I am pursuing a PhD in Crop science, to learn how to operationalize agrigenomics and data-tech-based solutions that cost-effectively accelerate genetic gain in small grain breeding. Here is a snapshot of what my research involves:* Oat Crop Improvement in the Midwest, USA* Operationalizing breeding for sustainable farming systems* Breeding for Mixed-cropping systems, cover crops and forages* Genomics-assisted-breeding method implementation* Quantitative genetics * Speed-breeding method optimization & implementation in smallgrains * High through-put phenotyping using drone-imagery* Remote Sensing data processing and analysis* Application of supervised and unsupervised machine-learning methods in breeding * Statistics & Data Analysis in RFor more details and updates, please check out the lab Website - https://smallgrains.web.illinois.edu/wp/

Intertek-AgriTech provides molecular-based services such as SNP Genotyping, Species identification, GMO testing and Pathogen testing. My role was to:~ Manage the development, optimization and integration of a laboratory Information System (LIMS) with routine operations to enhance accurate, standard and timely molecular data output.~ Manage customer communications and enhancement of service logistics and workflows ~ Support with Operations & Logistics Management~ Support development of low and medium density crop genotyping SNP panels~ Develop SNP genotyping sampling protocols~Standardize SNP genotyping Output files

The High throughput genotyping project (HTPG) is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate forward breeding by promoting routine use of molecular markers, and improving access to low-cost genotyping for trait discovery, diversity studies and quality check (pedigree verification analysis). My role involved:o Development of automated genotyping data analysis tools and pipelines for data curation, hybrid/F1 QC, pedigree verification and marker-assisted selection analysiso Reviewing Beta Versions of Breeders Decision support Tools - Flapjacko Implementing the standardization and optimization of genotyping sampling using mobile technologies.o Coordinating logistics and communication between genotyping partner (Intertek-Agritech) and crop improvement researchers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia countries.o Training on genotyping sampling techniques standardization, sample tracking, data cleaning, conversion, visualization and analysis using decision support tools.o Organizing partner meetings and trainings in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia countries

I developed a data analysis pipeline to automate low-density SNP genotyping data analysis in marker-assisted selection and Purity testing.

I worked on a Wellcome Trust-International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Public Engagement Project, aims to improve the farming practices of livestock-keepers in Laikipia, Kenya, by providing knowledge about; tick biology, epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, proper disease control methods, climate change, farming economics, fodder crop cultivation and feed preservation methods, breed selection among other topics. Overall the project aimed to improve farmers' knowledge and skills, as well as change current attitudes for sustainable and profitable farming.Responsibilities: * Designing and executing project monitoring and evaluation strategies. * Community capacity building through training. * Data collection and report writing. * Advising farmers on sustainable livestock farming practices.

I worked on identification of potential transmission-blocking vaccine candidates for East Coast Fever through computational prediction of vector-parasite protein-protein interactions, and possible immune-responsive epitopes. The disease is caused by a protozoan parasite, Theileria parva, which is transmitted by a tick vector, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. It kills over 1 million cattle annually in Eastern, Central and Southern part of Africa. Current control methods have not been effective in mitigating the disease and hence current research is aimed at developing a sustainable subunit vaccine. Machine-learning tools were used to reveal the role of both parasite and vector proteins during disease transmission, through protein-protein interaction studies, and secondly to identify vaccine candidates among the interacting proteins through epitope prediction.

The Kenya Bureau of standards provides standardization solutions for sustainable development, through quality control analysis of food and other products.My contribution towards achieving this goal was through: * Preparation of apparatus and reagents for analytical work * Quality analysis of cement, sugar, effluent, drinking and mineral wate * Operating the Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) machine * Analysis of metal ions in drinks, cereals, fertilizers, and animal feed * Testing for aflatoxins in cereals * Vitamin A extraction, saponification and HPLC quantification in food products

Th Government Chemist is the legal referral unit for quality analysis of food products, and water. The unit is also involved in forensic analysis, DNA paternity testing and identification of narcotics.I contributed towards achievement of the institutes goals through: * Analysis of alcoholic beverages for presence of Methanol and Ethanol percentage. * Testing for aflatoxins in cereals such as maize. * Quality Analysis of drinking, mineral and effluent water. * DNA profiling