Congratulations to the 2024 UF Water Institute Faculty Fellows

Congratulations to Drs. Haimanote Bayabil and Katherine Serafin for being named the 2024 University of Florida Water Institute Early Career Faculty Fellows! This prestigious award recognizes their outstanding contributions to interdisciplinary water-related research, education, and extension programs that align with the mission of the Water Institute.

Dr. Haimanote Bayabil is an Associate Professor* of Water Resources in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, IFAS, where he leads research and extension programs at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead. His work focuses on developing precision water and nutrient management tools and climate-smart soil and water management practices. By integrating lab and field experiments, cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Bayabil creates innovative solutions that directly address stakeholders’ needs. His program bridges academia and practice, translating scientific knowledge into actionable information. His dedication to capacity building and knowledge dissemination is evident in his extensive engagement with extension agents, stakeholders, and the broader community.

(*was Assistant Professor at the time of application)

Dr. Katherine Serafin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, CLAS, focusing on flood dynamics and their impacts on people and places. She integrates physical and human geography to analyze coastal and terrestrial water systems under climate stress and rising sea levels. Her work, which combines observational data with advanced environmental analysis and modeling, has practical implications for policymaking and water risk management. Through her teaching, Dr. Serafin prepares students to address complex water issues, particularly by revitalizing and developing the interdisciplinary course “Water Risk and Extreme Events.” She is a current member of the Water Institute Faculty Advisory Committee (2022-2025) and played a key role in planning the 9th UF Water Institute Symposium, contributing significantly to the institute’s mission and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Stay tuned for announcements regarding their upcoming seminars and to recognize them at the Water Institute Awards Ceremony.

August 28, 2024