Dr. Lusk is an assistant professor and Extension specialist in urban soil and water quality, and specializes in the flux and storage of nutrients in managed urban landscapes, and the linkages between landscape management practices and urban soil and water quality.

Dr. Lusk’s research investigates how landscape management practices influence the storage, transport, and fate of constituents that may lead to water quality degradation, and the primary goal of her research is to develop science-based and stakeholder relevant programs that help Floridians enhance and protect the state’s water quality, quantity, an supply.

Dr. Lusk’s Extension program aims to ensure that Florida residents, homeowners, urban landscaper managers, city and county officials, and others have the knowledge they need to make scientifically sound decisions about water use and water supply management.

She received her PhD in urban biogeochemistry from the University of Florida.

Research and Extension

• Urban water quality, stormwater, and low impact development for urban areas
• Urban fertilizer ordinances
• Pathogens in water bodies
• Onsite wastewater treatment (septic systems)
• Urban agriculture