Olalekan Amoo

Olalekan is a PhD student working with Prof. Christine Beveridge at the Plant Development Laboratory, University of Queensland. His research project explores the crosstalk between the molecular (shoot branching and flowering genes), environmental and hormonal factors (GA and Strigolactones) regulating flowering pathways and their impacts on shoot branching in Arabidopsis and Pea. His research will provide more insight into understanding the crosstalks between the flowering and shoot branching pathways and their impact on crop yield.

Olalekan is a resourceful and determined individual committed to efficiency with a well-developed team spirit. He has successfully managed a completely mechanized rice farm of about 300 hectares of cultivated farmland for three years as an Agronomist/Farm manager. He has extensive experience and skills in plant molecular biology, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, Agrobacterium-mediated hypocotyl transformation, and Plant tissue culture. Olalekan’s interests include exploring new ideas, networking, volunteering, community engagement, traveling, reading and imbibing knowledge into others.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology (First Class Hons), a Master of Science in Genetics (Distinctions) from Nigeria, and a Master’s degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China, sponsored through the Nigeria-China Bilateral Education Scholarship Award. Olalekan is delighted to be among the 2022 Global Change Scholars and is looking forward to collaborating with other students, researchers and industry partners.