Richard Kabanda
Frankfort,KY
Summary
Motivated and research-driven Environmental Studies graduate student specializing in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), plant mineral nutrition, hydroponics, and phytonutrient biochemistry. Strong interdisciplinary background in Curriculum and Instruction, enabling a unique blend of research expertise, science communication, and teaching effectiveness. Dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through applied biosciences, cutting-edge research, and community-centered outreach. Deeply committed to growth as a scholar within Tuskegee University’s Integrated Biosciences PhD program.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Kentucky State University
08.2024 - Current
- Conduct research on horticultural crops (leafy greens) under Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems.
- Collaborate with USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Wooster, Ohio, focusing on sustainable practices and crop nutrition research.
- Mentor undergraduate students in laboratory and field settings.
- Operate hydroponic systems, manage germination protocols, and oversee greenhouse operations.
- Apply fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides safely, effectively; manage soil, and water quality.
- Design experiments, collect and analyze data, and contribute to scientific publications.
Senior Executive and HR Coordinator – Administration and Operations
Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Provided high-level executive support to institutional leadership.
- Coordinated administrative workflows and operational logistics across departments.
- Led human capital planning, recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluations.
- Facilitated staff development initiatives and organizational efficiency improvements.
- Managed confidential communications and strategic reporting.
Academic Support & Resources Manager
Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Oversaw digital academic platforms including Moodle, Turnitin, and EBSCOhost.
- Developed and implemented student support programs such as peer tutoring and academic advising.
- Provided training and support for faculty and staff on educational technologies.
- Monitored academic performance and coordinated interventions for at-risk students.
Academic Support Coordinator
Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Delivered academic guidance and mentorship to students.
- Coordinated institutional assessments and supported curriculum alignment.
- Facilitated workshops and seminars to enhance student-learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with faculty to improve instructional delivery and student engagement.
Instructor – General Sciences
Africa College of Theology
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Taught foundational science course to undergraduate students.
- Mentored students in academic and personal development.
- Designed course materials and assessments aligned with institutional standards.
- Promoted critical thinking and scientific inquiry in classroom settings.
School Principal
Africa New Life Ministries Education Program
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Led and managed a PreK–12 educational institution.
- Supervised curriculum implementation, discipline systems, and teacher performance.
- Fostered a positive school culture and improved academic outcomes.
- Engaged with parents, stakeholders, and community leaders to support school initiatives.
Child Sponsorship Coordinator / Child Development Officer
Africa New Life Ministries
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed child sponsorship programs and donor communications.
- Developed reports, advocacy materials, and program documentation.
- Coordinated child development activities and monitored progress.
- Ensured compliance with organizational policies and donor expectations.
High School Teacher – Biology & Chemistry
FAWE Girls’ School
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Taught biology and chemistry to high school students.
- Provided career counseling and academic mentorship.
- Designed engaging lesson plans and laboratory activities.
- Supported students in science competitions and extracurricular learning.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
Kentucky State University
Kentucky, USA05-2026
CPD Diploma - School Leadership and Management
University of Rwanda
Rwanda12.2019
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Concordia University
Portland, Oregon, USA12.2016
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Technology
Kigali Institute of Science and Technology
Rwanda12.2009
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Curriculum development and instruction
- Research and data analysis
- Controlled environment agriculture
- Greenhouse and hydroponic systems
- Academic and student affairs management
- Lab and field research techniques
- Scientific writing and technical reporting
- Executive support and report development
Certification
- Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Certificate
- Science Lab Safety Training Certificate
- Franklin County Health Department Food Handler Permit
- Kentucky Certified Private Pesticide Applicator Certificate
Laboratory and technical Skills
· Hydroponic setups
· Spectrophotometric Analysis
· Nutrient Stock Solution Preparation
· pH and EC meter calibration and monitoring
· Leaf Tissue Mineral Analysis Preparation
Extension Publications and Fact Sheets
· Upland Cress Fact Sheet (KSU Urban Agriculture, 2025)
· Nutrient-Dense Crops: Current Trends (KSU Urban Agriculture, 2025)
Professional Memberships
· American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)
· Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS)
Trainings and Certifications
· American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Professional Development Certificate for Students.
· Private Pesticide Applicator Training, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension.
· Research safety and laboratory handling certification at KSU.
· Environmental Education Core Curriculum Training, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
· Science Lab Safety Training, Kentucky State University.
Teaching and Mentorship Experience
· Field and laboratory instruction support for Urban Agriculture courses at Kentucky State University.
· One-on-one mentoring of undergraduate research interns.
· Delivered extension demonstrations for growers and community programs.
Conference Participation and Presentations
· American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, (2025) – Scientific abstract accepted for oral and poster presentation on magnesium fertilization, and pigmentation and phytonutrient quality of cress.
· Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC), Tuskegee University (2025)– Scientific abstract accepted for oral presentation on magnesium fertilization and mineral nutrient quality of cress.
· Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), (2025) – Scientific abstract accepted for oral and poster presentation on magnesium fertilization, and pigmentation and phytonutrient quality of cress.
· Urban Agriculture and CEA Extension Events at Kentucky State University – Presented ongoing research and demonstrated hydroponic systems.
Research Experience
Thesis
- Determining the Effects of Magnesium Fertilization on Beta-Carotene Accumulation in Cress Grown Hydroponically.
Published Abstracts
- Effects of Magnesium Fertilization on Phytonutrient Accumulation in Cress Grown Hydroponically. - Published in the journal HortScience Volume 60 (7) July 2025.
- Impact of Magnesium Fertilization on Mineral Nutrient Accumulation in Hydroponically Grown Cress - Published by the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) and the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC).
Research Manuscripts
- Effects of Sulfate Fertilization on Glucosinolate Biosynthesis in Watercress - Submitted to International Journal of Plant Biology
- Biomass and Mineral Nutrient Accumulation in Hydroponic Cress under Varying Levels of Magnesium Fertilization - In preparation
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Kentucky State University
08.2024 - Current
Senior Executive and HR Coordinator – Administration and Operations
Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
01.2022 - 01.2024
Academic Support & Resources Manager
Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Academic Support Coordinator
Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
01.2019 - 01.2021
Instructor – General Sciences
Africa College of Theology
01.2017 - 01.2019
School Principal
Africa New Life Ministries Education Program
01.2016 - 01.2019
Child Sponsorship Coordinator / Child Development Officer
Africa New Life Ministries
01.2012 - 01.2015
High School Teacher – Biology & Chemistry
FAWE Girls’ School
01.2010 - 01.2012
CPD Diploma - School Leadership and Management
University of Rwanda
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Concordia University
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Technology
Kigali Institute of Science and Technology
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
Kentucky State University