US: Marcio Resende named Eminent Scholar Chair for UF/IFAS

Marcio Resende, a UF/IFAS horticultural sciences associate professor, has been appointed as an Eminent Scholar Chair.

He has been named the Lyle C. Dickman Eminent Scholar Chair in Plant Improvement in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, a prestigious position reserved for distinguished faculty members who provide the university with exemplary expertise in their fields.

"I am honored and humbled to have been chosen as the Lyle C. Dickman Eminent Scholar Chair," Resende said. "I am grateful to the Dickman family and the Dickman Educational Foundation for the support of plant breeding, and I look forward to continuing our efforts in variety development, plant breeding research and student training."

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The eminent scholar chair position is granted for five years, provides research funding for specific goals and is renewable upon evaluation. This specific chair award is granted to support the pursuit of plant improvement in vegetable crops, and it was endowed by the Dickman family, a well-known Florida vegetable-farming family.

Resende's innovative research in plant breeding and genetics have focused on improving crop resilience, enhancing nutritional quality and increasing yield potential, which are critical for addressing global food security challenges.

"These eminent scholar chair positions elevate the academic profile of the University of Florida and sustain excellence in research, provide incentives to facilitate hiring, assist in retaining outstanding faculty and provide resources for outstanding faculty," said Rob Gilbert, UF/IFAS dean for research and executive director for academic affairs.