RIPE
PhD Genetics, Crop Production and Physiology
Research Interests: Hellen Ninsiima Kayaga is an agronomist and plant scientist with extensive experience in field crops research, crop improvement, and molecular genetics. She holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Stellenbosch University, an M.S. in Crop Production and Physiology from Iowa State University, and an M.S. in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems from Makerere University. Her research background spans genotyping, phenotyping, molecular lab techniques, and experiment design, with work conducted at institutions including NARO, CIAT, IITA, Bayer Crop Science, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Hellen is passionate about advancing crop science through rigorous research and contributing to innovations that strengthen food systems.
Currently, she is interested in bridging the gap between agricultural research and public health through outreach and education. She is also interested in exploring the interactions between human nutrition, particularly the bioavailability of nutrients in widely grown, improved crop varieties, lifestyle, and agronomic practices. She is committed to translating scientific findings into practical knowledge that can improve dietary outcomes, promote sustainable farming, and empower communities to make informed choices about food and health.