The Department of Plant Sciences would like to congratulate Dr. Avat Shekoofa, who was recently named the 2026 Irrigation Researcher of the Year at the National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference on February 5th in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Dr. Shekoofa is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, specializing in crop physiology and water management. Dr. Aaron Smith, a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, nominated Dr. Shekoofa.

Congratulations, Dr. Shekoofa!

To be featured on the Department of Plant Sciences website, email Victoria Cavaliere at vcavalie@utk.edu.

By Victoria Cavaliere