Dr. Bhat is Distinguished University Professor of Natural Resource Economics in the Departments of Earth and Environment and Economics.  His research focusses economic and policy issues relating to natural resources management, including water resources, coastal and marine resources, ecosystem services valuation (read a Miami Herald article on his work) and agriculture. He has more than 370 research articles, book chapters, technical reports, presentations and invited lectures. He has received research funding over $24 million, as PI Co-PI, and research collaborator from the US Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, National Parks Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and private foundations. Dr. Bhat has advised more than 45 graduate students and 150 undergraduate students on their research and independent study projects.

Dr. Bhat co-founded the FIU Agroecology Program and the Campus Organic Garden with the aid of over 35 different USDA grants, which supported hundreds of under-represented students in agricultural and natural resources sciences and prepare them for career, leadership and higher education. Three of his USDA-funded grants helped establish a multi-university consortium for training Hispanic students in South Florida and Puerto Rico. Dr. Bhat also co-established the nationally acclaimed FIU Farmers Outreach Program to assist prospective and beginning farmers and veterans with establishing viable farming and agri-business operations.

Dr. Bhat is the recipient of multiple awards, including Fulbright Specialist (2021-2023), US Society for Ecological Economics’ Bernardo Aguilar Award (2019),  FIU Faculty Award for Excellence in Research (2020), Engagement (2016), Teaching (2014) & Service (2010),  FIU Presidential Excellence Award (2016) and Soil and Water Conservation Society’s Berg Fellow (1992).

Dr. Bhat received Ph.D. from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and M.S. degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India.