Dr. Mavis Osei-Wus

PhD, Life Science, Heriot-Watt University

Deputy Coordinator II, Academic Programmes, WACCI

Lecturer, West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana

 

 

 

Profile                   Grant Funded Research                   Research and Teaching                   Pulications

 

About

Dr. Mavis Owusuaa Osei-Wusu is a molecular biologist and educator specializing in gene editing, genetic transformation, biotechnology, and rice improvement. With a strong academic and research background across institutions such as Heriot-Watt University, Michigan State University, Jiamusi University, and the University of Cape Coast, she brings rich expertise to advancing modern crop science. She has contributed to higher education through teaching and mentorship at the University of Energy and Natural Resources and currently leads impactful research and training programmes at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana.

Dr. Osei-Wusu’s research focuses on developing nutrient-use-efficient and stress-resilient rice varieties with prospects of using advanced molecular tools, including CRISPR-based editing and double haploid technology for efficiency and speed. She has attracted competitive funding from the Mastercard Foundation, the University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund, and UNESCO-TWAS to support innovation in beneficial fungi, and salt-tolerance gene discovery in cereals. Her collaborations span leading institutions and global partners, including the Cambridge Crop Science Centre, Zhejiang University, ICRISAT, and AfricaRice, with ongoing work to enhance rice resilience and diversify cereal systems in Ghana.

Driven by a commitment to food security and climate-resilient agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Osei-Wusu’s work bridges research, capacity building, and international partnerships. She actively trains and mentors young scientists, contributes to policy-relevant research, and supports the development of resilient seed systems. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she is recognised for her leadership, adaptability, and dedication to scientific innovation that empowers African farmers and strengthens sustainable agricultural systems for future generations.

 

Awards & Honors

  • EGIS Symposium 2021 Best Presenter in Session 1B, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom (May 2021)
  • Three Minute Thesis People’s Choice Winner Award, Heriot-Watt University-EGIS, United Kingdom (June 2020)
  • James Watt Scholarship, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom (September 2017)
  • Excellent graduate and excellent student leader award, Jiamusi University, China (June 2014)
  • Chinese government scholarship (September 2010)

 

Education

  • PhD Life Science, Heriot-Watt University, UK , 2017 – 2022
  • MSc Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Jiamusi University, China, 2011 – 2014
  • BSc Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, 2005 - 2009