A Caring Journey Through CAFS A College that Believes in its Students A dream to be a successful plant
in CAFS, including my research activities
scientist led me to Florida A&M University
be one of the best plant scientist there
at the Center for Viticulture, I can truly say
(FAMU) College of Agriculture and
is. This meant that I had to be involved
there were a lot of opportunities provided
Food Sciences (CAFS). I am PATRICIA
in research. Although I was skeptical
that I took advantage of that helped to
AKINGBOYE from Ondo State, Nigeria.
and nervous about doing research, my
prepare me to successfully complete
I was privileged to be among the few
confidence grew and my dream fueled
both programs. I had opportunities to
students selected under a Memorandum
further after meeting with Violeta Tsolova,
attend and present my research findings
of Understanding (MoU) between FAMU
Ph.D., professor and director for the Center
at professional meetings and conferences
and the Federal University of Technology,
of Viticulture and Small Fruit Research and
that aided my public speaking skills and
Akure, (FUTA) Ondo State in Nigeria.
Anthony, Ananga, Ph.D., assistant professor
confidence. I had the opportunity to meet
Under the MoU students complete the
and junior researcher at the center.
scientists and professionals in my area of
first-three years of undergraduate studies
I joined the team at the center during
interest, volunteer and give back to the
at a university in their country and the final
the summer of my final year as an
school and community, and a chance
year at FAMU, then onto graduate school.
undergraduate researcher. I was a novice
to interact and establish long-lasting
and thought I would not be a great
friendships.
When I got the news that I was selected to attend the College of Agriculture and
researcher, which were the thoughts that
Food Sciences at FAMU, I was excited
went through my mind. However, Dr.
as it will be in life, but I was fortunate to
and overwhelmed with joy. The idea of
Ananga saw my potential and motivated
have an entire college of faculty and staff
what I considered a once in a life time
me to not give up on my dreams. He
that really cared about their students’
opportunity to study plant science and
would often talk to me about the many
progress, success and wellbeing.
biotechnology given all the new and
benefits of doing research, the exposure
improved technology that were not at my
and opportunities, but most importantly
Ananga, I wish to express special thanks
disposal in my country, was truly amazing.
that to be the successful plant scientist
to Oghenekome Onokpise, Ph.D., one of
From my first day of classes, I realized
The road was rocky and rough at times,
In addition to Drs. Tsolova and
meant doing research. This bolstered my
the pioneers of the FUTA-FAMU scholar
that I had a lot to learn and a lot to catch
confidence to a whole new level. As an
program; Alfredo Lorenzo, Ph.D.; Edwin
up on in just one year. Something as
undergraduate researcher, I got to work on
Duke, Ph.D.; James Muchovej, Ph.D.;
simple as becoming proficient with the
the regulation of gene expression involved
and Verian Thomas, Ph.D. They simply
computer to familiarizing myself with the
in flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis
understood where I was coming from.
proper use of basic laboratory equipment.
during the flowering and blooming stages
They took their time to help, support and
One would believe that after completing
of Muscadine grapes.
encourage me in order for me to succeed
three years of undergraduate coursework,
At the master’s level I had the
in the program. I am forever indebted to
that I would have known how to fully
opportunity to work under the guidance
master the use of a pipette, well I did
and caring mentorship of Dr. Tsolova,
not until I came to FAMU. Thanks to the
where for the next two years I studied
everything that has been instilled in me
patient and caring professors in CAFS who
genotypic variation in vinification
including my hands-on experiences in
understood where I was coming from and
qualities and the antioxidant properties of
CAFS has prepared me to rise over difficult
saw that I was eager to learn, took their
muscadine wines in Florida.
times.
time to help, support and encourage me.
30
As I have stated before, my dream is to
F LO R I DA A & M UNIV E R S ITY
Looking back at my academic journey
them. Overall, I am super confident that
