Innocent Esther
Graduate Research Assistant Crop Scientist at IITA | Plant Science, Molecular Biology, and Agricultural Research
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About
Research-driven Crop Scientist with practical experience in plant breeding, genetic resource conservation, molecular biology, tissue culture, and field-based agricultural research. Skilled in cassava characterization, seed banking, plant pathology support, and crop improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and disease resistance. Experienced in laboratory procedures including DNA extraction, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and crop quality analysis.
Demonstrates strong abilities in data collection, experimental design implementation, project coordination, and sustainable agricultural practices. Passionate about food security, agricultural innovation, and advancing crop research for improved productivity and resilience.
Experience
Graduate Research Intern at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (2024-09 – 2025-08)
- Assisted cassava breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
- Participated in field data collection and analysis to evaluate cassava performance under varying environmental conditions.
- Supported post-harvest germplasm characterization activities.
- Assisted in cassava flowering induction processes for breeding research.
- Supported genetic analysis aimed at improving resistance to pests, diseases, and climate-related stress.
- Gained hands-on experience with spectrophotometry and chromameter-based color analysis.
- Supported genotyping workflows including KASP genotyping principles.
- Performed DNA extraction, PCR procedures, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Assisted in laboratory research under the supervision of senior researchers.
- Conducted Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) analysis for starch property evaluation.
Graduate Research Assistant at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (2023-08 – 2024-07)
NYSC -Laboratry Operations & Field Based Agriculture Research
- Conducted cassava characterization for improved cultivar selection.
- Managed yam storage operations to maintain viability preservation.
- Supported seed bank operations including packaging, planting, and harvesting.
- Performed tissue culture propagation for yam, plantain, cocoyam, and cassava.
- Assisted plant pathology teams with disease diagnostics and control strategies.
- Supported laboratory and field research activities for crop improvement initiatives.
Undergraduate Trainee at Agronomy and Livestock Research Farms (2019-08 – 2021-10)
- Assisted in planting, irrigation, crop rotation, and pest control activities.
- Supported soil fertility improvement initiatives.
- Participated in soil nutrient analysis.
- Assisted with livestock health monitoring and feeding programs.
- Contributed to sustainable agricultural practices including composting and waste management.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Crop Production (Crop/Soil Science) – Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (2016 – 2021)
