Charles Koech
Urbana,IL
Summary
Ambitious individual with a passion for learning and creativity. Strong interest in developing skills in the areas of plant breeding, genetics and agricultural development. Proven track record of success with excellent communication and organizational skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Breeding Trainee winter wheat
KWS Cereals
Champaign, USA
05.2024 - Current
- Sampled and harvested the selected material: Collected and sampled seeds from selected lines, ensuring the quality and integrity of the future trials.
- Assist in Cross Breeding: will be conducting controlled cross-pollination for winter wheat varieties to develop improved hybrids with desirable traits.
- Seed Treatment and Preparation: Applied seed treatments using specialized machines for both small trial quantities and large-scale planting. Ensured proper seed health for optimal germination and growth.
- Field Trials Management: Organized and managed field trials, including weed control and rogueing.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collected and analysed agronomic data on wheat growth, yield, and disease scoring, providing insights for selection decisions.
- Threshing and Seed Advancement: Operated threshing equipment to process F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 populations for advancing breeding lines for further trials.
- Seed Sorting and Cleaning: Sorted and cleaned seeds after threshing to ensure quality for future planting cycles and research.
- Collaborated with Senior Breeders: Worked closely with senior plant breeders and technicians at KWS Cereals, learning best practices, and contributing to the design and execution of breeding programs.
- Labelling and Documentation: Ensured accurate labelling and documentation of seed lots for efficient tracking and data management.
- Networking and Presentation: Presented breeding progress at internal and external events, including symposiums, and networked with industry professionals.
Consultancy Team Leader
Kagaki General Agricultural Consultancy
Nakuru, Kenya
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducting research trials and analysis: Work with team to conduct research and analysis of data for efficacy trial following Pest Control Products Board (PCPB)
- Preparing reports: Preparing reports that present the team's findings and recommendations to clients, stakeholders, and management.
- Reviewing and editing reports: Review and edit reports prepared by the team to ensure that they are accurate, concise, and well-written.
- Manage a team of agricultural consultants: Leading and providing guidance, mentoring, and support to help them meet their goals.
- Compliance with regulations: Ensure that all projects and services comply with relevant regulations, such as environmental and health and safety regulations.
Production Manager, Pyrethrum Commercial Project
University of Eldoret
Nakuru, Kenya
11.2022 - 04.2024
- Planning and organizing production activities: Developing and implementing plans for planting, harvesting, and drying pyrethrum flowers in order to meet production targets and ensure high-quality yields.
- Managing production staff: Hiring, training, and supervising production workers, as well as monitoring their performance to ensure that production targets are met.
- Ensuring quality control: Implementing quality control measures to ensure that pyrethrum meets industry standards for purity and potency.
- Monitoring production costs: Managing the budget for production activities, monitoring costs, and ensuring that expenses are kept within budget.
- Maintaining equipment and facilities: Ensuring that all equipment and facilities used in the production of pyrethrum are maintained and stored in good working condition.
- Maintained production records: coordinating receipt and delivery of goods and materials.
- Developed innovative solutions to complex problems encountered during daily operations.
Field Research Assistant
Advanta Seeds International
Eldoret, Kenya
09.2017 - 11.2022
- Field Trial Management: Assist in planning and setting up field trials to evaluate maize varieties for traits such as yield, disease resistance, and agronomic performance in multiple locations.
- Data Collection: Monitor and record data on plant growth, development stages, phenotypic traits, and environmental conditions throughout the growing season.
- Nursery management and Pollination: managing if breeding materials in the field and participated in controlled pollination (crosses) to introduce desired traits into maize breeding populations.
- Selection: Assist in selecting plants with desirable traits from breeding populations, using both visual assessment and data-driven approaches.
- Maintenance of Germplasm: Manage seed stocks, ensuring accurate labeling, storage, and tracking of breeding lines and experimental plots.
- Data Entry: Enter field and laboratory data into databases or software systems for analysis and reporting.
- Data management: Managed databases containing sensitive information collected during research activities.
- Report Preparation and presentation: Assist in preparation of reports and presentations summarizing trial results, highlighting promising maize varieties, and potential breeding advancements.
Intern
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2014 - 08.2014
- Data collection and management, soil sampling, and analysis.
- DNA extraction procedures and electrophoresis, nematode and rhizobia sampling, isolation, and identification procedure.
- Media preparation for tissue culture.
- Tree breeding and agroforestry training.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agricultural Biotechnology -
University of Eldoret, Kenya
11.2015
Certification in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) -
Sigor High School, Kenya
11.2010
Skills
- Data analysis and efficacy trials report writing
- Research abilities
- Project Planning
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Analytical Skills
- Technical skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Advanced use of Microsoft Office
- Internet based research
- Driving class A-2, B and C
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Swahili, Fluent
References
- Haorui Yang, Senior Breeding Technician, KWS Cereals, USA, (217) 402-6199, haorui.yang@kws.com
- Prof. Miriam Kinyua, Researcher, University Of Eldoret, Kenya, 254721761850, miriamkinyua29@gmail.com
- Jana Murche, Senior winter Wheat Breeder, KWS Creals, USA. jana.murche@kws.com
- Harry Brokish, KWS Breeding Consultant, harry.brokish@gmail.com
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Travelling
- Photography
- Environmental conservation
Timeline
Breeding Trainee winter wheat
KWS Cereals
05.2024 - Current
Consultancy Team Leader
Kagaki General Agricultural Consultancy
01.2023 - 05.2024
Production Manager, Pyrethrum Commercial Project
University of Eldoret
11.2022 - 04.2024
Field Research Assistant
Advanta Seeds International
09.2017 - 11.2022
Intern
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
02.2014 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agricultural Biotechnology -
University of Eldoret, Kenya
Certification in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) -
Sigor High School, Kenya
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