![]() With a PhD in sociology, Christopher’s career includes 12 years of academia, including as a teacher at the University of Minnesota. At key milestones, the senior scientist in charge of the project made the effort to recognize my contributions.Ĭhristopher Butler is managing editor at the International Potato Centre (CIP), where he oversees production and quality control of all CIP publications. I joined CIMMYT in the middle of a multi-year project, analyzing the quality of wheat lines. I am recognized not just as a scientist, but also as a human with my very own wants and needs.Ĭan you tell us a time when you felt particularly included and valued in the workplace? Our organization offers great benefits, which make me feel safe, protected and valued. In addition to the standard number of days for holiday, home leave gives me dedicated time each year to go home and spend time with the people that I love. What benefits have been most supportive for you and your family? The three individual coaching sessions allowed me to take a deeper look at myself and get tips on how I could lead more effectively.Ī key takeaway for me was to understand that personal leadership is the recognition that I am in control and the owner of my time. In particular, I found the leadership course very meaningful. I truly appreciate the organization’s investment in me. These have covered a range of skills from emotional intelligence to project management and leadership. I have also received a variety of courses to help my professional growth. Getting support for the language classes had a major impact on my quality of life and my ability to get around. I moved to Mexico for this role, but I didn’t speak any Spanish. What resources did your organization provide that supported your personal and professional growth? ![]() Based in Mexico, she analyzes the processing and nutritional quality of wheat. Maria Itria Ibba, an associate scientist, joined CIMMYT in April 2019. I have been honored to be an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for my contribution to the development of robust genetic transformation platforms for banana/plantain, cassava, enset, and yam, as well as the application of genome editing technologies. My scientific contributions, which were made possible by this platform, have received international recognition, including multiple awards and honors. We are currently using the platform to develop genome-edited bananas, which are resistant to bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. This disease otherwise threatens banana production and the livelihoods of smallholder growers across East Africa. My group has genetically engineered bananas, conferring resistance against the deadly bacterial Xanthomonas wilt disease. Even today I have a mentor in my own technical field and leadership role, from whom I regularly seek advice. A mentor can guide and champion you, helping you to advance. Seek mentorship, especially early in your scientific career. These can be great opportunities to reflect and improve your skills. It’s normal to come across challenges in your career. We discuss what support and resources I will need to be successful. I put this into practice when I shared my goals with my supervisor in review meetings. What advice would you give to someone looking to develop and grow in our organization?ĭream high, set your goals, and put all your efforts into achieving them. This has allowed us to develop genetically modified and genome-edited products and to transfer these technologies to national agricultural research systems in sub-Saharan Africa. My biggest achievement has been to establish a robust platform for genetic transformation and genome editing. What has been a particularly memorable highlight of your career? I also lead IITA’s biotechnology program. Since starting as a postdoc, I have been promoted to scientist, senior scientist, principal scientist, country representative, deputy director, and then to my current position as the Regional Director of the Eastern Africa Hub. Since then, I have spent more than 21 years with IITA in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. in plant molecular biology, I began my career as a research scientist at the University of North Carolina in 1999. Her team includes more than 40 scientists from different disciplines and cultures, as well as more than 350 staff and students based in Kenya, Madagascar, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.Ĭan you tell us a little about your professional career so far?Īfter receiving my Ph.D. Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, she oversees management and operations involving scientists and other specialists. ![]() Leena Tripathi is IITA’s East Africa Regional Director. ![]()
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