Sandra Nneamaka Ugwuagu

I am a Plant Pathologist with an interest in food safety and agricultural sustainability through research and innovation. I have completed my MSc in Crop Protection (Mycology) at the University of Ibadan, in collaboration with HarvestField Industries Limited, where my research focused on the occurrence and distribution of aflatoxin contamination in Bambara groundnut across selected states and agroecological zones in Nigeria. This work strengthened my experience in fungal isolation, Aspergillus surveillance, aflatoxin analysis, and mycotoxin research. I hold a First-Class BSc in Agriculture (Crop Science) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and have gained research experience at IITA across soybean breeding and plant pathology. My broader research interests include fungal epidemiology, mycotoxin surveillance, postharvest pathology, biological disease suppression, plant–microbe interactions, and climate-resilient underutilized crops. I am also exploring the application of artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches to plant pathology and agricultural research, with the goal of contributing to practical solutions for farmers and sustainable food systems.

B.Sc. Agriculture (First Class Honours), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2023); M.Sc. Crop Protection (Phytopathology), University of Ibadan (2026)