Brian Bahder

Dr. Bahder specializes in insect vector ecology, specifically in vector discovery of new and emerging pathogens that cause economic loss in agricultural and ornamental cropping systems as well as understanding the evolutionary relationships and molecular mechanisms that determine the ability of species to transmit pathogens. His current research interests include the epidemiology of phytoplasmas infecting palms as well as other common tropical ornamental plants and their associated diseases and insect pests and developing management strategies to reduce economic losses.

Mark Bailey

Mark is a University of Florida faculty member with degrees in Entomology, Plant Protection, and Pest Management. He serves Marion County as an extension agent and is responsible for sustainable agriculture and food systems. He has more than ten years of university extension experience and more than twenty years of agriculture and horticultural experience. A major component of his efforts is to investigate potentially sustainable and profitable alternative crops for the central Florida region.

Marguerite Beckford

Marguerite works as a Horticulture Extension Agent in Citrus County, with programs focused on Environmental Landscape Management (ELM) and Urban Forestry Extension education. Marguerite’s ELM Extension program has provided job promotion and retention opportunities for more than 2000 green-industry professionals in Florida, through best management practices training sessions and CEU classes. Marguerite launched Florida’s first trademarked urban forestry Extension program (Treejuvenation Florida) in 2017, conducting urban forestry Extension community engagement events and sourcing partnership resources to plant more than 500 community trees. Serving on an inaugural tree committee, Marguerite provided technical assistance for New College of Florida’s certification process to be recognized as Florida’s 21st Tree Campus USA© location. Marguerite has published work in EDIS and ASHS journals, has presented at national and international conferences, and has earned national and state Extension awards, as well as a UF/IFAS Faculty and Staff Superior Accomplishment award.

Jamie Burrow

Jamie Burrow is an Extension Program Manager with UF/IFAS CREC. Often times when asked what she does for a job, she gets a few puzzled looks. She tells them it’s not a traditional job most people think about such as a teacher, doctor, lawyer or law enforcement. It is job that is unique and fits her personality. As Jamie explains it, it takes the responsibility of a teacher who’s job is to educate others and then take the job of a public relations specialist who’s job is to create an awareness and put them together. Her primary responsibility is to assist faculty in providing their latest research information to the clientele. It is an enjoyable opportunity to think of new ways to present information, create educational materials, and plan for events. Two of her favorite tasks are teaching others and creating educational documents. It may not be a traditional job most people think of but she loves it!

Clarissa Chairez

Clarissa is the Residential Horticulture/Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator Agent in Orange County. She has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and a Master of Science in Agronomy. She has a passion for education and food insecurity. Prior professional experience includes 6+ years in education and 3+ years in greenhouse/nursery management.

Taylor Clem

Dr. Taylor Clem is the UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension Director, and a horticultural extension agent. He earned a bachelor’s degree in from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree from the University of Florida, both in landscape architecture. Dr. Clem also has a doctorate in horticulture services from UF. He has numerous certifications including, but not limited to: Certified Florida-Friendly Landscaping Professional; Green-Industries Best Management Practices Instructor Training; and Teaching and Learning in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Adam Dale

As a turf and ornamental entomologist, Adam Dale responsible for researching economically important pests of turfgrass and ornamental plants and disseminating the results through management recommendations to extension faculty across the state. The ultimate goal of his lab is to generate more sustainable, ecologically based management strategies that benefit the environment as well as the turf and ornamental industries.

Jaret Daniels

Dr. Daniels is a Curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity and Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. His lab specializes in insect ecology and conservation with a focus on at-risk butterflies and native insect pollinators.

He has authored many successful field guides, gardening books, and general interest titles on butterflies, insects, wildflowers, native plants, and wildlife landscaping including Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening, Butterflies of Florida Field Guide, Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Southeast, Backyard Bugs: An Identification Guide to Common Insects, Spiders, and More, Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Southeast, Wildflowers of Florida Field Guide, Vibrant Butterflies: Our Favorite Visitors to Flowers and Gardens, and Insects & Bugs for Kids: An Introduction to Entomology. He lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife Stephanie.

Stephen Enloe

Dr. Enloe is interested in developing new methods and refining existing treatment methods that maximize the control of invasive plants while minimizing the impacts on non-target species. Enloe’s Extension program provides management information and recommendations for the control of invasive species to state and federal agencies, commercial and private applicators, pond and land managers, and the general public.

Terra Freeman

Terra Freeman is the Urban and Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County. She has a Master of Arts in Landscape Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design and studied horticulture during her undergraduate experience at Virginia Tech. Ms. Freeman has over twenty years of experience working in the horticulture industry. Before joining UF/IFAS Extension in 2014, she owned a native plant and herb nursery and landscape design business for ten years. She enjoys lending her expertise to educate Floridians about Florida-Friendly Landscaping to contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Marc Frank

Marc is a lifelong plant enthusiast who completed Florida Master Gardener training in Alachua County in 2002 and earned a M.S. in Horticultural Science from the University of Florida in 2005. He is the assistant collection manager and extension botanist at the University of Florida Herbarium—the botanical collection at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Marc manages the Herbarium’s Plant Identification and Information Service, which serves UF/IFAS research and extension personnel, government agencies, and other clients throughout the state of Florida. He has a particular interest in horticultural taxonomy--the identification and classification of cultivated plants.

Gail Hansen

Gail Hansen is an associate professor who specializes in landscape design. Her teaching and extension programs address sustainable science-based and art-centered landscape design practices that take into account the social dimension of green urban environments, environmental protection, and the quality of life for urban dwellers. Dr. Hansen is faculty in the Center for Land Use Efficiency, an advisor to the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™ and the Extension Specialist for landscape design. She currently teaches two studio courses in residential landscape design.

Wayne Hobbs

Dr. Wayne Hobbs has been the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Environmental Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator since June 2016. He holds a PhD and Master's Degree in Agricultural Education through the University of Florida and a bachelor's degree in Landscape Horticulture from the University of Delaware. His main interests include landscape design, entomology, plant production, reptiles, and teaching strategies. He is originally from Delaware but currently lives in Starke with his wife, daughter, son, and household zoo of pets.

Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson is a professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Prior to his position at UF, Steve worked as the State Sea Turtle Program Coordinator in North Carolina and as a research wildlife biologist with the US Geological Survey. At the USGS, he coordinated efforts for the national Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) in the southeastern United States.

Heather Kalaman

Dr. Heather Kalaman is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Residential Horticulture Agent at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. She is a graduate of the UF Doctor of Plant Medicine Program and has a master's degree in environmental horticulture, where her research focused on pollinator-plant interactions. Her passions and programing are targeted toward public outreach and education on sustainable landscaping practices, including integrated pest management, soil and nutrient mitigation, water conservation, and gardening to attract wildlife.

Kara Krueger

Kara Krueger is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent for Palm Beach County. She joined UF/IFAS Extension in November 2022, and in her role, Kara works with residents, Homeowner Associations, and landscape professionals to provide education and programs on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, landscape best management practices (BMPs), and general horticultural issues. Kara earned her Master’s in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida and then worked for a private landscape company specializing in high-end estates for nine years., Kara Krueger is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent for Palm Beach County. She joined UF/IFAS Extension in November 2022, and in her role, Kara works with residents, Homeowner Associations, and landscape professionals to provide education and programs on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, landscape best management practices (BMPs), and general horticultural issues. Kara earned her Master’s in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida and then worked for a private landscape company specializing in high-end estates for nine years.

Bill Lester

Dr. William Lester holds a graduate degree in Plant Medicine from the University of Florida and currently works for UF/IFAS Extension in Hernando County, FL. Combining a mix of horticultural knowledge and management skills, his current responsibilities include teaching the public and working closely with county and professional clients. As a frequent guest on radio and writing for local newspapers, his goal is to put complex scientific findings into language that can be understood by school age children and the general public alike.

Claire Lewis

Claire Lewis leads the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program (FFL) as a state specialized agent. She graduated with a master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Florida and was a practicing landscape architect before joining FFL in 2011. Prior to becoming director, Lewis held the role of Florida-Friendly Communities statewide coordinator. She focused on providing science-based sustainable landscape education to encourage builders, developers, and HOAs to adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, aiming to preserve and protect Florida’s water and natural resources.

Mary Lusk

Dr. Mary Lusk’s research focuses on developing research-based and stakeholder relevant programs that help Floridians enhance and protect our state’s water quality, quantity and supply. She works to ensure that Florida residents, homeowners, urban landscaper managers, city and county officials, and others have the knowledge they need to make sound decisions about water use and water supply management.

Bernie Mach

Bernie is interested in pollinator-friendly plant management practices and green industry outreach/extension. Their previous work includes research on pollinator conservation in urban landscapes at the University of Kentucky and leading educational programs at Tennessee State Parks. In their spare time, Bernie loves to hike and cook.

Amanda Marek

Amanda is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Agent for the UF/IFAS Extension Service Marion County. She is proud to be serving the residents of her home county with their landscaping needs.

Emily Marois

Emily is the Urban Horticulture Agent and is the coordinator of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program for UF/IFAS Palm Beach County. Her interests include gardening with Florida native plants, edible gardening, and any activity outdoors.

Kaydie McCormick

Kaydie McCormick is the Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County. She has degrees in Landscape Horticulture Production and Design from Florida Southern College and a background in both retail and wholesale plant nursery sales.

Mica McMillan

Dr. McMillan is the Assistant Professor of Palm Horticulture at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. She has worked as a researcher in the agriculture, turfgrass and media industries focused on developing chemistries to improve plant and soil health. Dr. McMillan’s research will primarily focus on palm and ornamental plants from seed to establishment under a variety of environmental and edaphic conditions.

Brooke Moffis

Brooke Moffis serves as the Commercial Horticulture Agent at UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, specializing in Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles and urban biodiversity. With previous roles as an Extension Agent in Sumter County and Lake County, Brooke managed demonstration gardens and Master Gardener Volunteer Programs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Tennessee Tech, a Master's degree in Entomology from the University of Florida, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the UF School of Natural Resources and Environment. Brooke's rich landscape experience from Coorts Arboretum, Post Properties, and the Walt Disney World Company uniquely positions her to connect research with practical landscape applications. She aims to collaborate with industry to develop resource-efficient, ecological, and beautiful landscapes.

Debbie Mola

Debbie Mola Mickler, has been part of Disney’s Horticulture team at the Walt Disney World Resort for 35 years. Throughout her career, Debbie has worked in many aspects of Disney’s horticulture, including Greens set design, interior plant maintenance and nursery production. Debbie’s current role is Area Manager for the Walt Disney World Nursery. Debbie and her team provide hanging baskets, topiary and specialty displays throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and beyond! Debbie is called upon often to do presentations for garden clubs and horticulture enthusiasts showcasing Disney’s Horticulture specialties. Through her love for plants and Disney’s Horticulture, she has developed a passion for Disney’s Horticulture Heritage.

Jeremy Rhoden

Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent, and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Marion County. Jeremy's background is in agricultural education, Farm to School, hydroponics, vegetable gardening, and ornamental landscaping. Jeremy holds a certification with the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association (FNGLA) and Green-Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP). You can contact Jeremy by email at jeremy.k.rhoden@ufl.edu. For more information on upcoming classes and events, please follow UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners on Facebook.

Mark Tancig

Mark has been the Commercial & Residential Horticulture Extension Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Leon County since 2016. In this role, Mark shares research-based best practices for sustainable landscape management with green-industry professionals and residential homeowners. Mark also coordinates the Leon County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Mark has lived in Tallahassee since 2003, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida. He enjoys living in Tallahassee with his wife, flock of chickens, and herd of worms. He’s very proud of his two children, too, both currently attending the University of Florida! Prior to joining UF/IFAS Extension, Mark worked for Leon County’s Public Works Department and Growth and Environmental Management Department. His first job in Tallahassee was as a Field Biologist with Florida Natural Areas Inventory. Mark holds two degrees from the University of Florida, a bachelor’s degree in Botany and a master’s degree in Soil and Water Science.

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor works with the Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC) as an IFAS State Specialized Extension Agent. His research interests include utility data analysis to identify effective water and energy conservation measures and evaluation of land development impacts. Dr. Taylor leads the H2OSAV extension program, providing data analysis tools and data-driven insights that help regional utility providers, governmental agencies and extension agents optimize water conservation efforts.

Tripti Vashisth

Dr. Vashisth's Extension responsibilities focus on citrus production needs and implementing horticultural practices to improve citrus production, tree health and fruit quality.