Updates about the application process will be posted here
1-credit distributed graduate seminar, linking across institutions
Hosted at University of Florida – Spring Semester: Tuesdays, 10:40-11:30 in Florida, Jan 13 – Apr 28, 2026
How can we understand and improve the broader ecosystem of people, institutions, and plant systems that determine whether plant health management is successful?
Course goal
Collaboratively develop the new concept of the ‘plant health management ecosystem’ and publish high-impact papers about it in leading journals, including key case studies
Topical learning objectives
1. Evaluate current models of related systems, such as business ecosystems, innovation ecosystems, public health ecosystems, and biosecurity/biosurveillance ecosystems
2. Evaluate current needs and gaps in plant health management
3. Create the new ‘plant health management ecosystem’ framework, and use it to identify actionable ways to improve real-world systems
Structural learning objectives
1. Create concepts and case studies through discussions in an international community of scientists
2. Evaluate use of large language models to review iterations of concept and manuscript development
Benefits to students selected for participation:
Expand your thinking about complex plant health systems and how to maximize your research impact
Coauthor a peer-reviewed paper in a leading scientific journal: Students who complete seminar requirements and fulfill standard authorship requirements will be coauthors of a scientific paper developed during the class
Network with leading scientists across institutions
Develop transferable skills in systems thinking, interdisciplinary synthesis, and collaborative publication
Case study systems will include
- Laurel wilt management in avocado and forest systems
- Bacterial spot management in tomato
- Additional systems based on collaborators’ interests, such as wheat health management