Hellen Ninsiima Kayaga
Champaign
Summary
- Agronomist with 11 years of experience in field crops research and crop improvement. Expertise in data collection and management, with a proven track record in designing effective field trials. Strong collaboration skills that enhance research outcomes and foster valuable relationships. Highly adaptable and organized, dedicated to advancing agricultural research initiatives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Hourly-Research, Carl R. Woese Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana
03.2025 - Current
- Separation of soil samples from in-growth cores into particulate organic matter (POAM), and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM).
- Removal of live root fraction from the soil in-growth cores.
- Preparing soil samples for soil texture analysis.
Agronomist-Graduate Research Assistant
Iowa State University Agronomy Department
Ames
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Collected, validated, and analyzed data on ear dimensions and volume from 35 locations for the Bayer Era project.
- Conducted quality checks on image-analyzed data gathered from 35 locations.
- Collaborated with the team to sample post-harvest biomass of soybeans and corn.
- Gathered data on kernel moisture content and ear weights across all trials by the Integrated Cropping Systems Lab.
Field Testing Intern
Bayer Crop Science
Huxley
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Executed field studies to generate safety data and plant sample production for corn within the internal field network for the seed and trait portfolio.
- Trained in Good Laboratory Practices and SOPs, included in Regulatory Science.
- Collected data and samples of stewarded and regulatory corn plants in test, control, and reference trials (TCR).
- Conducted volunteer monitoring around the TCR trials.
- Ensured compliance with Bayer Crop Science safety, stewardship standards, and traceability through appropriate quality management and information systems.
Geneticist Graduate Research Fellow
Stellenbosch University,Cereal Genomics laboratory
Cape Town
03.2018 - 03.2023
- Executed a four-year project on mutational breeding for water deficit stress tolerance in bread wheat using ethyl methanesulfonate.
- Characterized new mutant lines for agro-morphological traits and baking quality properties.
- Investigated amino acid content changes and proteolytic activity related to chemical mutagenesis.
- Isolated and sequenced Sal1 and Era1 genes associated with water deficit stress tolerance in bread wheat.
- Collaborated with research mentors, post-doctoral candidates, and a breeder to direct project activities.
Consultant
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA
Kampala
07.2017 - 09.2017
- Archived banana leaves from multiple research trials for cryopreservation.
- Conducted DNA extraction and ploidy analysis on banana leaf samples.
- Developed and maintained acomprehensive archiving database to ensure data integrity.
Plant Breeder Research Intern
International Centre for Tropical Agriculture
Kampala
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Managed common bean nurseries and yield trials, collecting and analyzing data efficiently.
- Inspected multiplication fields for breeder’s, foundation, and registered seeds of common bean.
- Conducted field visits to farmer associations participating in CIAT’s participatory variety selection.
Plant Breeder Researcher Fellow
National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)
Kampala
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Designed and managed multi-location trial of highland corn to assess performance.
- Collected and analyzed data using Breeding View, Genstat, R, and SAS for insights.
- Coordinated budgeting and financial management for experiments to ensure efficiency.
- Supervised temporary field workers to maintain productivity and quality standards.
- Published 2 manuscripts from this research, and co-authored 2 other manuscripts.
Laboratory Assistant
Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA-Bt) project
Kampala
06.2013 - 07.2014
- Conducted artificial infestation of genetically modified maize plants in a confined field trial.
- Reared maize stem borers to study pest interactions with modified crops.
- Extracted DNA from non-target species for further analysis.
- Collected and archived data for laboratory research purposes.
Education
Master of Science - Crop Production And Physiology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA12-2024
Master of Science - Plant Breeding And Seed Systems
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda01-2017
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
Makerere University
Kampala,Uganda01-2014
Skills
- Data analysis and genetic analysis
- Field trial design
- Laboratory techniques
- Project management and planning
- Organization and time management
- Relationship building and research collaboration
- Data collection and record keeping
- Effective communication skills
- Supervision and leadership
- Verbal communication proficiency
- Training and development strategies
- Positive attitude and adaptability
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office
Timeline
Academic Hourly-Research, Carl R. Woese Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
03.2025 - Current
Field Testing Intern
Bayer Crop Science
05.2024 - 08.2024
Agronomist-Graduate Research Assistant
Iowa State University Agronomy Department
08.2022 - 12.2024
Geneticist Graduate Research Fellow
Stellenbosch University,Cereal Genomics laboratory
03.2018 - 03.2023
Consultant
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA
07.2017 - 09.2017
Plant Breeder Research Intern
International Centre for Tropical Agriculture
11.2016 - 04.2017
Plant Breeder Researcher Fellow
National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)
08.2014 - 05.2016
Laboratory Assistant
Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA-Bt) project
06.2013 - 07.2014
Master of Science - Crop Production And Physiology
Iowa State University
Master of Science - Plant Breeding And Seed Systems
Makerere University
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
Makerere University
Similar Profiles
TOSIN AKINGBULETOSIN AKINGBULE
Research Assistant at University of Illinois Extension, University of Illinois Urbana, ChampaignResearch Assistant at University of Illinois Extension, University of Illinois Urbana, Champaign
Autumn WilliamsAutumn Williams
W.O.R.D (Writers. Organizing. Realistic. Dialect). at University of Illinois, Urbana - ChampaignW.O.R.D (Writers. Organizing. Realistic. Dialect). at University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign
Rama TonpeRama Tonpe
Research Assistant at University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignResearch Assistant at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
ALIDA MUGISHAALIDA MUGISHA
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE at University of Illinois, Urbana-ChampaignRESEARCH ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Ava McLeanAva McLean
Undergraduate Research Assistant at Lincoln Avenue DairyUndergraduate Research Assistant at Lincoln Avenue Dairy