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Water Institute Symposium closing plenary speakers headshots from left to right in the top row: Beth Alvi, Brett Goodman, Tirusew Asefa. In the bottom row from left to right: Sara Davis, Jayantha Obeysekera, Amy Brown.

Closing Plenary Speakers Announced for Water Institute Symposium

February 10, 2026

Six speakers across a breadth of sectors will come together for the Water Institute Symposium closing plenary, “Harnessing Data for Florida’s Water Future”, and explored how improved data availability, governance, and integration can strengthen statewide water stewardship.

Aerial view of wetlands with headshots of Dr. Matt Cohen (left) and Dr. David Kaplan (right). The text "Directors Share Insights on the Future of Florida's Wetlands" is below.

Directors Share Perspective on Wetlands and Their Future

February 3, 2026

In a guest column published in the Tampa Bay Times, Water Institute Director Dr. Matthew Cohen and Director of the H.T. Odum Center for Wetlands Dr. David Kaplan provide their perspective on Florida’s wetlands and how the state leadership is positioned in protecting wetlands.

Image of the FACETS project team with the title "New FACETS Paper: Working Together for Florida's Water Future".

How Farmers, Foresters and Scientists Are Working to Protect Florida’s Groundwater

January 27, 2026

Every growing season, farmers and foresters in North Florida’s Santa Fe River Basin make decisions that ripple across a landscape of row crops, pasture and pine plantations—lands that sit directly above one of the world’s largest and most productive groundwater resources.

Headshot of three speakers witht the Water Institute symposium logo and a caption "Speakers Announced for Symposium New Plenary Format"

Speakers Announced for Plenary Session on Water Quality

January 20, 2026

Speakers for the second session using the new plenary format at the UF Water Institute Biennial Symposium have now been announced. Focusing on existing and emerging water‑quality priorities…

Water Institute Student Hydro Highlight with headshot of Fabian Quichimbo.

Hydro Highlight: Fabian Quichimbo – Mapping the Hidden World of Water Beneath Our Feet

January 20, 2026

Growing up in Cuenca, Ecuador, Fabián Quichimbo was always fascinated by the source of its renowned clean water, which originates from mountain ecosystems called páramos. Curious about what makes it so pure and how it is distributed throughout the city…

Headshots of the four elected Faculty Advisory Committee members with a text message welcoming them for the spring semester.

Welcome New Faculty Advisory Committee Members

January 13, 2026

Four affiliate faculty members have been chosen for the 2026-2029 Faculty Advisory Committee term starting this Spring semester.

Dr. Tracy Irani headshot above photos of Dr. Irani working. Below is the caption "Celebrating Dr. Tracy Irani's Contributions and Commitment".

Celebrating Dr. Tracy Irani’s Contributions to FloridaWCA

January 7, 2026

The collaboration, commitment, and contributions of Dr. Tracy Irani were celebrated at her December retirement party. A founding member of the FloridaWCA, Dr. Irani served…

A series of presentations and networking at the Fall Showcase.

Displaying Excellence and Building Community at Fall Showcase

December 5, 2025

The Water Institute hosted its 2025 Fall Student Showcase, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a full day dedicated to professional development, research communication, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Welcome Ivelisse Ruiz Bernard to the Water Institute Team.

Welcome Ivelisse Ruiz Bernard as the New Member of the Water Institute Team

December 2, 2025

The Water Institute is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ivelisse Ruiz Bernard as the new Administrative Assistant. Ivelisse brings a passion for community engagement, education, and supporting research.

Water Institute Student Hydro Highlight Adeyinka Ayodele.

Hydro Highlight: Adeyinka Ayodele — Improving Irrigation Practices through Communication

December 2, 2025

When Adeyinka Ayodele arrived at the University of Florida in January 2025, he brought with him years of experience in landscaping, agricultural education, and environmental stewardship.