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UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

Current Faculty


Headshot of Dr. Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski.

Dr. Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski

Center Director and Professor

pelzstelinski@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Pelz-Stelinski's research program focuses on the biology and microbial ecology of insect vectors of plant diseases.

Headshot of Ana Maria Bocsanczy.

Dr. Ana Maria Bocsanczy

Research Assistant Scientist

Plant Pathology

anamariab@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Ana Maria Bocsanczy's research is pivotal in understanding the molecular dynamics of plant-pathogen interactions, particularly concerning Ralstonia solanacearum.

Headshot of Jianjun Chen.

Dr. Jianjun Chen

Professor

Plant Physiology

jjchen@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Jianjun Chen's research program focuses on how plants function, specificially how genetic, environmental and cultural factors influence the grow and development of specialty crops. 

Headshot of Liz Felter.

Dr. Liz Felter

Regional Specialized Agent, Central Food Systems and Ornamental Horticulture

lfelter@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Liz Felter is a regional specialized agent for UF/IFAS Extension who works and collaborates with the interface of Central Florida food systems and ornamental horticulture.

Headshot of Alfred Huo.

Dr. Alfred Huo

Associate Professor

Environmental Horticulture

hhuo@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Alfred Huo's research program focuses on developing biotechnological tools, particularly in improving the genetic transformation in diverse plant species and using various approaches such as CRISPR gene editing, transposon mutagenesis, and genomic sequencing to ornamental and specialty crops like snapdragons, begonia, marigold and petunia for genetic improvement. 

Headshot of Hayk Khachatryan.

Dr. Hayk Khachatryan

Professor

Food and Resource Economics

hayk@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Hayk Khachatryan's research program focuses on consumer behavior, experimental economics, pro-environmental behavior, temporal preferences, and urban and environmental policy. 

Headshot of Chris Marble.

Dr. Chris Marble

Associate Professor

Ornamental and Landscape Weed Management

marblesc@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Chris Marble's research program focuses on managing weeds and invasive plant species in landscapes and ornamental plant production and aims to develop new methods of weed control using an integrated approach with chemical and non-chemical treatments.

Headshot of David Norman.

Dr. David Norman

Associate Professor

Plant Pathology

djn@ufl.edu

About

Dr. David Norman's research program focuses on bacterial and fungal diseases that affect the production of landscape plants in Florida. 

Headshot of Lance Osborne.

Dr. Lance Osborne

Professor

Entomology

lsosborn@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Lance Osborne's research program focuses on biological controls for managing pests, specifically for spider mites, white flies, thrips and lacewings, to connect homeowners with pest solutions.

Headshot of Yilin Zhuang.

Dr. Yilin Zhuang

Regional Specialized Agent, Water Resources

yilinz@ufl.edu

About

Dr. Yilin Zhuang is a regional specialized agent who works with water resources for UF/IFAS Extension. Zhuang works across Central Florida to manage and promote water conservation programs as well as find solutions to challenges facing Florida's water supply.