Maureen Wanjiku

Crop science specialist with over six years of experience in implementing research and innovation programs focused on crop improvement, food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development across Africa. Experienced in managing and coordinating research operations, field trials, data analysis and contributing to project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, capacity development and engaging stakeholders. Skilled in crop breeding, agronomy and phytosanitary practices, with proven background in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and research partners.

Committed to advancing sustainable agricultural production through applied research and knowledge exchange while fostering inclusive development opportunities for smallholder farmers and agricultural value-chain stakeholders across Africa.

Research technician, Maize breeding - International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) - Kenya

(2011-09 - 2019-11)

Supported implementation of major regional crop improvement projects, including the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA), developing an integrated platform, pipeline, and analytical tools for next-generation genotyping to serve breeding efforts in Africa (BREAD), Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA), Stress Tolerant Maize for Africa (STMA) and Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN).

• Research implementation and project coordination
• Implemented research activities across laboratory, greenhouse, and field platforms, supporting timely delivery of project objectives and milestones
• Contributed to the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of breeding and genomics activities across project portfolios
• Maintained project records, technical documentation, progress reports and datasets for project reporting, reviews and decision-making
• Coordinated procurement of laboratory resources and logistics to support timely implementation of research activities
• Field trials, data and knowledge management
• Planned field trials, including seed preparation, field mapping, experimental design and planting plans using Fieldbook
• Supported the maize breeding pipeline from nursery establishment and planting through controlled pollination, phenotypic selection, seed harvest and germplasm advancement
• Coordinated large-scale genotyping and breeding data-management activities involving thousands of breeding lines annually
• Archived molecular and phenotypic datasets in institutional breeding databases
• Contributed to data generation, analysis and dissemination of research outputs to inform breeding decisions and project reporting
• Contributed to digital and barcode-based tools for germplasm identification, traceability and research data management; generated barcode labels and field tags
• Coordinated phytosanitary documentation and international shipment of plant materials in line with national and international plant health regulatory standards
• Capacity development and stakeholder engagement
• Trained students and new technical staff in laboratory methods, breeding operations, data-management systems, digital tools, equipment and data-collection protocols
• Presented breeding activities and improved maize germplasm to farmers, collaborators and industry stakeholders during field demonstrations and outreach events
• Supported scientific presentations, project reporting and annual reviews

Ph.D. - Plant and Crop Sciences - University of Nottingham, UK (2020-01 - 2025-02)

M.Sc. (Cum Laude) - Biology - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (2013-09 - 2015-07)

B.Sc. (First Class Honours) - Biotechnology - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya (2007-04 - 2011-07)