Dr. Christopher Gunter
Department Chair
Dr. Christopher Gunter is a horticultural scientist and leader with over thirty years of experience in research, education, and Extension programs. His career focuses on developing science-based solutions to tackle major challenges in agriculture, such as environmental change, resource limitations, and the increasing need for nutritious food. Through his work, he has helped reinforce the importance of horticulture in creating resilient and sustainable food systems that benefit both producers and communities.
Dr. Gunter’s research and leadership concentrate on efficient resource use, water management, crop diversification, and sustainable production practices. He has promoted innovations that boost productivity while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting the financial success of growers. His work also includes the use of new technologies, such as precision agriculture, data-driven decision-making, and biotechnology, to improve crop performance and resource efficiency.
As Chair of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at UF/IFAS, Dr. Gunter encourages collaboration across different fields. He mentors the next generation of scientists and professionals and expands partnerships at local, national, and international levels. He aims to strengthen academic programs, drive impactful research, and improve Extension initiatives that turn scientific knowledge into practical applications. Through his leadership, he supports horticultural science as a vital part of agricultural sustainability and a better quality of life.
Mailing Address:
Horticultural Sciences
University of Florida
Fifield Hall
2550 Hull Rd
PO Box 110690
Gainesville, FL 32611-0670
Office: 1251 Fifield Hall
Phone: 352-294-6795
E-mail: cc.gunter@ufl.edu
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HONORS AND AWARDS
- American Society for Horticultural Science - Society Fellow – 2021.
- Resources, Conservation & Recycling – 2020 Most Downloaded Paper Award (2018-2020). January 2021.
- American Society for Horticultural Science – Outstanding Educational Materials Award – NC Extension Gardener Handbook. July 2019.
- North Carolina Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists–Outstanding Subject Matter Program by a Team – CEFS NC Growing Together Project. May 2017.
- Office of Faculty Development Thank A Teacher Honoree. Nominated by Ricardo Aldape. February 2017.
- Produce Safety Alliance Train-The-Trainer Certificate. Association of Food and Drug Officials and the Produce Safety Alliance. November 2016.
- Henry M. Covington Extension Award. American Society of Horticultural Science – Southern Region. February 2013.
- Blue Ribbon Extension Communication Award. Pack N Cool – C. Gunter, P. Perkins-Veazie, L. Wojchiechowski, J. Moore and J Baros. American Society of Horticultural Science – Southern Region. February 2013.
- Opal Mann Green Engagement and Scholarship Award – NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force – C. Gunter, D. Ducharme, B. Chapman, T. Phister, A. Ettinger. Extension, Engagement and Economic Development. North Carolina State University. April 2013.
- Epsilon Sigma Phi, Distinguished Team Winners for the Southern Region, (NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force). October 2012.
- Epsilon Sigma Phi, Team Award for the Xi Chapter for 2011, (NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force). November 2011.
- ASHS Extension Materials Award - Book Category (G.J. Holmes et. al) SE Vegetable Handbook. July 2009.
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EDUCATION
- Ph.D., Horticulture, August 2001, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
- M.S., Horticulture, December 1996, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
- B.S., Horticulture Science, May 1994, Purdue University, Indiana
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Professor and Chair, June 2021-Present, University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida
- Director of Graduate Programs, July 2017-May 2021, North Carolina State University, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina
- Professor and Extension Vegetable Production Specialist, July 2017-May 2021, North Carolina State University, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina
- Associate Professor and Extension Vegetable Production Specialist, June 2013-July 2017. North Carolina State University, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina
- Assistant Professor and Extension Vegetable Production Specialist, September 2007-June 2013, North Carolina State University, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina
- Cropping System Specialist, October 2000-September 2007, Purdue University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Indiana
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PUBLICATIONS