A Caring Journey Through CAFS A College that Believes in its Students

A Caring Journey Through CAFS A College that Believes in its Students

A dream to be a successful plant scientist led me to Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS). I am PATRICIA AKINGBOYE from Ondo State, Nigeria. I was privileged to be among the few students selected under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAMU and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) Ondo State in Nigeria. Under the MoU students complete the first-three years of undergraduate studies at a university in their country and the final year at FAMU, then onto graduate school. When I got the news that I was selected to attend the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at FAMU, I was excited and overwhelmed with joy. The idea of what I considered a once in a life time opportunity to study plant science and biotechnology given all the new and improved technology that were not at my disposal in my country, was truly amazing. From my first day of classes, I realized that I had a lot to learn and a lot to catch up on in just one year. Something as simple as becoming proficient with the computer to familiarizing myself with the proper use of basic laboratory equipment. One would believe that after completing three years of undergraduate coursework, that I would have known how to fully master the use of a pipette, well I did not until I came to FAMU. Thanks to the patient and caring professors in CAFS who understood where I was coming from and saw that I was eager to learn, took their time to help, support and encourage me.

As I have stated before, my dream is to be one of the best plant scientist there is. This meant that I had to be involved in research. Although I was skeptical and nervous about doing research, my confidence grew and my dream fueled further after meeting with Violeta Tsolova, Ph.D., professor and director for the Center of Viticulture and Small Fruit Research and Anthony, Ananga, Ph.D., assistant professor and junior researcher at the center.

I joined the team at the center during the summer of my final year as an undergraduate researcher. I was a novice and thought I would not be a great researcher, which were the thoughts that went through my mind. However, Dr. Ananga saw my potential and motivated me to not give up on my dreams. He would often talk to me about the many benefits of doing research, the exposure and opportunities, but most importantly that to be the successful plant scientist meant doing research. This bolstered my confidence to a whole new level. As an undergraduate researcher, I got to work on the regulation of gene expression involved in flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis during the flowering and blooming stages of Muscadine grapes.

At the master’s level I had the opportunity to work under the guidance and caring mentorship of Dr. Tsolova, where for the next two years I studied genotypic variation in vinification qualities and the antioxidant properties of muscadine wines in Florida.

Looking back at my academic journey

in CAFS, including my research activities at the Center for Viticulture, I can truly say there were a lot of opportunities provided that I took advantage of that helped to prepare me to successfully complete both programs. I had opportunities to attend and present my research findings at professional meetings and conferences that aided my public speaking skills and confidence. I had the opportunity to meet scientists and professionals in my area of interest, volunteer and give back to the school and community, and a chance to interact and establish long-lasting friendships.

The road was rocky and rough at times, as it will be in life, but I was fortunate to have an entire college of faculty and staff that really cared about their students’ progress, success and wellbeing. In addition to Drs. Tsolova and Ananga, I wish to express special thanks to Oghenekome Onokpise, Ph.D., one of the pioneers of the FUTA-FAMU scholar program; Alfredo Lorenzo, Ph.D.; Edwin Duke, Ph.D.; James Muchovej, Ph.D.; and Verian Thomas, Ph.D. They simply understood where I was coming from. They took their time to help, support and encourage me in order for me to succeed in the program. I am forever indebted to them.

Overall, I am super confident that everything that has been instilled in me including my hands-on experiences in CAFS has prepared me to rise over difficult times.

Patricia is one of the best examples for the exceptional quality of our students with an infectious smile, remarkable work ethics and perseverance for academic excellence and career development. - VIOLETA TSOLOVA, PH.D.

5 Graduate student Patricia Akingboye, performing sterile prep of grape cell cultures for antioxidant analysis.