Odemari Stephen Mbuya

Dr. Odemari Stephen Mbuya serves as Professor of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Center for Water Resources at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where he has held continuous faculty positions since 1996. He additionally maintains a Courtesy Professorship in Agronomy at the University of Florida/IFAS, teaching Statistical Research Methods and Plant and Soil Sciences while leading FAMU's sustainability integration initiatives across research and curriculum.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, University of Florida (1996)
• M.Sc. in Agronomy, University of Florida (1990)
• B.Sc. in Crop Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (1984)
• Diploma in Crop Production, Ukiriguru, Tanzania (1980)

Dr. Mbuya's research program centers on sustainable water and nutrient management in agricultural ecosystems, with particular expertise in watershed processes, irrigation efficiency, phytoremediation, and computer simulation modeling. His work addresses critical challenges in soil health, water quality protection, and climate change adaptation through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge agricultural engineering and environmental science.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on sustainable resource management, with emerging emphasis on wastewater-derived fertilizers, climate-resilient agricultural systems, and advanced contaminant remediation techniques. Key thematic threads include soil carbon dynamics in managed forests, arsenic removal technologies, and meta-analytical frameworks for sustainable development, demonstrating strong alignment with USDA and EPA funding priorities.

His distinguished recognition includes:

• Distinguished Scholar Award from European Journal of Scientific Research (2005)
• Teaching Excellence Award from FAMU's College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (2003)
• Rising Star Award for research-teaching-service integration (2003)
• Mentor’s Service Award for student research guidance (1999)
• Paul Robin Harris Award for environmentally conscious agronomic research (1996)

Dr. Mbuya has secured $5.2+ million in competitive funding from USDA, EPA, and Florida Department of Agriculture to support his research, while mentoring numerous undergraduate and graduate students through FAMU's Science Exploration and Enhancement Center and Training Undergraduate Research Scholars programs. His grants consistently emphasize workforce development alongside scientific innovation.

As Director of FAMU's Center for Water Resources, he leads multidisciplinary teams in watershed-scale projects spanning the Savannah River Basin and Apalachicola National Forest, collaborating with USDA, UF/IFAS, and international partners in Tanzania, Colombia, South Africa, and India to advance sustainable agricultural practices.