Education

B.Sc in Agriculture (Crop Science), Makerere University in Uganda

Current Research Areas

The overall goal of my research project is to characterize the molecular basis of resistance to soybean aphids and identify new sources of resistance. This research will give insights on the molecular effect of stacking resistance genes, resulting in a stronger resistance to soybean aphids, and will also establish whether this effect is additive or synergistic. Additionally, new sources of resistance to soybean aphids will be identified in the diverse collection of soybean lines.

Publications/Conference Papers

Honors/Awards

Received funding from the Graduate Senate (ISU), the Genetics and Genomics department, and the department of BBMB to travel and present my research at the soybean conference and the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Midwestern section meeting.

Brief Biography

I come from Uganda, and I studied there throughout my education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (crop science option). Uganda’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture. My interest in agriculture started from my childhood, and while growing up, I had an opportunity to participate in farm activities. This was when I was introduced to soybean as one of the food and cash crops in agriculture. For my graduate studies, I am privileged to work with soybean to understand the interaction between soybean and soybean aphids. Upon completion of my graduate studies, I will be part of the team that works with many stakeholders, sharing knowledge on how soybean production can be optimized using different scientific techniques. My hobbies are singing, listening to music, watching movies, and making new friends. Additionally, science has always been my passion right from my childhood, and I am glad that I get to experience it through my graduate studies at Iowa State University and will be doing the same in future.