Jeftey Saint Fleur (Jeff)

Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Florida- Agronomy Department

I was born and raised in Dondon, a small town in the northern region of Haiti, where my early experiences shaped a strong connection to nature and community life. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering with a focus on Natural Resources and Environment from the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at the State University of Haiti.

From October 2024 to August 2025, I attended the English Language Institute at the University of Florida, where I enhanced my English proficiency in preparation for graduate studies. During this time, I also created the “Green Bridges Project”, which aims to empower ELI students through community engagement and environmental action. As a young researcher, I began my scientific journey with an undergraduate thesis on cadmium uptake by cocoa trees, investigating its accumulation in soils and beans as well as potential mitigation strategies in Haiti. Over the past seven years, I have been actively involved in both scientific research and community-driven projects in Haiti. As a Research Assistant with Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF), I contributed to a project aimed at mitigating cadmium uptake in cocoa trees, helping adapt sustainable production practices to local conditions. I also worked as a Life Skills Trainer with Mercy Corps and a Social Animator with IFOS S.A., where I facilitated participatory workshops, supported youth development, and helped strengthen community capacity in education, environmental stewardship, and civic involvement.

Currently, my research focuses on drought-induced forest tree mortality in the context of global warming. I leverage data from Remote Sensing and GIS to analyze both physiological and ecological patterns, and to model and predict tree mortality in forest ecosystems. I am also the founder of ClimUnity, an initiative committed to empowering vulnerable communities through environmental education, sustainable agriculture, inclusive civic engagement, and the promotion of accessible technologies. Besides academic work, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, and spending time with my family.

Education:

Master of Science in Agronomy, Concentration in Agroecology, Agronomy Department, University of Florida

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering - Natural Resources and Environment

Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, State University of Haiti

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/j-saintfleur

Google Scholar