University of Georgia
UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Department of Crop & Soil Sciences
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Faculty Expertise


CRSS Faculty Impact - Jennifer Jo Thompson
CAES collaborates with grassroots organizations to steward heirloom collards
The Heirloom Collards Project is a nationwide, community-driven effort to preserve and evolve heirloom collard varieties through seed saving, education and collaborative research. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has joined the effort to promote seed sovereignty and strengthen resilient food systems across the South, engaging students in hands-on seed stewardship.
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CRSS Faculty Expertise - Pam Knox
How can we achieve agricultural resilience in a changing climate?
As we move into the 2025 hurricane season, it is more evident than ever that agriculture is dependent on nature. Even seemingly minor temperature variations have a significant impact on the precise mechanics of plants, animals and insects. As average temperatures have warmed by 3 degrees over the past century, the question remains — how will we adapt our agricultural practices to ensure that all people continue to have access to food, fiber and fuel now and in the future?
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CRSS Faculty Research - George Vellidis
Ranger Nick: Inside UGA's Precision Agriculture Innovation

Ranger Nick explores the cutting-edge world of precision agriculture at the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus.

In this episode, Dr. George Vellidis, graduate researcher Vini Trevisan, and agricultural specialist Rodney Hill demonstrate how data-driven decisions are shaping the future of agriculture.

From variable rate irrigation systems to advanced fertilizer application using reflectance sensors and soil conductivity mapping, this episode dives deep into how UGA is revolutionizing farming efficiency and sustainability.

Student Life


Student Honors & Awards
Three Minute Thesis Competition

The Crop and Soil Sciences department hosted a 3-Minute Thesis Competition on June 13, 2025, where graduate students took on the challenge of presenting their research in just three minutes. The event kicked off with a group photo at the Arch, followed by 35 engaging student presentations.

Congratulations to our outstanding winners (pictured above):

Ph.D.

  • 1st Place: Emmanuella Bredu
  • 2nd Place: Comfort Adegbenro
  • 3rd Place: Nushrat Niva

M.S.

  • 1st Place: Samantha Bowen
  • 2nd Place: Joshua Falkowski
  • 3rd Place (tie): Michaela Lubbers and Anshul

We’re incredibly proud of all the students who took part; your enthusiasm and hard work made this event a true success!

Graduate Scholarship
Bhattarai Awarded Scholarship

Anish Bhattarai has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 CAES Alumni Association Outstanding Master’s Student Scholarship.

Bhattarai, a graduate student from the Institute of Precision Agriculture under the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, is currently working with Dr. Bastos on research related to variable rates of nitrogen application in cotton.

Congratulations, Anish!

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Grad Student Awards
2nd Integrative Precision Agriculture Conference

Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Integrative Precision Agriculture Conference Graduate Student Poster Competition. The event took place in Perry, Georgia on May 1 and 2.

M.S.

  • 1stPlace: Madelyn Willis, Crop and Soil Sciences (Matt Levi)
  • 2ndPlace (tie): Anish Bhattarai, Crop and Soil Sciences (Leo Bastos) and Taranjeet Sodhi, Agricultural Engineering (Glen Rains)

Ph.D.

  • 1stPlace: Priyanka Dahiya, Food Science and Technology (Christopher Kucha)
  • 2ndPlace: Emmanuella Bredu, Crop and Soil Sciences (John Snider)
  • 3rdPlace: Muneeb Elahi Malik, Electrical and Computer Engineering, (Md Sultan Mahmud)

Photo L-R: Priyanka Dahiya, Emmanuella Bredu, Muneeb Elahi Malik, Dr. Lorena Lacerda (poster competition coordinator), Taranjeet Sodhi, Madelyn Willis, and Anish Bhattarai.

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Undergrad Student Spotlight
Susanna Berg and Payton Jackson

Our new Undergraduate Spotlight Series highlights the inspiring journeys of current and former students, showcasing their remarkable academic accomplishments and active engagement on campus.

Each profile offers a glimpse into their unique stories of growth, leadership, and outstanding achievements.

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Grad Student Spotlight
Godara, Nyameasum, Mehralian, & Jones

The graduate program in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences trains students at the master's and doctoral levels and prepares them for careers in extension, academia and industry. Master's students typically work in Cooperative Extension, as well as in agricultural, environmental and regulatory industries. Doctoral students commonly fill research and development positions in academia and industry.

Get to know some of our outstanding grad students!

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Contact Us

Main Office: 706-542-2461

Fax: 706-542-0914

Miller Plant Sciences Building
120 Carlton Street
Athens GA 30602


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