Javier Fernandez

Hey, I'm

Javier

Ph.D. | Crop Physiology

Combining plant physiology and data analytics for agronomic and ecological research.

About Me

I am a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at The University of Queensland, Australia. I am strongly passionate about plant physiology, crop production, and applied statistics & programming.

In my research, I investigate how past genetic improvement has modified resource capture and utilization in crop species. Mathematical models incorporates this knowledge to identify new opportunities for enhancing genetic gain and resilience to changing environmental conditions.

Here are some of my interests:

Agronomy
Crop modelling
Crop Physiology
Data Science
Plant nutrition
Applied programming

Experience

The University of Queensland
Kansas State University
Agrodreams
Agronea
UNNE

Post-Doctoral Fellow - The University of Queensland

Jul 2022 - Present

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I am currently engaged in the use of statistical, digital, and model technologies to assess crop growth and development, with the overall goal of enhancing production, resource use efficiency, and sustainability of agricultural systems in Australia.

We have multiple opportunities for agricultural and maths/IT/engineering students to enrol or be co-supervised in research with our teams. Please, get in contact for more details.

Post-Doctoral Fellow | Graduate Research Assistant - Kansas State University

Jul 2017 - Jun 2022

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I am currently working as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Kansas State University. I work collaboratively with faculty from the College of Agriculture on sustainable agriculture and resilience of farming systems in Kansas.

During my years as a Ph.D. student & Graduate Research Assistant, I have:

Lead and conducted >10 field research sites in cereals during graduate studies across North and South America in multidisciplinary projects with industry partners.
Published more than a dozen scientific articles in crop physiology and management.
Delivered >20 scientific presentations in international conferences and extension meetings.
Received >15 awards from university, professional societies, and governmental organizations, including two Fulbright Commission scholarships.

Precision Ag Advisor - Agrodreams

Apr 2016 - Jun 2017

I worked in the agricultural unit that achieved a global vision and analysis of field crops using UAV and satellite imagery data:

Developing nutrient recommendations tools for farmers in a digital platform based on remote sensing imagery.

Crop Advisor - Agronea

Dic 2015 - Jun 2017

Over two years of experience working with farmers and industry as crop advisor and precision Ag consultant:

Led the agricultural team to increase the nutritional and reproductive status of around 1600 beef cattle heads.
Manager of the team that performed a relevant inspection and improvement of rangelands and crops in a 2200 hectares farm.

Research/Teaching Assistant - UNNE

Feb 2013 - Nov 2016

I worked as an undergraduate research assistant from the National Interuniversity Council (EVC-CIN) at UNNE (Universidad Nacional del Nordeste), Argentina. My research included:

Determinining the critical window of fungicide applications for leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum) protection in corn for the region.
Planning and conducting the first quantification of corn silage quality and mycotoxins for the region.
Presenting research at international conferences in South America and in peer-reviewed publications.

Additionally, I worked as graduate and undergraduate teaching assistant for over 4 years in three undergraduate courses (Crops I, Phytopathology, and Genetics and plant breeding):

Assisting in practical classes and office hours for more than 200 undergraduate students.
Developing research and teaching tasks with an emphasis on corn and sorghum (Crops I), fungal diseases (Phytopathology), and forages (Genetics and Plant Breeding).