People
A growing interdisciplinary team based at COAREC, Madras, Oregon.
Lab Director
Dr. Floyid Nicolas
Assistant Professor of Agricultural Water Management / Agrohydrology
BEE Department · Oregon State University
Dr. Nicolas is an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Water Management and Agrohydrology based at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research & Extension Center (COAREC) in Madras. His research focuses on sustainable water management in agricultural systems, integrating hydrological modeling, crop modeling, remote sensing, machine learning, and GIS to address challenges such as salinity, nutrient leaching, and climate change adaptation.
His interdisciplinary approach aims to enhance irrigation efficiency, evapotranspiration estimates, crop production, groundwater sustainability, and quality through the development of comprehensive modeling frameworks and decision-support tools to support farmers and policymakers in making data-driven management decisions.
Students & Researchers
PhD Student — Open Position
Focus: ET monitoring, crop water use, precision irrigation systems, and ORBWI multi-site research program.
Apply / InquireMS Student — Open Position
Focus: Water-nitrogen dynamics, decision support systems, and AI-enhanced irrigation management tools.
Apply / InquireInterested in joining? We welcome motivated students with backgrounds in agricultural engineering, hydrology, environmental science, or related fields. Proficiency in modeling (APEX, SWAT+, DSSAT) or programming (Python, R) is a plus. Email Dr. Nicolas with your CV, unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement of interest.
Collaborators
Dr. Umesh Sekaran
Co-PI on ORBWI CascadeFlux and USDA-NIFA AFRI proposals. Soil health and cropping systems.
Dr. Eseosa McLennon
Co-PI on ORBWI CascadeFlux. Klamath Basin irrigated agriculture and water sustainability.
Dr. Zamora Re
Co-PI on ORBWI. Extension specialist coordinating outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Nong Lam University
International collaboration on AI-GIS integration for climate-resilient agriculture in Southeast Asia.
Jefferson County SWCD
Local partner for AgWaterTAP extension activities and producer outreach in Central Oregon.
North Unit Irrigation District
Key stakeholder partner for irrigation management research and water delivery data in Central Oregon.