Tuskegee-INFAS CISC HBCU Fellowship Program (CHFP)
The Carver Integrative Sustainability Center (CISC) of Tuskegee University and INFAS partnership is hosting it's 4th year of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Graduate Fellowship Program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This year we are excited to welcome 30 fellows and honorees, making this our largest group of graduate fellows and honorees to date!
Current HBCU Fellows Current HBCU Honorees
Current Fellows
Abdul-lateef Popoola
MS in Agronomy and Plant Biotechnology, Alcorn State University
Abdul-lateef Popoola is a master’s student in Agronomy and Plant biotechnology at Alcorn State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in Biological Science (Botany) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, graduating as the Best Student in his department. Abdul-lateef is passionate about creating science-based, accessible tools for smallholder farmers to manage plant diseases sustainably and protect food security in underserved communities.
His current research focuses on developing rapid molecular diagnostics and eco-friendly solutions—such as essential oils, biological control agents, and organic manures—for the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) and Phytophthora capsici, two major pathogens affecting watermelon, pepper, and other essential crops. Through this work, he hopes to reduce reliance on chemical fungicides while promoting practical, affordable solutions farmers can adopt directly on their fields.
Abdul-lateef has worked with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on crop disease resistance in yam and underutilized legumes and served as a data analyst for Nigeria’s National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (a World Bank–funded project). He is a member of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), and the American Society of Agronomy. His work has earned him several honors, including Best Oral Presentation at the 89th Mississippi Academy of Sciences and Best Graduating Student in his undergraduate program.
In the future, Abdul-lateef hopes to become a leading scientist at the intersection of plant health and food system equity—developing tools and strategies that empower farmers to mitigate plant loss to disease and promote sustainability.
Alice Mukunzi
Ph.D. in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Alice Mukunzi is a Ph.D. student in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Agribusiness and Applied Econometrics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Her academic and personal experiences as a refugee and immigrant have driven her commitment to creating more equitable, data-driven solutions within food systems.
Alice’s current research focuses on improving nitrogen use efficiency among smallholder farmers in North Carolina using a Bayesian stochastic plateau frontier model. By integrating simulation techniques and field-level data, her project aims to generate precise, cost-effective fertilizer recommendations that improve crop yields, reduce input waste, and support environmental sustainability.
She previously served as a Borlaug Fellow in Cape Coast, Ghana, where she co-led agricultural education initiatives and supported youth development through school gardening and 4-H programming. In the long run, Alice aspires to influence agricultural policy and development by translating research into tools and strategies that improve food security and economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Anthony (Solomon) Garner
Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences, Tennessee State University
A. Solomon Garner, a Columbus, OH native, is a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University, with experience as an Educator, Leadership, and Youth Development Professional. He's been in youth development for eight years having worked with diverse youth. He's currently a doctoral student at Tennessee State University. Before starting his graduate work at TSU, he served as a 4H Extension Educator for Ohio State University Extension leading and building the Urban ROOTS program, an agricultural career exploration program for youth. Also having filled the role as a researcher and consultant, Solomon has versatile skills that allow him to engage with creative strategies, implementation, and development to grow programs and the people who engage with them. Solomon's philosophy is centered around helping people grow, find their purpose, and experience the joys of life with gratitude.
Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan
Ph.D. in Urban Forestry, Southern University and A&M College
Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan is a second-year PhD student in Urban Forestry at Southern University and A&M College, where she is expected to complete her degree in May 2028. She holds an MPhil in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Cape Coast. My passion lies in using geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and machine learning to support sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and environmental justice.
Her current research, “Integrating Remote Sensing and Weather Station Data for Soil Moisture Prediction: A Machine Learning Approach,” focuses on developing predictive tools to optimize irrigation and improve soil health, enhancing agricultural sustainability. She has discovered that combining satellite imagery with weather data can provide actionable insights for farmers to adapt to climate variability and promote more efficient water use.
Dorcas has served as a USDA/MSU Summer Research Intern, developing climate data visualization tools to support agricultural resilience, and as an Environmental Justice Media Intern with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, where she advanced community awareness on climate and food justice issues. She is an active member of ASPRS, MANNRS, and the American Planning Association and has received several awards, including the Allamanda Garden Scholarship (2025), the Trellis Fund Foundation Fellowship (2025), and the Conservation, Access, Relevance, and Engagement (C.A.R.E.) Fellowship (2024).
In the future, she aims to lead research that bridges technology and practice, empowering farmers, informing policy, and advancing climate-smart, equitable food systems.
Emily Amenyenu
PhD student in Food Science, Alabama A&M University
Emily Amenyenu is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences at Alabama A&M University. She earned her B.Ed. in Food and Nutrition from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and her M.S. in Food and Nutritional Sciences from Tuskegee University. Her master’s research investigated the microbial quality and potential health benefits of hibiscus-beetroot beverages.
Emily is passionate about advancing food safety, product development, and nutrition in marginalized populations. She has actively contributed to community nutrition education programs in McRae, Georgia, and the Tuskegee community, using her expertise to promote healthier living and informed food choices.
She previously served as Co-Chair of the Tuskegee University Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Student Chapter and has presented her work at national conferences, including the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) and the Association of 1890 Research Directors (ARD) Symposium. Her long-term goal is to contribute to nutritional education, enhance food security, and promote healthier lifestyles in underserved communities.
Esi Dadzie
Ph.D in Urban Forestry, Southern University and A&M College
Esi Dadzie is a Ph.D. student in Urban Forestry at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She earned her MPhil in Geography and Rural Development from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. With a strong background in GIS, remote sensing, and environmental planning, Esi is passionate about using data and local knowledge to promote environmental justice and sustainable urban development.
Her current project, “Equity Through Canopy,” focuses on identifying tree canopy gaps in underserved urban neighborhoods and co-developing reforestation plans with community input. Using satellite data, ground-truthing, and stakeholder engagement, she aims to improve environmental health and resilience in heat-vulnerable areas like Scotlandville. Through this work, she has discovered the power of combining spatial data with lived experience to design solutions that are both equitable and impactful.
Esi has previously worked with the Ghana Cocoa Board and local governments and currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at Southern University. She is affiliated with organizations such as ASPRS, the Society of American Foresters, and African Women in GIS. Her long-term goal is to lead community-centered climate adaptation projects that enhance food systems, urban ecology, and public health across the Global South and beyond.
Jennifer Chi
Ph.D in Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Jennifer Chi is a PhD student in Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She earned her master’s degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas. Jennifer is passionate about using technology to improve how we evaluate food, with the goal of reducing waste and supporting smarter, more efficient food systems.
Her current research explores image-based food quality assessment, studying how artificial intelligence (AI) can help identify visual quality traits in perishable foods to support better decision-making across the supply chain.
Previously, Jennifer worked in a health development lab during her master’s program and later as a strategy analyst at a network infrastructure company, where she used data to support business planning and operations. She has presented research on machine learning applications in food quality prediction and continues to build her expertise in this growing field.
In the future, she hopes to mentor students and lead applied research that connects food, health, and technology—developing practical tools that make a real impact in the food system.
Jennifer Kennedy
Ph.D in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Concentration in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Jennifer M. Kennedy is a PhD student in her 3rd year studying agribusiness applied economics at North Carolina A&T State University. They earned their MBA in International Marketing from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Jennifer is passionate about connecting and educating small farmers to agrivoltaic professionals and helping them decide if that kind of system is right for their goals, and showing them how that kind of system will help grow their crop yields and profits.
Right now, her research focuses on the local economic impact of a small farm converting to an agrivoltaic system, looking at how it affects farm land loss, domestic clean energy production, job creation, and environmental sustainability. Through this work, they’ve discovered that/they hope to advocate for farmers who are negotiating with utility commissions and energy companies.
She also working with Positive Direction for Youth and Family (PDY&F Community Garden), doing educational work in the local community, helping to bring awareness to the food apartheid in East Greensboro, NC, and teaching people how to grow their own food. Jennifer is a food advocate in her local community as well as an academic advisor to engineering students and has been recognized for excellence in advising from the College of Engineering.
In the future, she hopes to become one of the catalysts for positive change in farming in America where more and more farms are open to using agrivoltaic systems and where federal and state governments embrace the change that other major countries already have since the 1980s, working to make the agriculture industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly over time.
Kendall Gibbs, Jr.
MS in Agricultural Economics, Alcorn State University
Kendall Gibbs, Jr. is an emerging scholar currently pursuing a Master of Science degree with a specialization in International Trade, emphasizing U.S.–U.K. Agricultural Trade Relations, at Alcorn State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from Alcorn State University in May 2024. Kendall demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, focusing on advancing food security, environmental stewardship, and rural development. His interests extend to developing innovative, community-based solutions that promote resilient farming practices and equitable food systems.
Presently, his research centers on the impact of Brexit on U.S.–U.K. agricultural trade relations, with particular attention to how these dynamics affect agri-food trade with other countries. Through this inquiry, he has identified a gap in existing literature, as limited prior research has addressed the nuances of post-Brexit trade relations between the U.S. and the U.K. Kendall aims to contribute valuable insights into the critical role of well-managed trade relations, emphasizing their significance not only for national economic prosperity but also for addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, and food security through coordinated supply chains and international standards.
Kendall has also collaborated closely with the Agricultural Economics sector within the College of Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University, deepening his understanding of the pivotal role economics plays in modern agriculture. This includes analyzing how factors such as commodity prices, inflation, interest rates, and government subsidies directly influence farmer profitability and decision-making. Furthermore, he is actively engaged with MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences), where he serves as Secretary for his department’s chapter, contributing to efforts that promote diversity and inclusion in agricultural sciences.
Looking ahead, Kendall aspires to be a conduit for disseminating knowledge about the evolving landscape of modern agriculture, underscoring the importance of economic literacy in relation to trade agreements, tariffs, and shifting consumer demands. He is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by informing policy development and advancing effective strategies that support sustainable and equitable agricultural systems.
Miya Moon
Ph.D in Microbiology, Alabama State University
Miya J. Moon is a second-year Ph.D. student studying Microbiology at Alabama State University. She earned her Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology from the same institution. Miya is passionate about bridging cultural foodways with microbiological science to support food sovereignty, public health, and equitable research practices—particularly within communities of the African diaspora.
Currently, her research project, “Food, Faith, and Fermentation: Exploring the Role of Cultural Foods in Microbial Health and Parasite Resistance in the African Diaspora,” investigates how traditional fermented and plant-based foods influence microbial diversity and may offer resistance to parasitic infections such as Toxoplasma gondii. Through this work, she has uncovered powerful connections between ancestral food traditions and modern scientific insights on microbial health and immune defense.
Miya has conducted international research on food security in Nairobi, Kenya, and participated in multiple NIH- and NSF-funded research programs, including the STEM US Research Program and the Ethnomedicine Lab at Alabama State. She has also served as a treasurer in national honor organizations and is deeply involved in science education and outreach. In the future, Miya hopes to lead cross-disciplinary research initiatives that uplift cultural knowledge systems while addressing health disparities through sustainable, community-based science.
Mohak Koirala
Master's in Sustainable Agriculture, Lincoln University of Missouri
Mohak Koirala is a first-year graduate student in Sustainable Agriculture at Lincoln University, Missouri. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences from Purbanchal University in Nepal, where he worked with rural communities on food safety, agricultural training, and post-harvest management. Mohak is passionate about making local food systems safer and more resilient by integrating science-based, accessible solutions for underserved producers.
His current research, Evaluating non-traditional fermentation methods through microbial challenge, explores how traditional fermentation methods can extend the shelf life of perishable produce while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness. Through this work, he hopes to develop simple, farmer-friendly fermentation protocols that enhance both food safety and income generation, particularly for limited-resource growers for both the mainstream fermented products as well as niche and novel fermentation produce.
Previously, Mohak worked with community organizations and government agencies in Nepal to train farmers on food preservation and sustainable farming practices. In the future, Mohak aims to bridge the gap between research and grassroots application by designing culturally relevant preservation methods that promote food security and reduce spoilage in underserved communities through the help of outreach and extension activities with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, where he hopes to support minority farmers through workshops and food safety education.
Nur Nesa
MS in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture, Lincoln University of Missouri
Nur Un Nesa is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture at Lincoln University of Missouri. She holds a previous master's degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding department and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Nur is passionate about plant physiology, fertilizer management in crops, enhancing food security and reducing import dependency through climate-resilient crop (especially quinoa) research.
Her current research, titled “Optimizing Macronutrients for Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Production in Midwest,” investigates the combined impact of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) on quinoa productivity using manual and drone-based phenotyping techniques. Through this work, she aims to identify optimal nutrient inputs and validate the use of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for efficient data collection.
Previously, Nur has worked various agricultural research projects in Bangladesh, contributing to projects on drought-tolerant cereal crops, yield and nutrient management. In the future, she hopes to lead an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on sustainable cropping systems and technological innovation to improve farmer livelihoods and resource-use efficiency globally.
Omowunmi Odeyomi
Ph.D in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Omowunmi Odeyomi is a third-year PhD candidate in Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Carolina A&T State University. She earned her master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Omowunmi is passionate about creating equitable, resilient food systems that support both smallholder farmers and vulnerable consumers in the face of climate change.
Right now, her research focuses on “Climate Shocks, Adaptation, and Food Access: Analyzing Price Volatility and Resilience in the Southeastern U.S. Soybean Supply Chain,” examining how climate-driven disruptions affect both the prices farmers can receive for their crops and the affordability of food for consumers. Through this work, she hopes to inform data-driven policies that stabilize food prices, strengthen agricultural supply chains, and improve food security outcomes in underserved communities.
Omowunmi is a recipient of several prestigious fellowships, including the CISC HBCU INFAS Fellowship (Honoree) 2024/2025, American Farm Bureau Foundation Fellowship Program 2025, the AAEA Sylvia Lane Mentorship Award 2025, MANRRS39 Gold Scholarship, and has been recognized for her leadership and academic contributions in food systems resilience.
In the future, she hopes to serve as a consultant and researcher, developing policies and strategies that build adaptive capacity in agriculture and promote food security, working to ensure that resilient food systems are both inclusive and sustainable.
Viona Osei
Ph.D in Integrative Biosciences, Tuskegee University
Viona Osei is an Integrative Biosciences Ph.D. Candidate at the Center for Food Animal Health, Food Safety and Defense, Tuskegee University. Her current research focuses on utilizing microbiology and bioinformatic tools to assess the genetic relatedness of environmental and clinical strains of foodborne pathogens using resistance and virulome similarities. Through this research, she aims to determine the potential for environmental strains to evolve into clinical pathogens.
Viona earned her bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana. After graduating, she worked as a Teaching Assistant and a laboratory scientist at her alma mater and various hospitals in Ghana, where she instructed emerging scientists, supported research activities, and performed phlebotomy, serology, and microbiological testing to serve the community. In 2019, she was honored with the Dean’s Award for Departmental Best Female Student at Level 300 from UCC.
She is passionate about utilizing her knowledge and expertise in Microbiology and Molecular Biology to develop novel methods for detecting foodborne pathogens, thereby contributing to the global efforts in combating foodborne illnesses. Viona is a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). Presently, she is a Fellow of the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship. Her future aspirations include becoming a professor of Microbiology and a researcher dedicated to mitigating the public health threats posed by foodborne pathogens, while mentoring and shaping future scientists.
Current Honorees
Adriana Cornie
Ph.D. in Integrative Public Policy and Development, Tuskegee University
Adriana Cornie is a 2nd year Ph.D. student studying Integrative Public Policy and Development at Tuskegee University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Adriana is passionate about rural community development and the well-being of people and is eager to advocate towards alleviating socioeconomic challenges faced by marginalized populations.
Right now, her research focuses on broadband access and its impact on agriculture and food resilience in the Black Belt of Alabama, looking at how it affects agricultural productivity, market participation, and local food resilience. Through this work, she hopes to propose actionable policy recommendations to aid broadband expansion and enhance food systems in Alabama’s Black Belt.
She also worked with the Ghana Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority as a registration assistant providing customer-oriented and vehicle registration services to clients. Adriana is a member of the Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Honour Society and also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and has been recognised for her exceptional academic performance.
In the future, she hopes to become a policy analyst and an extension professional, working directly with underserved communities to promote sustainable development.
Anuoluwapo Adelabu
M.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Systems (Natural Resources and Environmental Design), North Carolina A&T State University
Anuoluwapo Adelabu is a second-year master’s student in Natural Resources and Environmental Systems at North Carolina A&T State University, a historically Black university and 1890 land-grant institution. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Botany from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her passion lies in promoting sustainable agriculture through research, technology, and community-centered solutions.
Anuoluwapo’s current research focuses on using soil sensors to monitor soil moisture and temperature dynamics in cornfields, to improve irrigation decisions for small-scale farmers. She collects high-frequency sensor data alongside weather information and applies statistical, AI, and predictive modeling techniques to identify critical soil thresholds that inform when and how much to irrigate. Her goal is to make precision agriculture more accessible, especially for farmers who traditionally rely solely on rainfall.
She is the first author of a published article titled “Analysis of the Status of Irrigation Management in North Carolina,” which examined how farmers in North Carolina manage irrigation and revealed that many rely on rainfall alone due to limited access to decision-making tools, such as soil sensors. She has presented her work at academic conferences, mentored undergraduate and high school students in agricultural research, and participated in both the ARD 2024 Plant Breeding Hackathon and the SAS Hackathon, where her team developed secure datasets to address racial and gender disparities in farming communities. Anuoluwapo was also recognized as one of the graduate students with the highest GPA in her department.
Her long-term goal is to support underserved farmers globally by combining science, data, and outreach to build resilient and equitable food systems.
Jacqueline Yeboah
Master’s in Food and Nutritional Science, Tuskegee University
Jacqueline Yeboah is a first-year master’s student in the Department of Food and Nutritional Science at Tuskegee University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. During her undergraduate studies, Jacqueline developed a strong interest in food systems research and joined a food systems research group. There, she was introduced to a variety of local food sources and processing techniques aimed at improving food acceptability and marketability.
During her undergraduate project, Jacqueline was challenged to develop a sports beverage to enhance athletic performance. Motivated by the need for accessible and affordable options, she developed the beverage using locally available fruits and vegetables in Ghana. This reduced the reliance on imported products and promoted food sustainability.
With a solid foundation in science and a deep commitment to health equity and sustainable food systems, Jacqueline’s research interest focuses on utilizing locally sourced agricultural foods to elucidate diet-related health challenges. As a graduate student, her current research explores the effects of blueberry and collard greens diet on obesity-related outcomes in rats. Her work is rooted in the urgent need for sustainable, food-based strategies to combat obesity, particularly in Alabama.
Jacqueline is passionate about raising public awareness of the health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption and is committed to advancing research that supports improved health outcomes through diet. Her long-term goal is to become a leading advocate for food sustainability and nutrition equity. She aims to develop innovative dietary solutions to improve health.
Keesha St. John
Ph.D. in Integrative Public Policy and Development, Tuskegee University
Keesha St. John is a second-year Ph.D. student studying Integrative Public Policy and Development at Tuskegee University. She earned her Master of Science in Agribusiness Economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science Education from the University of Guyana, and an Associate degree in Agricultural Education from Cyril Potter College of Education. Keesha is passionate about advancing equitable food systems and empowering rural and historically underserved communities through education, policy, and sustainable agriculture.
Her current research focuses on “Cooperative Extension in the Black Belt Region,” examining how HBCU-led extension programs can foster food security, economic development, and policy engagement across the region. Through this work, she hopes to elevate community-driven solutions and strengthen the role of cooperative extension in promoting regional sustainability.
Keesha is a Fulbright Foreign Student alumna, a member of MANRRS, and an inaugural member of the Global Community for Women’s Leadership, recognized for her commitment to inclusive development and leadership.
In the future, she aims to design and implement policies that bridge the gap between agricultural research, education, and community development—working to ensure that food systems are resilient, inclusive, and just.
Kingsford Kobina Annan
Ph.D. in Urban Forestry (Department of Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources), Southern University and A&M College
Kingsford Kobina Annan is a researcher at the Department of Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA. He has a Geography and Regional Planning background, specializing in Health Geography. His research focuses on how environmental systems impact human health. Through geospatial technologies, his work bridges the gap between public health and environmental planning, offering data-driven solutions for building sustainable urban spaces that prioritize ecological balance and community well-being.
Odinaka C. Iwuozo
Ph.D. in Sustainable Animal Production and Health, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Odinaka C. Iwuozo is a dedicated animal scientist and researcher committed to advancing sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production as a means of strengthening global food systems. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainable Animal Production and Health at North Carolina A&T State University, where his research focuses on leveraging natural bioactive compounds to combat poultry diseases, enhance food safety, and reduce antimicrobial resistance, a pressing challenge in modern agriculture. He holds a Master of Agriculture in Animal Physiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and applies this strong academic foundation to bridge science and practice. His current research explores onion peel, an underutilized agricultural byproduct, as a functional feed additive to mitigate Salmonella infections in broiler chickens. This innovative work offers a sustainable alternative to antibiotics while supporting small-scale and underserved poultry producers.
Odinaka also brings valuable industry experience from Livestock Feeds PLC, Nigeria, where he served as an Animal Nutritionist, leading feed formulation and R&D initiatives using bioactive ingredients to improve animal health. Passionate about mentorship and equitable food systems, Odinaka aspires to an academic career that integrates research, teaching, and community outreach. His vision centers on empowering future leaders in sustainable animal agriculture while promoting food safety, environmental stewardship, and resilience in underserved communities. Odinaka’s work exemplifies the intersection of science, sustainability, and social impact, positioning him as an emerging leader in global agricultural innovation.
Olaniyi Adewumi
Ph.D. in Integrative Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Delaware State University
Olaniyi Adewumi is a graduate research assistant and third year Ph.D. student in the Integrative Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Delaware State University. He obtained his Bachelor of Agriculture from University of Ilorin, Nigeria, a master’s degree in Crop Production Technology with Seed Science and Technology concentration from Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria and master’s degree in plant science from Delaware State University. Olaniyi is passionate about food security and sustainable agriculture, and he has been making his own contribution from the angles of seed quality and soil health by educating crop producers on how to get the best from their seeds and soils.
Presently, his research focuses on “Comparative Evaluation of Different Soil Health Assessment Methods for Assessing Soil Health of Delaware Croplands”, investigating the efficacy of popular soil health assessment methods to reliably present what the health status of differently managed Delaware Croplands’ soils are. Through his research, he hopes to ascertain the validity of soil health assessment methods for assessing soil health in Delaware, as well as to identify and recommend soil management practices that maintain or improve soil health.
He has worked as a high school teacher, where he taught agricultural science subjects to junior and senior high school students. He has also worked as an Ag. Extension Officer with AgroMall Extension and Discovery Limited, Nigeria, where he oversaw the company’s seed quality analysis while also providing agronomic advice to affiliated farmers. Olaniyi is a member of Horticultural Society of Nigeria and Seed Science Association of Nigeria. He was a recipient of the National Grain and Feed Foundation Scholarship.
His goal is to work as an agronomist (research, technical and/or extension) and grow to have his seats in the boards of agricultural organizations or companies. Through his career, he hopes to help to improve agricultural practices, thereby ensuring sustainable food supply as well as environmental sustainability.
Olatunde A. Oderinwale
Ph.D. in Sustainable Animal Production and Health, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Olatunde A. Oderinwale is a doctoral researcher in Sustainable Animal Production and Health at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), where he is actively engaged in advancing climate-smart livestock systems through microbial ecology and nutritional strategies. He holds two advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Ruminant Production from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Olatunde’s academic journey is rooted in a lifelong commitment to agricultural development and food security, shaped by early experiences in smallholder farming communities.
His current research, titled “Integrative Application of Native Rumen Bacteria and Essential Oil-Fumarate Blends for Enhanced Livestock Productivity and Enteric Methane Mitigation,” investigates novel biological approaches to reducing methane emissions and improving feed efficiency in ruminant animals. Through this work, he is generating actionable insights into microbial and nutritional interventions that improve environmental outcomes while sustaining animal performance, findings that are critical to U.S. efforts in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Olatunde has served as a dissertation committee member for graduate students, mentored undergraduate researchers, and published over 20 peer-reviewed articles. His work has been presented at national and international conferences and adopted in research by peers across multiple countries. He is an active member of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), Phi Kappa Phi, and other global scientific communities. With a long-term goal of supporting resilient food systems and promoting environmental stewardship through science-based livestock solutions, Olatunde aims to contribute to transformative policies and technologies that enhance equity, sustainability, and innovation across the U.S. food and agriculture sectors.
Raksha Khadka
MS in Agricultural Economics, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Raksha Khadka is a second- year graduate student in Agricultural Economics at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She brings a strong foundation in both field-based agricultural development and applied economic research.
At UMES, she serves as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Heirs’ Property Education Project under the UMES Extension, where she leads outreach and data analysis efforts to increase awareness of land tenure issues and their impact on agricultural productivity. Her current research integrates econometric modeling, machine learning, and policy analysis to examine global commodity pricing, crop yield forecasting, and the socio-economic implications of unresolved land ownership. Raksha has presented her work at national conferences, including the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference and the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association, and has published in peer-reviewed journals.
She is passionate about advancing food justice and equitable land use policy, with a career goal of working in public policy and research to support sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Unishma Ghimire
Masters in Animal and Poultry Science, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Unishma Ghimire is a second-year master’s student in Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. She is conducting research on Epigenetic Thermal Conditioning on Pastured Poultry: Salmonella Incidence and Fecal Microbiome Changes. Her research investigates how epigenetic thermal conditioning influences thermotolerance, behavior, performance, microbial load, and food safety indicators in pastured-poultry. Through this work, she aims to improve food safety, meat quality, and animal welfare. Unishma is a recipient of the Emerson Morgan Graduate Scholarship, awarded by the Delmarva Chicken Association in recognition of her research focus and career goals in poultry science. In the future, she hopes to contribute to sustainable poultry management practices and advance food safety and public health.
Alumni Fellows
2024/25 Fellows
Joel O. Alabi
Mariam Marafa
Christiana Omojo Ugbem
TreDarious Clifton
Johnpaul Kagulire
2023/24 Fellows
Asamoah Zadok
Brianna Smith
Ebony Thornton
Obianuju Egiebor
Success Amobi-Ndubusi Okafor
William Gaspard Jr.
2022/23 Fellows
Alyson Whitted
Asya Montgomery
Bernard Iwegbu
Christopher Iweriebor
Kavaughn Prout
Manoj Paudel
Miriam Hagan
Tanisha Felton
Alumni Honorees
2024/25 Honorees
Omowunmi Odeyomi
Sandesh Chapagain
Emmanuel Kuufire
Juliana Noi
Kwadwo Antwi-Wiafe
Peter Owolabi
Olabisi Tolulope Somefun
Matthew Olaniyi Akindoyin
Yvette Mukunzi
Sara Gutierrez Diaz
2023/24 Honorees
Adewumi Adegboye
Chika Anotaenwere
Dipak Khanal
Elijah Agene
Joel Alabi
Kelvin Ofori
Oludotun Adelusi
Philip Junior Yeboah
Rejoice Nyarku
Sola Ikuejamoye-Omotore
Yesutor Soku
2022/23 Honorees
Chinedu Ahuchaogu
Kingsley Bentum
Lydia Olagunju
Micah Talbert