Researcher profile

Adam

Dr. Jonathan Adam Watson is an Assistant Professor and AOM Undergraduate Coordinator in ABE. Dr. Watson is a Triple Gator, obtaining his BS in 2010 and MS in 2012 from the Food and Resource Economics Department and his PhD in Agricultural Operations Management in 2016 from ABE. Dr. Watson’s specialization areas are diverse and include agribusiness, supply chain management, food systems, and technology adoption. He was hired at UF ABE in 2017 and since then has developed a strong teaching and research program. Dr. Watson teaches courses in agri-food systems innovation, agricultural operations and systems, controlled environment plant production, and professional practices. He led the development of a new graduate certificate in “Applications in AI-based SmartAg Systems” and he coordinates one its’ required courses. Dr. Watson’s research interests are diverse, but his goals include improving agricultural stakeholder profit, efficiency, and resiliency through better management decisions and technology. He collaborates with several researchers, institutions, and agencies including the Florida Farm to School Program (F2S), the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP), the UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (TAL), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Dr. Watson has a strong passion for teaching and mentoring and is activity involved in supporting his students’ academic and professional development in and out of the classroom. As a result, he has received several awards including the CALS Early Career Excellence in Teaching, CALS Innovation in Teaching Award, The Florida Section Teacher of the Year Award, and the A.W. Farrall Young Educator Award.