Nesli Akdeniz

Nesli Akdeniz is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Their work focuses on controlled livestock production systems, emphasizing energy-efficient ventilation design, air quality management, and sustainable manure utilization. They also lead research on drone-based environmental monitoring and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for livestock facilities.

Education:
- Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (2008), Iowa State University
- FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (2024)

Research Interests:
- Air Emissions (GHG/VOC mitigation in livestock buildings)
- Climate Control (ventilation strategies for dairy and swine facilities)
- Biosecurity (design of mortality composting systems)
- Emerging Tech (drone-based air quality mapping, CFD modeling)

Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes integrating CFD simulations with field experiments to optimize dairy barn cooling systems. They pioneered drone-based spatial emissions monitoring methods, enabling precise pasture-level air quality assessments. Work on biochar-amended composting systems addresses both pathogen reduction and nutrient recovery challenges.

Teaching & Outreach:
- Teaches BSE 367 (Renewable Energy Systems) and advises senior design projects (BSE 508/509).
- Extensive Extension articles on ventilation fan noise reduction, calf housing air quality, and agricultural technology adoption.

Professional Service:
- Associate Editor, Natural Resources & Environmental Systems (ASABE)
- Chair of ASABE’s Livestock Ventilation Systems Standards Committee