Description

The Ferrarezi Lab of CEA Crop Physiology and Production (https://ferrarezilab.uga.edu) is accepting applications for a PhD Opportunity in Horticulture with a focus on plant physiology and lighting optimization at the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia.

Dr. Ferrarezi is seeking a highly motivated, curious, reliable, detail-oriented, experienced, and organized PhD student to work on an innovative project to advance lighting strategies in CEA: the chlorophyll fluorescence-based biofeedback system to control LED lighting in real time. Want to learn more about the project? Check these articles: DOI https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS.141.2.169 & https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.70073

The project will expand our efforts to understand how this technology can increase yield, quality, and resource use efficiency in greenhouses and vertical farms. 

The student will design and conduct a series of studies, analyze the data, and present the results in collaboration with industry professionals and in partnership with other laboratories.

Duties/Responsibilities:

PhD graduate students are responsible for conducting original research in their area of specialization, writing and publishing research papers or journal articles, presenting their findings at conferences or academic forums, and preparing and defending their dissertations.

In addition, they must complete required coursework to gain a deep understanding of their field, pass comprehensive exams to demonstrate subject mastery, and often assist professors in teaching undergraduate or graduate courses, which can include grading, leading discussion sections, or giving lectures. They also serve as mentors to undergrad students or junior graduate students. If their work involves lab or field studies, they are responsible for designing and conducting experiments, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, maintaining copies of the research data files in the lab repository, and troubleshooting lab equipment or field instruments.

Graduate students are also expected to collaborate with peers, faculty, and external experts, sometimes participating in interdisciplinary research or team-based projects, all while assisting with or leading the writing of research grants and proposals for funding, managing the budgets and resources for their projects, attending workshops, seminars, and conferences to build professional networks, staying up-to-date with the latest research methods and trends in their field, engaging in continuous learning such as acquiring new skills in statistical methods or software tools. 

Beyond their academic and research duties, they are often involved in university committees, student organizations, or outreach programs, contributing to the academic community through peer review or event organization, making their experience a multi-faceted journey of balancing research, teaching, collaboration, professional development, and service.

Overall graduate degree program overview (4-year commitment):

Project initial discussion, Advisory committee members should be invited and inserted in the Graduate School system (within 12 first months), Literature review, Proposal writing, Proposal submission (within 12 first months), 1st committee meeting (4-6 months after the program began), 1st experiment (design, data collection, data analysis), writing on 1st chapter, 2nd experiment (design, data collection, data analysis), writing of 2nd chapter, 3rd experiment (design, data collection, data analysis), writing of 3rd chapter, comprehensive exam (end of 3rd year),4th experiment (design, data collection, data analysis), writing of 4th chapter, multiple regional and national conference presentations (at least one per year starting on year 2), numerous committee meetings (at least one per semester), dissertation writing, exit seminar, defense, dissertation revisions, manuscript formatting for submission, submission of all chapters, graduation!

Mentoring philosophy:

As an educator and mentor, I believe my role is to prepare students to think critically and develop the ability to apply their acquired knowledge for research, instruction, and Extension activities focusing on advanced horticultural practices for CEA in Georgia, the U.S. and beyond in ethical and unique ways. I strive to establish a stimulating learning environment by combining theory with hands-on activities. I challenge my students to adopt non-traditional problem-solving approaches and provide a stimulating learning environment that motivates them to perform their best. I encourage students to be agents of change by providing state-of-the-art tools and reliable sources of information to help them develop new ideas and concepts. I challenge my students to be self-directed learners and strongly encourage them to transform information into knowledge to build critical decision-making skills. Excellence in scientific presentations is also a priority, as evidenced by our presentation practice sessions held before each conference. Basically, my laboratory provides you with the chance to:

•  Explore career pathways: Engaging in academia provides insights into potential career trajectories within CEA
•  Network: Connect with professionals in your field, enabling you to establish valuable relationships for your future endeavors
•  Mentoring: Receive guidance and support throughout your graduate program, and gain exposure to inspiring opportunities
•  Access to outstanding research facilities https://ferrarezilab.uga.edu/facilities and equipment https://ferrarezilab.uga.edu/equipment, and teaching facilities such as the Hydroponics Club https://ferrarezilab.uga.edu/hydroponics-club 
•  Participation in national conferences: You will have the chance to present at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences (ASHS) and other conferences
•  And more, much more!

Requirements

Minimum qualifications/Requirements:

• Background in plant physiology, agronomy, horticulture, ag engineering, or related fields
• Research experience in CEA, plant physiology, lighting systems and automation
• Strong knowledge of experimental design and data analysis
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• At least 4 peer-reviewed articles published in excellent horticulture journals
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in professional development opportunities
• Interest in spending 6-12 months at UNIPD in Padova, Italy as part of the project
• Must have a U.S. driver’s license
• Solid academic background with at least a BS or MSc program performed in the U.S.

Preferred knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies:

• Enjoy interacting with greenhouse growers for potential grower-driven trials
• Ability to create a project advisory board
• Willingness to prepare online educational training for the lab’s social media channels
• Strong analytical, self-motivation, discipline, networking, and problem-solving skills
• Critical soft skills: creativity, innovation, persistence, resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and collaboration
• Strong ethical foundation