I am a UC Davis Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Sciences with a concentration in Plant Genetics and Genomics. I’m also a Borlaug Fellow in Global Food Security of the Purdue Center for Global Food Security. I grew up in Senegal, where I did my undergraduate studies in Applied Biology at the Polytechnic College in Dakar. When I started college, I was not interested in agriculture, as I was a first-generation college student and did not have a clear idea about agricultural sciences. Fortunately, during my second year, I took an internship at the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research in Dakar (ISRA). There I learned the importance and the challenges of agriculture in developing countries and saw that it took more to solve those problems. I realized that improving agricultural efficiency could improve the lives of smallholder farmers, whose livelihoods depend fully on crop production. I decided then to pursue a career in agricultural research.
After I graduated from Polytechnic College, I joined the plant breeding program in the same institute. That experience opened my eyes to how much more I needed to learn before I could achieve my goals. I had the opportunity to pursue my PhD degree in Plant Biology at the University of California, Riverside, with Professor Timothy Close, a leader in barley and cowpea genetics and genomics. Throughout my graduate studies, I have presented my research at several meetings. Attending scientific meetings also gave me the opportunity to meet and establish a collaboration with Professor Paul Gepts, who has an esteemed record in studying crop evolution with a focus on Phaseolus beans. In September 2019, I received a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship and joined his group at UC Davis.
My postdoctoral research focuses on the genetic and environmental factors controlling pod shattering in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Cowpea is one of the most important food and nutritional security crops. It is grown for both humans and livestock. Despite its importance, cowpea production faces several constraints. For example, pod shattering, which causes the premature release of grains in the pod, is a major issue in cowpea production in the context of climate change. Results from this project will help in the development of new varieties that are more resistant to shattering and adapted to drier climates. Another project focuses on the development of improved cultivars with larger seed size, which will address consumer preference and increase market demand. To date, nine lines resulting from my research have been tested for yield performance in California and Senegal.
UC Davis is an exciting place for me to grow as a plant scientist. I am working with an amazing team, gaining new skills, having different opportunities for personal development, and interacting with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. I receive continued support to face challenges and continue my journey!
As a Borlaug Fellow, I am seeking to impact global food and nutritional security. I learned about the problem of food and nutritional insecurity from different perspectives. Over the next couple years, I will be working to conduct research dealing with agricultural development and food security.
Of course, I will pursue a career where I can combine both my passion for research and education. I am looking forward to doing work that will help improve the wealth and education of many smallholder farmers.
My advice to incoming students is to take advantage of all the research and educational opportunities available, present their work at scientific meetings, and build a network involved in different research areas, journals, and funding agencies. Be strong and passionate, so that you can achieve your objectives. Do things that match your values, beliefs, and lifestyle.
I thank my family, friends, and all my mentors for their continuous support.
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