Dr. Robert Knight is the founder of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting science and education necessary for restoration and wise management of Florida’s artesian springs. Dr. Knight is an environmental scientist with more than 40 years of professional experience, including detailed ecological studies at many of Florida’s large artesian springs. He is former adjunct professor at the University of Florida Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Sciences where he taught graduate level classes on the ecology of Florida’s springs.

As Director of the Florida Springs Institute, Dr. Knight is active on research and restoration efforts at the Santa Fe River Springs, Kings Bay/Crystal River springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Rainbow Springs, Wakulla Springs, Homosassa Springs, Glen Springs, springs of the Suwannee River, Wekiva River springs, Volusia Blue Spring, and Silver Springs. Dr. Knight is also an advisor to springs advocacy groups throughout north Florida that help to educate local governmental officials about improved groundwater management and springs protection. Dr. Knight is author of Silenced Springs – Moving from Tragedy to Hope.