Postdoc Corner
The UF Postdoc Appreciation was celebrated on September 16-20 of this year. It was time to celebrate the hard work, impact, and achievements of postdoctoral associates at the University of Florida. While this was a great time to honor the postdocs that we have on the Everglades REC campus, it was also a unique opportunity to get to know them.
Left to Right: Dr. Tanjila Jesmin, Dr. Flavia Santos, Dr. Samira Daroub, Dr. Larissa Carvalho Ferreira, Dr. Shabnam Sadeghibaniani, Dr. Pamela Arcana Santos, Dr. Ricardo A. Lesmes
Get To Know Our Postdocs
Dr. Shabnam Sadeghibaniani
Horticultural Sciences
Place of Origin: Iran, where the carpets are magic, the people are hospitable and welcoming, the food is delicious, and the tea is always ready!
Current Research: Trying to crack the code for lettuce to find its sweet spot to grow big enough and tasty but not so much that the soil will be in the phosphorus party. “Updating Phosphorus Fertilizer Recommendation on lettuce on Muck soils”
What have you learned during your experience? As a postdoc, don't expect yourself to be the next big science superstar just yet—this phase is more like a transitional rollercoaster with a few unexpected twists. An awesome rollercoaster that you get to put your new grad school knowledge to work and address your gaps. Plus, every day is a new adventure in learning and improving.
Advice for aspiring postdocs
Make sure you have a great coffee maker on hand—it'll be your best friend.
Expect some surprises in your experiments, and try to stay patient and flexible.
Building good relationships with your lab equipment + laptop can make your work life a lot easier!
When things get tough, a glass of beer with wings on Wednesday always works.
Do you have a favorite motivational quote?
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." — Steve Jobs.
Special talent? Baking Birthday Cakes.
Baking a birthday cake is a bit like working in a soil chemistry lab. You take flour (sandy soil), sugar (ammonium nitrate), and a dash of magic, then turn them into a delicious cake (or in the lab’s case, effective soil nutrient extraction).
Favorite Food(s)? Shahla’s cooking (Mom’s magic) when she’s away and any kind of pasta—because when in doubt, pasta is always the answer!
Hobbies outside of work? Tasting new foods, and then trying to recreate those flavors at home. It’s all about discovering deliciousness and bringing a bit of adventure into the kitchen!
Dr. Ricardo Lesmes
Agronomy
Place of Origin: Santander, Columbia
Current research: Evaluation of energycane production systems and their ecosystem services for integrated landscape management in marginal lands.
What have you learned during your experience?:
Advice for aspiring postdocs: Be open to learn from fields of knowledge that may be unknown for you, and absorb as much as possible from your supervisor's and colleagues' experiences.
Favorite motivational quote: "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18 - KJV)
Special talent: Singing
Favorite food (s): Ajiaco santafereño (It's a very traditional colombian soup)
Hobbies outside of work: Singing, reading, and hydroponics
Dr. Pamela Aracena Santos
Soil, Water, & Ecosystem Sciences
Place of Origin: Azua, Dominican Republic aka Plantain Country! We will great you with warm smiles and cold beer, loud music and lots of bachata.
Current Research (short summary): Evaluating phosphorus (P) reduction in farm basins within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Specifically, differences in P reduction among farms implementing similar best management practices (BMPs), aiming to discern the impact of soil chemistry and historical land use on P concentration and loads.
Advice for aspiring postdocs: “There are four obstacles. First: we are told from childhood onward that everything we want to do is impossible. The second obstacle: love. We know what we want to do but are afraid of hurting those around us by abandoning everything in order to pursue our dream. The third obstacle: fear of the defeats we will meet on the path. The fourth obstacle: the fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all our lives.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
- Do not be afraid to follow your dreams, to express your ideas, and to allow your creativity to flourish. You may not be where you want to be but that doesn't mean you won't get there. Use every experience as a steppingstone to achieve your dreams.
- Do not fear the unknown. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself. It can be scary to try new things, because you are afraid of failure. Remember nobody was born knowing everything. You must start somewhere.
- Do not be discouraged when life becomes difficult, for you are not alone in your suffering; ask for help, you may be surprised from where and from whom the answers to your problems come from.
- Be open to learning from others. Your point of view is not the only one. Put your ego aside, quiet your thoughts, and truly listen.
- Be receptive to criticism. Sometimes it's hard and it can feel like a personal attack. In those moments, take a breath. Disassociate.
- Understand that not everyone learns the same way or at the same speed. Be patient and adjust. Sometimes taking a different approach when communicating your ideas,
Do you have a favorite motivational quote?: “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Special talent?: I was a ballerina for 13 years and danced on pointe shoes, I used to break dance when I was in college, from the age of 11-13 I used to be an Alto and a Soprano in the choir.
Favorite Food(s): pupusas, gobi manchurian, cig kofte, churrasco, pad thai, chimichurri burger, mofongo
Hobbies outside of work: watching anime, line dancing, playing pool (billiards), playing arcade games, skating, reading.
Dr. Larissa Carvalho Ferreira
Plant Pathology
Place of Origin: Brazil
Current Research: Advancing sustainable management of Cercospora early blight in celery production by integrating biocontrol and UAV technology.
What have you learned during your experience? Throughout my postdoc journey, I’ve learned the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and adaptability.
Advice for aspiring postdocs: Build strong relationships with mentors, stay open to learning from diverse fields, and prioritize collaboration. Actively seek opportunities to write grant proposals, as they are crucial for securing funding and building a successful research program.
Do you have a favorite motivational quote?
"What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean." – Isaac Newton
Special talent?
I can play the guitar.
Favorite Food(s) Sushi and Brazilian barbecue.
Hobbies outside of work: Spending time with family, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring different restaurants and cuisines.
Dr. Tanjila Jesmin
Soil, Water, & Ecosystem Sciences
Place of Origin: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Current Research: My current research focuses on evaluating soil and water quality in regenerative agricultural practices. As the lead on a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) funded cover crop project, I collaborate with scientists, extension agents, and farm managers to assess the impact of cover cropping on mineral soils across Florida, with a particular interest in how microbial communities are influenced. Recently, I published two peer-reviewed journal articles on rice nutrient use efficiency in the Everglades Agricultural Area and the evaluation of cover crops and soil health in tropical agroecosystems.
What have you learned during your experience?: During my postdoctoral experience, I’ve deepened my expertise in advanced research techniques and project management. I’ve honed my skills in collaboration and networking, working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. My role also involved mentoring junior researchers, which enhanced my leadership abilities. Additionally, I’ve refined my communication skills for presenting complex findings clearly and persuasively. Overall, this experience has strengthened my problem-solving capabilities and adaptability, preparing me for future challenges in academia or industry.
Advice for aspiring postdocs: As an aspiring postdoc, focus on building a strong research foundation and developing a clear research agenda. Seek opportunities to collaborate with others in your field, as networking can open doors to valuable resources and opportunities. Be proactive in seeking mentorship, setting clear career goals, and staying adaptable to new challenges.
Do you have a favorite motivational quote?: "Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Special talent?: Cooking
Favorite Food(s): Any Sweets
Hobbies outside of work: Photography
Dr. Flavia Santos
Soil, Water, & Ecosystem Sciences
Place of Origin: Brazil
Current Research: – Phosphorus use efficiency with the use of biofertilizers (phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms)
What have you learned during your experience? I have had the opportunity to learn about the various research projects that are being carried out on the nutrient phosphorus and to interact with various professionals from UF and other universities in the US who are working on this and related to I've also had the opportunity to get to know the work of EREC colleagues
Advice for aspiring postdocs: It’s very important to always seek knowledge and interaction with other professionals in order to our grow. Built good relationship!!! Respect others!!!
Do you have a favorite motivational quote? Do your best and the result will come one way or another
Special talent? The ability to organize professionally and travel and ability to interact with colleagues
Favorite Food(s) “Feijoada”, Churrasco (Barbecue), beer and wine (favorite drinks)
Hobbies outside of work. Travel (get to know people and places), celebrate, and have fun with family and friends, dance, listen to music, watch movies, nature