Richmore Ibeh
Arrell Scholar, Department of Plant Agriculture
Richmore Ibeh is completing his M.Sc. in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, under the supervision of Dr. Jayasankar Subramanian. Richmore is an emerging plant scientist from Abia State, Nigeria, with research interests in molecular breeding, crop improvement and sustainable food systems.
Richmore graduated with First Class Honours in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 2024, achieving a CGPA of 4.84/5.00 and graduating as the best student in both his department and faculty. Following graduation, he joined the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan as a graduate research assistant in the Cassava Breeding Unit, contributing to cassava genetic improvement through molecular workflows, tissue culture and breeding support activities.
Beyond the lab, Richmore is committed to scientific leadership and community impact. As former Director of Research at SCIENCOON, he coordinated STEM and agri-food outreach initiatives that reached over 900 secondary school students across Nigeria, increasing awareness of agricultural biotechnology and sustainable food systems. He also mentors undergraduate students in biotechnology and life sciences.
Richmore’s research focuses on molecular breeding and postharvest biotechnology to better understand the genetic and physiological factors regulating fruit quality, ripening and shelf life. He is particularly interested in integrating molecular approaches with postharvest technologies, including naturally derived compounds such as hexanal, to reduce food loss and improve fruit quality. His research contributes to AFI’s vision of sustainable, healthy and resilient food systems by working toward healthier, more nutritious food systems with reduced waste and improved sustainability.
Learn more about Arrell ScholarshipsWhy become an Arrell Scholar?
For Richmore, becoming an Arrell Scholar means joining a collaborative community committed to advancing sustainable and resilient food systems. Richmore is excited to engage with AFI’s network of researchers and practitioners and to pursue interdisciplinary approaches to solving global food challenges, based at the University of Guelph, which will support his development as a plant scientist and his long-term goal of contributing to agricultural innovation and capacity building in Africa.
Want to learn more about Arrell Scholarships?
Arrell Food Institute provides graduate students the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning program that will prepare them to be leaders in the agri-food sector and address key agriculture and food challenges.rnrnArrell Scholarships are currently not open for applications. Please check back for updates.