2023 July Research spotlight
Junaid Lone
Meet the Kashmiri researcher, Junaid Lone, whose passion for environmental conservation and remote sensing led him to pursue a PhD in horticultural science at the University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). Under the direction of Drs. Amr Abd-Elrahman and Shinsuke Agehara, Junaid’s dissertation research is focused on reducing water usage in strawberry production systems. Junaid reflects on a journey that led him half a world from home to study remote sensing, and his journey thus far in graduate school.
Background
Junaid’s interest in environmental conservation began during his undergraduate studies, where he pursued a degree in environmental sciences and specialized in water pollution studies. He then went on to pursue a master's degree in Geoinformatics/Geomatics and focused on forest biomass estimation, carbon stock monitoring, and glacier monitoring using radar remote sensing.
Ph.D. Journey
With a background in remote sensing, Junaid sought an opportunity to apply his skills to the field of agriculture. He joined the team at GCREC and is now researching sustainable irrigation practices for Florida growers. His research focuses on the impact of intermittent irrigation on heat stress, growth, and yield of strawberry bare-root transplants. Through his research, Junaid aims to optimize irrigation cycles and reduce water usage while maintaining optimal plant growth and yield.
Junaid’s research has significant implications for Florida's agriculture industry, as the state faces challenges in meeting future water-use demands due to potential increases in agriculture and population. With his research, growers can reduce their water usage and associated costs while also helping to alleviate water scarcity concerns.
Challenges
Growing up in Kashmir, Junaid faced daily challenges such as imposed curfews, lockdowns, and prolonged school closures. Nonetheless, he accepted these as part of his daily routine and persevered. Now, he faces new challenges of taking care of his toddler and adapting to homesickness while pursuing his PhD.
Stress Relief
When not working on his research, Junaid enjoys reading various subjects such as theology, politics, and history. While in Plant City, he indulges in tennis and long drives with his family to explore the area. During his visits home, Junaid enjoys playing cricket, tennis, and traveling to the surroundings of Kashmir, a beautiful landlocked valley nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Kashmir Himalayas.
Future Plans
Junaid is beginning to wrap up his research and expects to graduate in 2024. Imminently, his research goals include performing analyses to inform novel irrigation schemes that reduce water usage while maintaining optimal growth and yield in strawberry production systems.
Upon graduation, Junaid wants to further his experience in the industry of remote sensing towards achieving his ultimate career goal: establishing a remote sensing GIS-based startup in Kashmir!
Testimonial from Dr. Amr Abd-Elrahman
In the fall of 2021, Junaid joined the Geomatics team and quickly made an impact. Despite joining later in the semester, Junaid not only caught up with his coursework but also took on a leadership role in his FDACS-sponsored project. Over the course of his first semester, Junaid diligently worked with a wide range of remote sensing datasets, including ground-based and drone thermal and multispectral datasets. Displaying his strong analytical skills, Junaid assumed responsibility for his experiments and demonstration trials for two consecutive years, effectively analyzing diverse datasets and delivering comprehensive presentations during multiple meetings. Junaid's contributions to the Geomatics lab have proven invaluable. His ability to remain composed in complex situations and fulfill reporting requirements is truly praiseworthy. Furthermore, his talent for analytical thinking and natural leadership qualities position him as a promising young scientist.
Interviewer: Elissar Alam