Rebecca Burton is a Lecturer and the Gulf Scholars Program Coordinator at the UF Bob Graham Center for Public Service. Burton is a communications leader with 10 years of experience in journalism, science communication, public relations, strategic planning, program development, and digital engagement and outreach strategy in the environmental sphere. As the Gulf Scholars Program Coordinator, Burton works in preparing undergraduate students to address critical challenges in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Dr. Katherine Deliz is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment. Dr. Deliz’s research focuses on systems ecology, ecological engineering, and water systems. She aims to enhance environmental and health resilience in vulnerable communities. Her work investigates how pollution affects ecosystem health and seeks to develop sustainable remediation technologies for contaminated soils and water. A significant aspect of her research involves citizen science, enabling communities to co-create knowledge that can inform policy and improve management. These efforts strive to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities that are especially vulnerable to environmental changes.

Dr. James Jawitz is Professor of Landscape Hydrology in the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department in UF/IFAS. Dr. Jawitz conducts interdisciplinary research focused on hydrology and water quality issues in both natural and managed ecosystems. The overarching theme of his teaching and research programs is water resource sustainability, emphasizing the importance of securing sufficient water resources for urban and agricultural users while protecting natural hydrologic systems. He develops and applies hydro-ecological models to natural and constructed wetlands and devises techniques for characterizing and remediating contaminated soil and groundwater. Dr. Jawitz is a UF Water Institute Fellow.

Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni is Associate Professor in the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, located at the Citrus Research and Education Center. Dr. Kadyampakeni’s research and extension programs develop and implement sustainable strategies that optimize water management for citrus production, conservation of water, and water quality. This includes developing local and regional water use models, applying precision agricultural technologies, and developing best management practices for surface and groundwater sources. Dr. Kadyampakeni is a UF Water Institute Fellow.

Dr. Dail Laughinghouse is an Assistant Professor of Applied Phycology at the UF IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center specializing in basic and applied algal research from tropical to polar regions. Current research in his lab focuses on inventorying aquatic algae in Florida; environmental triggers for algal blooms; algae control and mitigation; and genomic studies of algae and toxins in soils. His Extension program focuses on educating the public on Florida algae identification and working with extension agents on best management practices for algae control to improve water quality. Dr. Laughinghouse has served the Faculty Advisory Faculty since 2021 and was reelected to serve a second term.

Dr. Seonkyoo (Sean) Yoon is an Assistant Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, CLAS. Dr. Yoon is a physical hydrologist who investigates water flow and reactive transport phenomena within porous and fractured geological media. His research approach integrates theoretical, computational, experimental, and field-based methods to enhance our understanding of these phenomena across various scales, from the microscopic to the field level. Dr. Yoon’s current research interests include karst water transport, acid rock fracturing, and natural hydrogen.