Masanori Fujimoto: Principal Investigator

Research Assistant Professor, Microbial Ecology, Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida. Dr. Fujimoto obtained a dual Ph.D. degree in Microbiology / Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior at Michigan State University in 2012. He has a strong passion in understanding fundamental ecological processes and applying this knowledge to solutions of pressing issues.

Phone: (352) 294-3131

Email: mfujimoto@ufl.edu 

Ann Wilkie: Co- Principal Investigator

Research Professor, Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology, Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida. Dr. Wilkie investigates and develops sustainable resources management techniques for agricultural and industrial wastes, with emphasis on utilization of naturally occurring microbes. Current focus includes farm waste management technology for energy production, nutrient recovery and water quality improvement.

Phone: (352) 392-8699                        

Email: acwilkie@ufl.edu

Philip Daly: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Philip Daly is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Sciences. While attending the University, Philip has taken an interest in plant pathogens, soils and composting.  Philip has worked part time as a lab assistant at the UF Plant Diagnostic Center for two years. He is interested in organic systems and soil management. Philip is an avid outdoors person and enjoys all outdoor recreation activities. He has worked as a wilderness canoe guide for four summers and in his spare time enjoys bicycling, hiking, and climbing.

Madeline Lynch: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Madeline Lynch is a Biochemistry and Plant Science (breeding and genetics) dual major. Her primary roles in the project are plant maintenance and research. A fun fact about Madeline is that she plays flute in a music organization on campus.

Kelsey Orr: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kelsey Orr is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and minoring in Materials Science and Engineering. Her primary role in this project is science communication. She loves the outdoors and hiking.

Danielle McManamon: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Danielle McManamon is currently working towards a degree in Environmental Science with minors in Religion and Agricultural and Natural Resource Law. Her primary role in this project is assisting in education and outreach. She loves learning new things about sustainability and what we can do to make a positive difference on the environment.

James Moran: Undergraduate Research Assistant

James Moran is a senior undergraduate Biology student at the University of Florida. His role in the project is to investigate the relationship between microbe presence and soil fertility. He spends his free time assisting  He hopes to pursue further education in Plant Biochemistry and Genetics to become a plant breeder in the future. 

Autumn Reeves: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Autumn Reeves is an undergraduate Plant Science student at the University of Florida. She also is obtaining her minor in Environmental Horticulture, with focuses on organic and sustainable crop production. Her role in this project is to build and maintain the growth plot, propagate seeds, solve limitations to the growth site, and educating farmers on sustainable agriculture practices. She is interested in utilizing bio-fertilizers and bio-stimulants to promote food production while minimizing environmental impact. Autumn's goal is to establish an organic farm, emphasizing the conservation and restoration of native plants, to contribute to biodiversity, preservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Duane Hardy: Undergraduate Volunteer

Duane Hardy is an undergraduate Plant Science student. at the University of Florida. He has a broad spectrum of research interests ranging from investigating the presence of microplastics in agricultural soils, to exploring plant-soil microbe interactions and sustainable crop production systems. His role in this project is tending to the field site, educating farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, and assisting the SARE team with their duties. This research aligns with his passion for environmental conservation, focusing on areas such as soil health, sustainable cropping practices, and the impact of plastics on environmental safety.