Modesta Abugu
Graduate Student, Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics Program
Bio
Modesta is a PhD student working in sweetpotato breeding. She joined the team in August 2021. Modesta seeks to understand the mechanism of interaction of various sweetpotato flavor compounds. She also seeks to identify the aroma profiles obtained from different methods of cooking sweetpotatoes and to quantify consumer preferences. She is originally from Enugu, Nigeria. She obtained her MS in Horticultural Science from the University of Florida and her BS in Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She is also passionate about communicating science to the public, especially on the potential of agricultural biotechnology tools in promoting food security. Outside of work, she loves to hike and visit new places.