WILSON OUMA
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Entomologist and Plant Pathologist with over eight years of experience developing integrated pest and disease management strategies in organic and conventional production systems. Proven expertise in designing and executing field and greenhouse trials, analyzing complex datasets, and translating results into actionable crop protection recommendations. Strong background in biological control, soil health, and sustainable agriculture systems, with the ability to integrate pest, pathogen, and microbial dynamics to optimize crop performance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant – Sustainable Disease
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
01.2020 - Current
- Designed and implemented integrated pest and disease management strategies in greenhouse and field systems, incorporating biological and chemical control approaches
- Led field and controlled-environment trials evaluating pest pressure, pathogen dynamics, and treatment efficacy across multiple treatments
- Analyzed experimental data using SAS and R to generate actionable crop protection recommendations
- Integrated molecular diagnostics (DNA extraction, PCR-based assays) to support rapid pathogen identification and inform management decisions
- Evaluated the impact of soil amendments and biostimulants on pest suppression, plant health, and microbial community dynamics
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (agronomists, plant pathologists, and production stakeholders) to optimize crop performance
- Trained and supervised students and staff on IPM practices, safety protocols, and data collection procedures
Greenhouse Technician – Crop Protection Operations
BASF Plant Science Breeding
Memphis, TN
01.2020 - 01.2020
- Supported crop protection and IPM programs in a regulated greenhouse environment for breeding and production systems
- Monitored pest and disease incidence and contributed to implementation of corrective management strategies
- Assisted in evaluating herbicide traits and plant responses under controlled experimental conditions
- Ensured compliance with safety, QA/QC, and regulatory standards
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Conducted laboratory and greenhouse research on plant systems using molecular and tissue culture techniques
- Designed experiments and performed statistical analyses to evaluate treatment effects
- Applied molecular biology tools (PCR, DNA extraction) to support plant improvement research
- Mentored students and contributed to training in laboratory techniques and safety procedures
Management Trainee – Production & IPM Operations
Tambuzi Flower Farm Ltd
Kenya
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Supported large-scale commercial crop production and integrated pest management programs
- Contributed to development and implementation of pest control strategies in a commercial setting
- Assisted with pesticide applications, staff training, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Education
PhD - Entomology & Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TNMS - Agricultural Sciences (Plant Science)
Tennessee State University
BS - Horticulture with Information Technology
Maseno University
KenyaSkills
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategy Development
- Biological Control & Beneficial Insects
- Field & Greenhouse Trial Design (RCBD, factorial, split-plot)
- Data Analysis & Interpretation (SAS, R, Excel)
- Soil Health & Microbial Ecology
- Organic & Conventional Crop Production Systems
- Pest & Disease Diagnostics (Molecular and Field-based)
- Regulatory Compliance (WPS, FIFRA)
- Cross-functional Collaboration & Training
- Crop Protection Program Development
CROP SYSTEMS EXPERIENCE
- Specialty crops (strawberry, greenhouse production systems)
- Organic production systems and soil health management
- High tunnel and controlled environment agriculture
- Soilborne disease and rhizosphere microbial systems
RESEARCH & FIELD TRIAL EXPERTISE
- Designed and executed replicated field and controlled-environment trials to evaluate pest and disease management strategies
- Developed integrated pest and disease management programs incorporating biological, cultural, and chemical control approaches
- Conducted statistical analyses (PROC GLIMMIX, multivariate methods) to assess treatment effects and guide recommendations
- Integrated molecular diagnostics (PCR-based) to support pathogen identification and decision-making
- Evaluated biostimulants and soil amendments for improving plant health and suppressing pests and pathogens
- Generated data-driven recommendations for sustainable crop production systems
Certification
- - Commercial Pesticide Applicator (Category C03 – Ornamental & Turf)
- - Responsible Conduct of Research
- - Member, American Phytopathological Society
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant – Sustainable Disease
University of Tennessee
01.2020 - Current
Greenhouse Technician – Crop Protection Operations
BASF Plant Science Breeding
01.2020 - 01.2020
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Tennessee State University
08.2017 - 12.2019
Management Trainee – Production & IPM Operations
Tambuzi Flower Farm Ltd
01.2016 - 01.2017
MS - Agricultural Sciences (Plant Science)
Tennessee State University
BS - Horticulture with Information Technology
Maseno University
PhD - Entomology & Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee