Every morning, Jason Ferrell wakes up and believes today could be the day he changes aquatic farming forever.
After years of teaching students and performing weed management research, Ferrell was named the new director for UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
The center is a research, teaching and extension unit that develops environmentally sound methods for managing aquatic and natural weeds.
Ferrell, who starts his new position Friday, was appointed by Jack Payne, UF’s senior vice president for agricultural and natural sciences.
Ferrell earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in plant and soil science from the University of Kentucky. He earned his doctorate in agronomy from the University of Georgia in 2003, and in 2004 he began working as a weed scientist and assistant professor of agronomy at UF.
After working with invasive plants for so long, he said his experience enhanced his interest and awareness.
Ferrell said he has enjoyed his time as a faculty member, but he found himself gravitating more toward management. He said he understands how much people and animals depend on native plants to grow and reproduce.
“The things that I’m really looking forward to when moving to the center is having the opportunity to really direct and empower programs — not just research programs, but the entire program,” Ferrell said.
As a director, Ferrell’s job is to promote all of the center’s programs. He said he can help support the different scientists and their work by putting them in contact with clientele to increase funding.
As a short-term goal, Ferrell said he wants to help increase the center’s collaboration with outside clientele, such as state agencies, and help increase communication among scientists at the center.
As a long-term goal, he said he wants to elevate the reputation of the center and its scientists.
“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to direct and help promote the center and all the sciences that are there,” he said.
Ferrell said he wants to continue the work from the various scientists as a team to develop a management plan for weeds and help preserve the state’s natural areas. He also said he wants to be of service to other staff.
He said invasive plants are a major part of weed science in Florida, with the state being uniquely situated to have a number of invasive plants.
He said this is because of its climate and the number of ports of entry, including Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville, that help invasive plants make their way into the state.
“I would like to make everyone aware that we are the world leaders in invasive plant management,” Ferrell said.
Ferrell has received several honors and awards, including outstanding extension specialist, researcher of the year by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and weed scientist of the year by the Florida Weed Science Society.
Luke Flory, a UF IFAS assistant professor, said Ferrell brings a fresh perspective to the position, with a wealth of knowledge on weed management and years of experience in the industry.
“He was one of the first people I met at UF six years ago and has been a good friend and mentor as I have progressed as a researcher,” Flory said. “(Ferrell) has had a lot of success in academia but remains grounded and approachable and willing to help faculty who are earlier in their careers.”
Jason Ferrell
