معرفی
Dr. Mack Thetford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) in Milton, FL. His role includes a 60% teaching and 40% research appointment, supporting distance education programs with Pensacola State College and statewide teaching initiatives for CALS. His research focuses on ecological restoration, particularly coastal dune systems, plant propagation, and native flora conservation. He leads efforts on dune restoration techniques, propagation methods for Florida native plants, and evaluates crops like pomegranate and olive in the Florida Panhandle. His work emphasizes practical applications for restoration projects, nursery production, and landscape establishment.
Research Interests: Coastal dune ecosystems, plant propagation systems, ecological restoration strategies, native Florida flora conservation, and sustainable horticultural practices. His interdisciplinary approach integrates botany, agronomy, and environmental science to address coastal resilience and habitat preservation.
Publications Overview: Dr. Thetford has authored/co-authored numerous guides and studies on plant propagation protocols, dune restoration methodologies, and native species management. Recent work explores containerized plant growth, fertilizer impacts on native plants, and flood dynamics in floodplain forests. His publications emphasize practical solutions for nursery production, urban forestry, and ecological restoration projects.
Advising & Collaborations: Mentors graduate research assistants like Gabriel Campbell and Ashlynn Smith, co-authoring key papers on propagation techniques and plant performance. Works closely with the Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension to disseminate research through EDIS publications.
Labs/Teams: Active in WFREC’s dune restoration team and collaborative projects with Santa Rosa County Extension and state agencies, focusing on applied research for coastal conservation.
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