Mahadev Bhat

Dr. Bhat is a Distinguished University Professor of Natural Resource Economics in the Departments of Earth and Environment and Economics. His research focuses on economic and policy issues related to natural resource management, including water resources, coastal and marine resources, ecosystem services valuation, and agriculture. He has published over 370 research materials, including refereed articles, book chapters, technical reports, presentations, and invited lectures. Dr. Bhat has secured over $25 million in research funding as a Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and research collaborator from the US Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and private foundations. He has advised more than 45 graduate students and 150 undergraduate students on their research and independent study projects.

Dr. Bhat co-founded the FIU Agroecology Program and the Campus Organic Garden with the support of over 40 USDA grants. These grants have helped hundreds of under-represented students in agricultural and natural resource sciences, preparing them for careers, leadership roles, and higher education. Three of his USDA-funded grants established a multi-university consortium for training Hispanic students in South Florida and Puerto Rico. Dr. Bhat also co-established the nationally acclaimed FIU Farmers Outreach Program, which assists prospective and beginning farmers and veterans in establishing viable farming and agribusiness operations.

Dr. Bhat has received numerous awards, including the Fulbright Specialist (2021-2023), the US Society for Ecological Economics’ Bernardo Aguilar Award (2019), the FIU Faculty Award for Excellence in Research (2020), Engagement (2016), Teaching (2014), and Service (2010), the FIU Presidential Excellence Award (2016), and the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s Berg Fellow (1992).

Dr. Bhat earned his Ph.D. from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his M.S. degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India.