Soyanni Holness

Research strives to uncover how increasing CO2 levels impact nitrogen-photosynthesis gene regulatory networks. I am hunting these networks in emerging crops, specifically in Pennycress and Camelina species

• Research focused on plants response and defense to sequential abiotic stress
• Specifically, how high light stress can mediate priming defense against drought stress in Arabidopsis
• Completed exhaustive research into the role of DNA damage signaling in priming of plant defense against pathogens and herbivores
• Conducted qPCRs, Western blots, DNA/RNA/Protein extractions, Sequencing, Comet assays, Fluorescence Microscopy imaging, plant/pathogen assays, in-vitro cultures, and greenhouse activities on a regular basis
• Statistical analysis of data sets using software such as excel, qbase + and R
• Carried out extensive literature review on research topic
• Establish and set up experiments, and organized inventory
• Collaborated with other research groups on 'Priming of Plant Defense'
• Consistently met deadlines and requirements for all research through reports, meetings, and presentations

• Worked with the Molecular and Plant Breeding team to investigate the cause of spraing disease (internal and external defects) seen in potatoes
• Utilized qPCR to detect if viruses are associated with these spraing symptoms
• Established an RNA extraction protocol usable for potato tubers
• Participated in field trials and genotyping
• Carried out a substantial literature review surrounding spraing
• Worked directly with Breeding team, on hybrid potato breeding
• Daily activities included, phenotyping, planting, harvesting, emasculation, pollination, seed harvesting and processing
• Implemented scoring sheets for phenotyping
• Analysis of large data sets using excel
• Participated in brainstorming and strategy discussions
• Produced reports and documents for team members and management

• Worked directly with Breeding team, on hybrid potato breeding
• Daily activities included, phenotyping, planting, emasculation, pollination, seed harvesting and processing
• Implemented scoring sheets for phenotyping
• Participated in brainstorming and strategy discussions
• Produced reports and documents for team members and management

• Assisted the company in marketing of their biodegradable plastic mulch to farmers in Jamaica
• Provided technical and agronomical advice to farmers
• Carried out demonstration showcasing the use of biodegradable plastic mulch in crop production
• Performed initial client assessment and analysis for product marketing
• Manage the shipping and distribution of products
• Implemented marketing strategies which resulted in growth of customer base
• Represented the company via seminars, agriculture shows, and various meetings within the Caribbean

• Planned, organized, and managed operations of Greenhouses, Tissue Culture Laboratory, and a Storage/Packing Warehouse
• Planned, directed, coordinated, and assigned manpower to meet aggressive production schedules
• Ordering materials and supplies, workflow management and timely production
• Lead and guided a team of approximately 20 workers (full time and temporary) workers
• Assisted in the marketing of shareholders (farmers) produces
• Successfully managed production activities so all orders were shipped on time
• Provided Agronomical support to farmers (e.g., tomato, bell peppers, Irish potato, sweet potato, watermelon, ginger, strawberry, lettuce, and cucumber production)
• Researched and tested new materials for production
• Oversaw the tissue culturing of clean planting materials (yam, Irish potato, sweet potato, ginger, banana, orchids, and flowers)
• Provided training in Tissue Culture
• Drove daily production activities with effective communication and leadership
• Standardized production procedures, job roles and quality assurance guidelines
• Sourced materials to keep up with production goals and meet customer demands
• Investigated and implement ideas for quality improvement, increased productivity, and cost reduction
• Managed and implemented marketing activities through research and strategic planning
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge and information about technology and plant management best practices
• Delivered operating plans and growth objectives
• Completed and maintained accurate and organized records, documents, and reports
• Championed quality initiatives