I recently defended my PhD dissertation in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida, under the guidance of Dr. Patricio Munoz in the Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Lab. My research involved multidisciplinary approach to plant breeding, integrating phenotypic, phenomic, genomic, and environmic data. By combining statistical and genetic methodologies, my research encompassed optimizing breeding tools (genomic and phenomic prediction) fruit quality traits and maximizing genetic gains while minimizing costs. I am dedicated to contributing to crop development that addresses the challenges of food insecurity and climate change resilience.
Prior to my PhD studies, I obtained Master's degrees from the University of Helsinki, Finland; Institut Polytechnique Unilasalle, Beauvais, France; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. My previous research involved introgressing opaque-2 gene into popcorn's genetic background; and identified a putative seed lipoxygenase gene in Faba bean. Through practical plant breeding experiences at Corteva in France, KWS in Germany, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Nigeria, I gained valuable insights and hands-on skills in the field.
Additionally, I am the founder of
Edu-Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to providing educational and social welfare support to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Nigeria. Through various support programs, including student support, feeding programs, scholarships, sanitary hygiene initiatives, and counseling and monitoring services, our mission is to address the educational challenges faced by OVC in Nigeria and other developing countries.
While my work keeps me busy, I also enjoy exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I have a passion for music and appreciate various forms of artwork. In my spare time, I engage in acrylic painting on small canvases. Recently, I have developed an interest in cooking and enjoy playing pickle ball with friends.
