholars Program students, and supervised 50 undergraduates for research credit. “It’s always amazing to see the transformation that mentored research brings out in them,” she said. “It’s been my privilege to work with so many eager and talented students, and I appreciate the recognition from CUR.”
At the Spring Symposium, Anne Donnelly, CUR director, highlighted the importance of faculty mentorship in supporting the university’s growing undergraduate research enterprise.
“This would not be possible without the strong support of faculty across campus who generously dedicate their time to train and mentor these young researchers,” Donnelly said. “For Ann, and only four others, to commit to this endeavor for 15 years is inspiring.”
Al Wysocki, associate dean of the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, echoed Donnelly’s gratitude.
“Over the years, Ann has built more than a successful research program. She has built an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically and gain confidence in their discipline,” Wysocki said. “When I talk with her students at a CUR Symposium poster session, I can see they are thinking like scientists and are enthusiastic about their research.”
The 2026 symposium marked CUR’s 15th anniversary and featured 677 student research posters. That makes it the largest celebration of undergraduate research in UF history.
Wilkie and the other 2026 CUR Catalyst Award recipients are featured in the 2026 Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium Abstract Book.
Feature photo of the SWES Experiential Learning Lab by Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS Photography.
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