EREC Graduate Students
Shailaja VemulaPhD Student Shailaja is a PhD student in the Agronomy department at University of Florida. Her research focuses on development of lettuce varieties with herbicide resistance using chemical mutagenesis and conventional breeding by screening advanced breeding lines of lettuce against broad-spectrum herbicides for growers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of South Florida. |
Lis Natali Rodrgiues PortoMaster's Student Lis is a master’s student in the Horticultural Sciences Department at University of Florida. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Germán Sandoya and her research focuses on investigating the races of Bremia lactucae, responsible for the major lettuce disease called Downy mildew, currently present in Florida. Additionally, work related to Fusarium wilt of lettuce, Bacterial leaf spot, Cercospora leaf spot and nematode host- resistance have been caried out with the purpose to identify common disease resistance to incorporate them into the UF breeding program. |
Saroop S. SandhuPhD Student Saroop is working in the Sugarcane Agronomy lab with Dr. Hardev Sandhu and his dissertation work is focussed on identifying the best varieties and evaluating planting dates and fertilization rates for industrial hemp cultivation in organic soils of South Florida. |
Shabnam SadeghibanianiPhD Student Shabnam is a Ph.D. student in the Agronomy Department at the University of Florida. She is working under the supervision of Dr. J. Mabry McCray and studies sugarcane nutrient management and soil Silicon calibration on mineral and organic soils. Her research assists farmers in making cost-effective decisions regarding the application of soil amendment and could reduce the impact of fertilizer application on the environment. |
Alex RodriguezMaster's Student Alex's master's research is focused on integrated weed management systems for sweet corn production in organic soils. He is currently evaluating the efficacy and residual activity of the herbicide pyroxasulfone for PRE weed control, and the efficacy of HPPD-inhibitor herbicides for POST weed control in sweet corn. His research also involves the evaluation of the influence of phosphorus fertilization on the critical period of weed control in organic soils used for sweet corn production in Florida.
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Datta KumarMaster's Student Datta Kumar is a master's student in the Agronomy Department at the University of Florida. He is working under the supervision of Dr. Calvin Odero and his research focuses on fall panicum biology and interaction with rice. |
Nan XuPhD Student Nan Xu is a PhD student working with Dr. Jehangir Bhadha in the Soil and Water Science Department. She is working on applying soil amendments for sugarcane production on Mineral Soils of South Florida to evaluate the short and long-term effects of application of organic amendments, such as bagasse, on sandy soils. |
Gustavo KreutzPhD Student Gustavo is a Ph.D. student in the Horticultural Sciences Department at University of Florida. He is working under the supervision of Dr. Germán Sandoya and his research aims to identify, select, and breed lettuce cultivars for superior nutrient use efficiency. Gustavo is also interested in other biotic and abiotic problems that threaten the lettuce industry at the EAA. |
Rachelle BergerPhD. Student Rachelle's Advisor is Dr. Calvin Odero, she will be evaluating the effects of green sugarcane harvesting versus burning cane and the effects these harvesting methods have on weed population dynamics, herbicide interactions, and management as well as determine the impacts on soil community composition and nutrient cycling. |
Jesse MurrayPhD. Student Jesse Murray is a Master of Science student in the Horticultural Sciences Department working with Dr. Germán Sandoya. His work is related to Fusarium Wilt of lettuce, breeding and genetics. Jesse is also interested in outdoor adventuring, human health and nutrition, and international development. Jesse is also mentored by Dr. Richard Raid. |
Noel ManirakizaPhD. Student Noel is originally from Rwanda, Africa. He received his Master's degree from Selcuk University, Turkey. As part of his PhD, Noel will be working on soil health sustainability and carbon sequestration in Dr. Bhadha's program.
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Xue BaiPhD. Student Xue is originally from China. She received her master's degree from Beijing Normal University, China. As part of her PhD, Xue will be working on assessing conservation farming practices within the EAA in Dr. Bhadha's program. |