Ms. Amaka Ifeduba | Breeding Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Amaka Ifeduba, Texas A&M University, United States

Amaka Ifeduba is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, specializing in potato breeding with a focus on heat tolerance. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Horticultural Sciences, her research involves developing global warming-ready potatoes by studying heat tolerance mechanisms and identifying key genetic factors. Amaka’s research includes assessing leaf membrane conductivity, identifying quantitative trait loci, and exploring heat escape mechanisms in various potato clones. Her work has significant implications for the US potato industry by helping growers select heat-tolerant varieties. She holds a Master of Science in Cytogenetics & Plant Breeding from the University of Jos, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science & Biotechnology from the same institution. Amaka’s expertise extends to scientific communications and social media marketing, as evidenced by her recent internship with the American Seed Trade Association. Her academic and professional achievements are recognized through numerous awards, including the Gerald O. Mott Award and the Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Research Competition Award. She is also a recipient of the Borlaug International Scholar Fellowship and several scholarships for her outstanding contributions to the field.

 

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Amaka Ifeduba is a Ph.D. student specializing in potato breeding, with an emphasis on developing heat-tolerant potato varieties. Her research aims to understand the genetic basis of heat tolerance in potatoes, a crucial area given the impact of global warming on agriculture. Her work involves.

Education 🎓

• Doctor of Philosophy (Horticultural Sciences, Potato Breeding)
  Texas A&M University, USA (January 2022 – Present)
  Dissertation: Global warming-ready potatoes: understanding heat tolerance in potato clones from the Texas A&M breeding program.

  Research Highlights:

  • Assessed heat tolerance in 215 potato genotypes, focusing on leaf membrane REC and tuber defects.
  • Identified QTLs and genes related to heat tolerance and heat-shock protein expression.
  • Conducted controlled environment studies revealing early tuberization as a key heat escape mechanism.
  • Developed a mapping population for understanding genetic basis of heat tolerance in potatoes.
• Master of Science (Cytogenetics & Plant Breeding)
  University of Jos, Nigeria (June 2018 – December 2021)
  Thesis: Field assessment of potato to late blight and molecular characterization of Phytophthora infestans.
• Bachelor of Science (Plant Science & Biotechnology)
  University of Jos, Nigeria (November 2011 – December 2015)
  Thesis: Plant diversity in natural and cultivated hedgerows in Jos East.

Research/Teaching & Internship Experience 🔬

• Graduate Research Assistant
  Texas A&M University, Department of Horticultural Sciences (January 2022 – Present)
  • Engages with stakeholders and manages lab and field operations for the potato breeding program.
  • Mentors undergraduate and aspiring graduate students.
• Ag Marketing/Communications Intern
  American Seed Trade Association (May – August 2024)
  • Authored articles, updated web content, and supported social media and video content creation.

Technical Skills 🛠️

• Scientific communications, creative writing, and social media marketing.
• Controlled environment breeding, genomic selection, and QTL analysis.
• Wet lab skills including tissue culture, PCR, and ELISA.

Awards, Honors, and Fellowships 🏆

• Top 3 Poster Winner, National Association of Plant Breeding Conference (July 2024)
• ASTA Student Connections Program Award (June 2024)
• Belsterling Foundation Scholarship (April 2024)
• Gerald O. Mott Award (March 2024)
• Bayer Encompass Scholar Award (July 2023)
• Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Graduating Student, University of Jos (2014/2015)

Publication top Notes: