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Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Dr. Willingthon Pavan

Assistant Professor in Modeling Cropping Systems

Willingthon Pavan, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Modeling Cropping Systems at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS), where he leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, agronomy, and digital agriculture. Recognized internationally for his crop, pest, and disease modeling expertise, he has dedicated his career to developing computational tools and decision-support systems that enhance sustainability, productivity, and resilience in agriculture.

Dr. Pavan’s rare background in computer science and agronomy allows him to connect advanced programming and simulation with agricultural applications. He is a core developer of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), one of the world’s most widely used crop modeling platforms, where he has expanded its capabilities to include pest and disease modules, intercrop models, and digital infrastructure for simulations.

His research portfolio spans nutrient dynamics and precision fertilization to disease early-warning systems, including the award-winning Strawberry Advisory System (SAS) and the Generic Disease Model (GDM) for multiple pathosystems. More recently, he has advanced the modeling of Fusarium Head Blight in wheat, integrating climate variability (ENSO), mycotoxin prediction, and early-warning tools, as well as pioneering the coupling of insect pest models (e.g., soybean aphids) with DSSAT to quantify yield losses under climate change.

Beyond crop diseases and pests, Dr. Pavan also explores cyber-physical systems and digital twins, linking real-time environmental data, sensor platforms, and crop growth models to support adaptive crop management. His research consistently connects field-relevant applications with computational methods, from low-cost sensing technologies to cloud-enabled modeling platforms.

With more than two decades of experience, he has collaborated with major institutions worldwide, fostering international teams to address challenges in global food security. His teaching at UF reflects this integration of research and practice, with courses on Data Management in Agriculture, Data Visualization, and DSSAT Workshops, preparing students to apply digital agriculture tools in real-world contexts.

In sum, Dr. Pavan’s work advances the future of model-based agriculture, developing frameworks that address biotic and abiotic risks, precision management, and sustainable practices. His contributions continue to shape how growers, researchers, and policymakers worldwide apply digital agriculture to improve decision-making and build climate-resilient food systems.

Contact Information

wpavan@ufl.edu 

352-294-6736

Mailing Address:
1741 Museum Rd
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32601

  • Research and Extension
    • Crop Modeling
    • Disease Modeling
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Digital Agriculture
    • Early Warning Systems (Extension)
  • Education
    • Ph.D. Agronomy, University of Passo Fundo, Brazil, 2007
    • M.S. Computer Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2000
    • B.S. Computer Science, University of Passo Fundo, Brazil, 1994
  • Professional Experience
    • 2023 –
      Assistant Professor in Modeling Cropping Systems, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, USA
    • 2020 – 2023
      Scientist-Programmer - International Fertilizer Development Center, IFDC, USA
    • 1996 – 2023
      Professor – Universidade de Passo Fundo, UPF, Brazil
    • 2017 – 2018
      Postdoc at University of Florida. Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) and Disease Models.
    • 2012 – 2017
      Technology Partner Manager (private sector), Ensoag Consultoria Agrícola Ltda, ENSOAG, Brazil
    • 2009 – 2010
      Postdoc at University of Florida. Open Agroclimate
    • 2008 – 2009
      Postdoc at University of Florida. Agroclimate.org.
    • 2008 – 2016
      Technology Partner Manager (private sector), Koneksa Automação Ltda, KONEKSA, Brazil
    • 1994 – 1996
      Technology Partner Manager (private sector), Unisoft Sistemas Ltda, Brazil
    • 1992 – 1993
      Technology Partner Manager (private sector), AW Sistemas Ltda, Brazil
    • 1991 – 1992
      Technology Partner Manager (private sector), AWM Sistemas Ltda, Brazil
  • Publications
    • Google Scholar
    • ORCID: 0000-0001-7906-6624
    • ResearchGate
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Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
1741 Museum Road, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0570
(352)392-1864/F(352) 392-4092

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