Uttara Samarakoon, Ph.D.
Uttara Samarakoon is an Associate Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture
Dr. Uttara Samarakoon’s research program focuses on developing sustainable crop production technology for specialty crops such as vegetables, ornamentals and medicinal plants within controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Current research emphasizes nutrient optimization in hydroponic systems, alternate substrate selection, diversification of crops for CEA, and the optimization and evaluation of hydroponic system performance.
As an experienced educator, Dr. Samarakoon has coordinated and taught undergraduate courses in greenhouse management. Dr. Samarakoon led extension efforts in CEA by organizing annual workshops for K–12 teachers and developing an online rootzone management module for a multistate workforce development initiative, CEA works. In her extension role at UF, she collaborates with faculty, growers, and other stakeholders to deliver science-based solutions to production challenges and offer targeted training in CEA practices.