Ivan Fernandez
Professor of Soil Science

Dr. Ivan Fernandez came to the University of Maine 25 years ago.  In addition to his formal academic title, he also holds the title of  Cooperating Professor of Forest Resources and is a member of the Center for Research on Sustainable Forests. 

Professor Fernandez is a tireless and dedicated professional who is both an accomplished teacher and researcher.  He takes special pride in introducing undergraduate students to soils and soil science through his introductory lecture and laboratory courses.  Total enrollments in these courses have exceeded 2,400 since 1983.  Ivan is active in undergraduate advising within the interdisciplinary Ecology & Environmental Sciences program.  He has also been thesis advisor for 14 M.S. and Ph.D. students since 1999 and served on more than 26 other graduate student thesis committees during that time period. 

Ivan’s research activities have centered on the role of soils in forested ecosystems.  This research has covered many topics within theses ecosystems including soil management, nutrient cycling, acid deposition, cation depletion, and global climate change.  His research has resulted in over $10 million of external funding since 1983 and more than 100 publications. 

Ivan served as Department Chair for more than five years during key periods of transition for the Department of Plant, Soil & Environmental Sciences.  He has also used his soil science expertise to serve the State of Maine in many roles since coming to the University of Maine, including as liaison to the Maine Association of Professional Soil Scientists.  Ivan was honored as the Distinguished University of Maine Professor in 2007.

Ivan, thank you for your 25 years of dedicated service to the University of Maine.