Suitable for this Best Researcher Award
The Best Researcher Award recognizes exceptional contributions in plant breeding, honoring individuals whose work has significantly advanced the field. Open to researchers at any career stage, there are no age restrictions. Applicants should submit an abstract summarizing their key research contributions, along with supporting documents such as publications, patents, and letters of recommendation.
Education
Dr. Bunmi Olasanmi embarked on her academic journey at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, earning a B.Sc. in Agronomy (2001), an M.Sc. in Agronomy (2005), and a Ph.D. in Agriculture (2010). Her doctoral research focused on enhancing cassava’s nutritional value and disease resistance, laying a strong foundation for her future contributions to plant breeding.
Professional Experience
Dr. Olasanmi began her academic career as a Lecturer II at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 2012. She joined the University of Ibadan in 2013, progressing through the ranks to become a Reader in 2022. Her teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses in plant breeding, crop husbandry, and field experimentation. She has supervised numerous students, fostering the next generation of plant scientists.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Olasanmi’s excellence has been acknowledged through various awards, including the Kirkhouse Trust Ph.D. Scholarship (2005–2008) and the Cornell University Institute for Genomic Diversity Fellowship (2007). She was the best graduating student in Agronomy at the University of Ibadan (2001) and received the Faculty of Agriculture’s Award of Excellence for her commitment to duty (2021).
Dr. Olasanmi’s research expertise encompasses marker-assisted selection, genetic improvement of cassava, and sustainable agriculture. She has participated in international training programs, including the UC Davis African Plant Breeding Academy and the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund Fellowship. Her work has significantly contributed to developing cassava varieties with enhanced beta-carotene content and resistance to mosaic disease.
Publications
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Yield and Related Traits in Cowpea
-
Authors: Abdoul Moumouni Iro Sodo, Patrick Ongom, Christian Fatokun, Bunmi Olasanmi, Ibnou Dieng, Ousmane
-
Journal: Genes
-
Year: 2025
Assessing the Effect of Provitamin A on Maize Field Resistance to Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination
-
Authors: Mboup M., Aduramigba-Modupe A.O., Olasanmi B., Mengesha W., Meseka S., Dieng I., Menkir A., Ortega-Beltran A.
-
Journal: Crop Protection
-
Year: 2024
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Germplasm
-
Authors: Silue T., Agre P.A., Olasanmi B., Adewumi A.S., Adejumobi I.I., Abebe A.T.
-
Platform: bioRxiv (Preprint)
-
Year: 2024
Genome Editing in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Game-Changing Strategy for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Agriculture
-
Authors: Amoah P., Oumarou Mahamane A.-R., Byiringiro M.H., Mahula N.J., Manneh N., Oluwasegun Y.R., Assfaw A.T., Mukiti H.M., Garba A.D., Chiemeke F.K., et al.
-
Journal: GM Crops & Food
-
Year: 2024
Variation Among Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Genotypes for Storage Root Yield, Yield Components and Response to Cassava Mosaic Disease at the Advanced Breeding Stage
-
Authors: Mahamane A.-R.O., Olasanmi B., Oluwadamilola U.I., Mbanjo E.G.N.
-
Journal: Journal of Applied and Natural Science
-
Year: 2024