Meet Our Team
Uchechukwu Ilodibe
PhD Student
Uchechukwu "Uche" Ilodibe is a researcher in the UF Smart Agriculture Lab. After obtaining his Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from UF, he joined the department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering where he applies his engineering design and manufacturing skills to provide solutions to challenges in the agricultural industry. His work focuses on automating traditional manual agricultural practices to improve yield, cost, efficiency, and sustainable food production. Hailing from Nigeria, he is passionate about food and is always willing to discuss any cultural dishes, and strategies to improve food security. In his spare time he enjoys reading mystery stories, trying new dishes, playing chess, and watching sports.
Education
Ph.D. Student- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, cum laude, 2022, University of Florida
Awards and Honors
2021- Outstanding Achievement Award- UF College of Engineering
2021- John & Mittie Collins Engineering Scholarship, University of Florida
2018-2022- Shelby Davis Scholarship, United World College
2018-2020- UF College of Engineering Dean's List
Leadership
2023- Professional Development Committee Chair, Gulf Coast Postdoc and Student Association
2019-2020- Athletics Director, African Student Union UF
Namrata Dutt
PhD Student
Namrata is a PhD student in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida. Originating from India, she developed a keen interest in the opportunities at the University of Florida after participating in an exchange program during her undergraduate studies. She pursued a master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Florida, further solidifying her connection with the institution. Following the completion of her master's program, she joined the Smart Agriculture Lab in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering to pursue a PhD. Her research focuses on the application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in agriculture, aiming to automate various manual agricultural processes. Through this work, she seeks to contribute to advancements in agricultural technology and improve efficiency in the field.
Education:
Ph.D. student, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida
M.S. Computer Science, 2022, University of Florida
Scholarship:
2021 - University of Florida, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Achievement Award Scholarship
Former Teammates
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Dr. Xiaomeng Shi (October, 2017 – December, 2020)
Doctoral Student
Dr. Wenan Yuan (August, 2019 – May 2022)
Master Students
Mirbod Omeed (August, 2019 – April, 2021)
Tyler Reimer (August, 2019 - July, 2021)
Chenghao Lee (August, 2018 – May, 2020)
Thomas Jarvinen (August, 2017 - April, 2019)