Associate Professor and Extension Specialist

Dr. Borisova's extension and research programs address a range of topics related to water economics and policy, including water supply expenditure forecast; costs, benefits, risks, and adoption patterns of innovative conservation practices for agriculture; and impact evaluation for urban water conservation programs.

Currently, Dr. Borisova splits her time between Gainesville and Tallahassee, where she collaborates with the Office of Economic and Demographic Research on forecasting statewide water-related expenditures.

• Research

  The World Economic Forum has been consistently identifying the global water crises in its list of the top global risks, affecting economies, environment, and societies. Regional trends in the Southeast United States mirror the global trends. Groundwater reserves are being mined to supply the growing population with drinking water and allow for agricultural irrigation, potentially impacting future water availability and food security, as well as sensitive ecosystems dependent on water availability and quality. Addressing the global challenge of balancing population growth with sustainable natural resource use requires new, more effective and cost-efficient water resource management approaches. Economic information regarding costs, benefits, and win-win approaches to water resource management challenges is required to provide a basis for collaborative solutions involving all stakeholder groups.   
  
  As a faculty member holding a split Extension / research appointment, Dr. Borisova's goal is to conduct applied research and produce information to assist stakeholders in designing and evaluating water resource management strategies. The main objectives are to:

  • Collect primary data related to public demand for goods and services requiring water use, value of water resource protection, choices impacting water availability and quality, and public opinions and preferences for management and policy solutions;
    • Develop novel econometric and simulation models to analyze the key drivers of behaviors and decisions influencing water availability and quality, the effectiveness of educational and management strategies and policy interventions, and the cost and benefits for water resource policies;
  • Utilize econometric and simulation models to produce economic information relevant for water resource management and policy decisions and Extension program development.
• Extension

  This Extension program focuses on providing economic information to help stakeholders effectively address Florida's controversial water issues. The program aligns with the UF/IFAS Extension High Priority Initiative II: "Enhancing and protecting water quality, quantity, and supply".
  
  Water supply and demand planning and management in Florida:
  The overall goal of this component is to assist with identifying the options and related funding needs for satisfying Florida’s growing water demand while also protecting natural systems. Groundwater is the primary source of water for public water supply and agriculture. Groundwater is also vital for Florida’s magnificent springs, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and wildlife. To wisely manage the limited groundwater resources, information about projected water demand, alternative water supplies, water conservation, natural system restoration options, and related expenditures are needed. The overall goal of this Extension activity is to providing information to the Florida Legislature to facilitate their funding decisions related to water programs and projects.
  
  Economics of agricultural water policy:
  Agriculture plays an important role in the Florida economy, but it can also be linked with water quality and availability issues. What are the economic and environmental trade-offs associated with different agricultural water policy options? Information related to the trade-offs has been an essential component of such IFAS programs as “Water Schools for Decision Makers” and “FLorida Water Stewardship Program.”

• Teaching

  The goal of Dr. Borisova's teaching and mentoring program is to help UF students acquire the knowledge and skills to address the societal challenges of protecting water resources while allowing for continuous population growth, economic development, and a plentiful and affordable food supply. In particular, I teach students how to re-define complex water quality and water allocation issues into tractable economic research problems; integrate primary and alternative ideas and perspectives; identify and use suitable analytical methods; build collaborative relationships across disciplines; and articulate the implications of research results to diverse audiences through professional, outreach, and Extension activities.

• Education
  • Central European University -  M.Sc. 1999 Environmental Sciences & Policy
• Publications
  • EDIS
  • Google Scholar
  • REPEC