York Lecture Featuring Water Institute Director Dr. Matt Cohen

On September 3, Director of the UF Water Institute Dr. Matt Cohen and Gainesville-based artist Margaret Ross Tolbert were featured speakers at the 41st annual UF/IFAS York Distinguished Lecturer Series. This long-standing event brings notable voices in science, agriculture, and related fields to campus for public lectures and discussion. For the second year in a row, the series featured two speakers, offering a multidisciplinary perspective.

Their talk, “Seeing versus Observing: Exploring Art and Science in the Liquid Light of Florida’s Springs,” invited attendees to explore Florida’s freshwater springs through both research and creative expression. Tolbert shared her journey as an artist inspired by the springs, presenting her work and the emotional connection she has developed with these natural environments.

Dr. Cohen began by emphasizing the importance of sustained funding for scientific research and explained how such support has enabled him and his colleagues to better understand Florida’s spring ecosystems, their ecological value, and the challenges they face. He then highlighted key findings from his research and their insights into the dynamics of spring systems and the factors influencing their health.

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session and a reception, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with the speakers and reflect on the connections between art and science.

The event also marked the launch of the Dr. E. T. and Vam C. York Art and Agriculture Competition, which encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among students. Undergraduate and graduate students can create teams of up to three, with at least one student representing the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of the Arts, and submit proposals that integrate artistic and agricultural themes. Selected teams will receive funding to carry out their projects.

To watch the recorded lecture and learn more about the competition, visit here.

September 23, 2025