Text by Yusuph Abiola
On 11 May 2022, another history was made when Chikodinaka N. Okereke, the first African student from Nigeria to be accepted for a PhD in Applied Biology, successfully defended her thesis under the supervision of Professor Ulo Niinemets. Here you can find a link to the PhD thesis ‘‘Effects of abiotic stress on foliage photosynthetic characteristics and volatile organic compound emissions in tropical agricultural species’’.
Three articles investigating the responses of tropical agricultural species to heat and wounding stresses using seven tropical agricultural crops were published in reputable journals.
It is evident in her thesis that tropical agricultural species have not been thoroughly investigated, especially on volatile organic compound emissions resulting from abiotic stresses. The study showed that the tropical species investigated were relatively resistant to abiotic stresses coupled with a low level of VOC emissions.
The thesis defense took place online and the lab members of the Department of Crop Science and Plant Biology supported her with their physical presence.
Chikodinaka Okereke (PhD) and Professor Ülo Niinemets after PhD thesis defence
Ülo Niinemets’ Lab 
congratulations for a great contribution. When all such Africans return to Africa get organized and have a clear program to put Africa at the frontline then the continent shall truly be among the leaders globally.
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