Person

Avat Shekoofa

Associate Professor | Plant Sciences

Specialization: Crop physiology and water management

Overview

Dr. Shekoofa's Ph.D research was focused on kernel development of maize as affected by source/sink ratio. (Her dissertation was written and presented in English.) She was a visiting scientist at Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina from 2009-2010. She conducted postdoc research at North Carolina State University (NCSU) on water stress in turfgrass and crop species. Particular emphasis was given to identifying genetic traits that impart drought tolerance. Dr. Shekoofa's current research in the Department of Plant Sciences centers on developing an active and nationally recognized program in crop physiology with a focus on plant water saving potential. Her true passion in research lies in discovering more about the action of the environment on plant water movement, leaves stomata conductance, transpiration response, plant resistance, and resilience to environmental changes such as water and/or heat stress.

Research Questions
  • Identifying genetic traits that impart drought tolerance in row crops
  • Physiological response of crops to environmental stress such as drought, heat, high temperature and evaporative demand
  • Drought and water-saving assessment using thermal infrared (TIR) images technology in conjunction with unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
  • Optimizing irrigation efficiency in crop production
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 593 - Problems in Plant Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Independent study. Current topic related to technology, science or design.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: For MS students, a maximum of 6 hours may be applied to the major. For PhD students in PSI, a maximum of 9 hours may be applied to the major.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Ross, Michael

Picture of Avat Shekoofa
226 WTES Ctr for Ag Research
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, Other, 2011
  • MS, Agronomy and Crop Science, Other, 2005
  • BS, Agricultural Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, 2001
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Lab Members
Sam Purdom
Kendall Sheldon
Kurt Tobin Wedegaertner
Isha Poudel
Christine B Baker
Jasmine Strickland
Tamara Erin Sterrett
Blair Stinson
Charles Munga Muiruri
Victoria Moser
Tato Simon
Alexis Marie Bruce
Nazir Ahmad
Smirti Shahi
Crystal Paige Ferrell
Madeline Grace Kail
Emma Hickerson

Avat Shekoofa

Associate Professor | Plant Sciences
Picture of Avat Shekoofa image
226 WTES Ctr for Ag Research
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, Other, 2011
  • MS, Agronomy and Crop Science, Other, 2005
  • BS, Agricultural Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, 2001
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Overview

Dr. Shekoofa's Ph.D research was focused on kernel development of maize as affected by source/sink ratio. (Her dissertation was written and presented in English.) She was a visiting scientist at Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina from 2009-2010. She conducted postdoc research at North Carolina State University (NCSU) on water stress in turfgrass and crop species. Particular emphasis was given to identifying genetic traits that impart drought tolerance. Dr. Shekoofa's current research in the Department of Plant Sciences centers on developing an active and nationally recognized program in crop physiology with a focus on plant water saving potential. Her true passion in research lies in discovering more about the action of the environment on plant water movement, leaves stomata conductance, transpiration response, plant resistance, and resilience to environmental changes such as water and/or heat stress.

Research Questions
  • Identifying genetic traits that impart drought tolerance in row crops
  • Physiological response of crops to environmental stress such as drought, heat, high temperature and evaporative demand
  • Drought and water-saving assessment using thermal infrared (TIR) images technology in conjunction with unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
  • Optimizing irrigation efficiency in crop production
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 593 - Problems in Plant Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Independent study. Current topic related to technology, science or design.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: For MS students, a maximum of 6 hours may be applied to the major. For PhD students in PSI, a maximum of 9 hours may be applied to the major.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Ross, Michael

Lab Members
Sam Purdom
Kendall Sheldon
Kurt Tobin Wedegaertner
Isha Poudel
Christine B Baker
Jasmine Strickland
Tamara Erin Sterrett
Blair Stinson
Charles Munga Muiruri
Victoria Moser
Tato Simon
Alexis Marie Bruce
Nazir Ahmad
Smirti Shahi
Crystal Paige Ferrell
Madeline Grace Kail
Emma Hickerson