The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana is pleased to welcome Dr. Mavis Owusuaa Osei-Wusu who has joined the Centre as a Lecturer and rice breeder.
Dr. Osei-Wusu holds a PhD in Life Sciences (Plant Molecular Biology) from Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom and has over five years of experience in plant research and teaching in Asia, Europe, and Africa. She has an MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Jiamusi University in China and is fluent in Mandarin. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana.
Dr. Osei-Wusu investigated the role of Arabidopsis mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases in biotic and abiotic stress signalling for her PhD studies and discovered MPK2 as a novel Arabidopsis salt and osmotic stress tolerant gene, which she hopes to further investigate in developing salt tolerant crops in the sub-region. Her current research focus is on improving rice varieties for increased productivity and climate resilience. She worked part-time as a graduate teaching assistant during her PhD studies, providing academic support to students with disabilities and mentoring undergraduate students in Science Communication
Dr. Osei-Wusu was a Lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Crop Production, Sunyani, Ghana, prior to her appointment at WACCI, where she trained several undergraduate and postgraduate students to become analytical and skilled in science-based research. She has broad expertise in the use of molecular and biotechnology tools in medical and plant research, having worked in both disciplines in diverse institutions.
WACCI is excited to have Dr. Osei-Wusu join the team at a critical time when the Centre seeks to become a research-intensive institution. She will support WACCI’s vision to be the foremost Centre for postgraduate training and research in crop improvement.