The focus of my research is investigating the machinery processes needed to enable a single human producer to effectively manage agricultural areas measured in hectares when variations occur at the sub-meter level. In particular, I’ve been studying this variability’s effect on machinery power usage and methods to address these effects using hybrid drivetrains and alternative energy sources. I’ve also been investigating ways to control and operate the machinery at the necessary resolutions through multiple sensors embedded within larger pieces of equipment or the autonomous control of multiple smaller machines. The outcome of this research would enable more production using fewer inputs. This research represents a small part of the world-wide recognized Water, Energy and Food Nexus and like the larger Nexus is composed of many interconnected components.
Research Interests
- Sensors
- Machinery
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Hybrid Powertrains
- Vehicle Routing
- Mobile Apps
Scholars@UK
UTILIZING SUPER CAPACITORS TO IMPROVE BATTERY PERFORMANCE IN ELECTRIC MOBILE MACHINERY
Dvorak, J. S., 2024, In: Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 40, 6, p. 669-677 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Utilizing super capacitors to improve battery performance in electric mobile machinery
Dvorak, J., 2024, 2024 ASABE Annual International Meeting. (2024 ASABE Annual International Meeting).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Powering In-Field Continuous Robotic Systems Using Solar Energy Systems
Dvorak, J. & Smith, B., 2024, In: Journal of the ASABE. 67, 3, p. 617-630 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
USING LIDAR TO MEASURE ALFALFA CANOPY HEIGHT
Sheffield, S. T., Dvorak, J., Smith, B., Arnold, C. & Minch, C., 2021, In: Transactions of the ASABE. 64, 6, p. 1755-1761 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Using a computer based selection model for sizing of solar panels and battery back-up systems for use in a floating in-pond raceway
Smith, B., Dvorak, J., Semmens, K. & Colliver, D., May 2022, In: Aquacultural Engineering. 97, 102238.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Creating a field-wide forage canopy model using uavs and photogrammetry processing
Minch, C., Dvorak, J., Jackson, J. & Sheffield, S. T., Jul 1 2021, In: Remote Sensing. 13, 13, 2487.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Predicting quality and yield of growing alfalfa from a uav
Dvorak, J. S., Pampolini, L. F., Jackson, J. J., Seyyedhasani, H., Sama, M. P. & Goff, B., 2021, In: Transactions of the ASABE. 64, 1, p. 63-72 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Creating a field-wide forage canopy model using UAVs and photogrammetry processing
Minch, C., Dvorak, J., Jackson, J. & Sheffield, T., 2020.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
Classifying reflectance targets under ambient light conditions using passive spectral measurements
Hamidisepehr, A., Sama, M. P., Dvorak, J. S., Wendroth, O. O. & Montross, M. D., Sep 2 2020, In: Sensors (Switzerland). 20, 18, p. 1-20 20 p., 5375.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Dynamic rerouting of a fleet of vehicles in agricultural operations through a Dynamic Multiple Depot Vehicle Routing Problem representation
Seyyedhasani, H. & Dvorak, J. S., Jul 2018, In: Biosystems Engineering. 171, p. 63-77 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
"Apps"-An innovative way to share extension knowledge
Dvorak, J. S., Franke-Dvorak, T. C. & Price, R. R., 2012, In: Journal of Extension. 50, 6, 6IAW2.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Using the Vehicle Routing Problem to reduce field completion times with multiple machines
Seyyedhasani, H. & Dvorak, J. S., Mar 1 2017, In: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 134, p. 142-150 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A correlation-based optical flowmeter for enclosed flows
Zhang, N., Dvorak, J. S. & Zhang, Y., 2013, In: Transactions of the ASABE. 56, 6, p. 1511-1522 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Object detection for agricultural and construction environments using an ultrasonic sensor
Dvorak, J. S., Stone, M. L. & Self, K. P., 2016, Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 22, 2, p. 107-119 13 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
Comparisons of precision planter seeding rate based on meter drive type
Dvorak, J., Gomes, A., Silva, R. & Rounsaville, J., 2017.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
Wet grain delivery advice: A previously impossible extension challenge solved through app technology
Dvorak, J., McNeill, S. & Hardy, C., Apr 1 2016, In: Journal of Extension. 54, 2, 2IW1.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Modelling the costs associated with high-moisture grain for mobile apps
Dvorak, J. S., Shockley, J., Mason, R. & McNeill, S., Oct 2018, In: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 153, p. 313-317 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Nozzle sensor for in-system chemical concentration monitoring
Dvorak, J. S., Stombaugh, T. S. & Wan, Y., 2016, In: Transactions of the ASABE. 59, 5, p. 1089-1099 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Optimal design of velocity sensor for open channel flow using CFD
Dvorak, J. S. & Zhang, N., 2017, In: International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. 10, 3, p. 130-142 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
An autonomous, solar-powered tractor
Dvorak, J., Nov 1 2016, Resource: Engineering and Technology for Sustainable World, 23, 6, p. 24-26 3 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
Enhancing Design, Management, and Transfer of Floating Raceway Technology for the Small Farm
Dvorak, J. (PI)
5/15/22 → 5/14/26
Project: Research project
SBIR - Floating Solar Aquaculture Aerator with Secondary Renewable Energy Option
Dvorak, J. (PI)
9/16/23 → 8/21/25
Project: Research project
Class 5 Lift Hybrid Engine - Equipment Scope
Dvorak, J. (PI)
Propane Education and Research Council
11/14/22 → 9/30/23
Project: Research project
Class 5 Lift Hybrid Engine
Dvorak, J. (PI)
Propane Education and Research Council
11/14/22 → 9/30/23
Project: Research project
Evaluation of crop logistics
Montross, M. (PI), Dvorak, J. (CoI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
12/8/15 → 5/30/16
Project: Research project
Phase 2: Control and Monitoring of Sprayer Output
Stombaugh, T. (PI) & Dvorak, J. (CoI)
1/1/14 → 7/31/15
Project: Research project
Control and Monitoring of Sprayer Output
Stombaugh, T. (PI) & Dvorak, J. (CoI)
8/22/13 → 7/31/14
Project: Research project
Student Design Projects to Support Safety of Highly Autonomous Machinery
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Sanderson, W. (CoI)
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
9/30/16 → 9/29/22
Project: Research project
Hybrid LP/Electric Module Phase 2 - Equipment scope
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Stombaugh, T. (CoI)
Propane Education and Research Council
8/2/20 → 10/31/23
Project: Research project
Student Design Projects to Support Safety of Highly Autonomous Machinery
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Sanderson, W. (CoI)
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
9/30/16 → 9/29/20
Project: Research project
LP Hybrid Forklift Demonstration
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Stombaugh, T. (CoI)
Propane Education and Research Council
2/1/17 → 6/30/19
Project: Research project
LIDAR and Photogrammetry to Map Alfalfa Yield and Quality Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Dvorak, J. (PI), Jackson, J. (CoI), Montross, M. (CoI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
9/1/16 → 8/31/20
Project: Research project
Wet Soybean Delivery Advice App
Dvorak, J. (PI), McNeill, S. (CoI) & Shockley, J. (CoI)
Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board
7/1/16 → 6/30/17
Project: Research project
KSEF RDE: Efficient Routing with Multiple Vehicles for Agricultural Area Coverage Tasks
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
KY Science and Technology Co Inc
7/1/16 → 12/31/17
Project: Research project
Dev. Of A Can-Based Data Management and Decision Support System For Optimal Equipmetn And Harvest Timing From Grain Harvast To Storage
Sama, M. (PI), Dvorak, J. (CoI), Mark, T. (CoI), McNeill, S. (CoI) & Montross, M. (CoI)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
11/1/15 → 10/31/19
Project: Research project
Computational Skills Development for Next Generation AgriScience Professionals for Sustaining Data Driven Agriculture
Dvorak, J. (PI), Dvorak, T. (CoI) & Mark, T. (CoI)
9/1/20 → 8/31/24
Project: Research project
Hybrid LP/Electric Module Phase 2
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Stombaugh, T. (CoI)
Propane Education and Research Council
8/2/20 → 10/31/23
Project: Research project
Fluid Power Lab Improvements for Electrical Control
Dvorak, J. (PI)
National Fluid Power Association
2/18/20 → 6/30/22
Project: Research project
Improving the Accuracy of Chemical Applications with Direct Injection
Stombaugh, T. (PI) & Dvorak, J. (CoI)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
3/1/17 → 2/28/23
Project: Research project
Sustainable Aquaculture: Education, Research and Outreach for Small Farms
Dvorak, J. (PI) & Colliver, D. (CoI)
5/1/17 → 4/30/22
Project: Research project
Education
- Ph.D., Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University, 2012
- M.S., Biosystems Engineering, Oklahoma State University, 2007
- B.S., Biosystems Engineering, Oklahoma State University, 2005
Associated Departments