My name is Chinonso Ayogu, and I am originally from southeastern Nigeria, where I earned my Bachelor of Agriculture in Crop Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in the top 1% of my class. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant on my undergraduate advisor's fruit and vegetable research farm, while also teaching agricultural science as a part-time instructor at a college and high school.
During this period, I developed a strong enthusiasm for fruit and vegetable management, which motivated me to seek opportunities to enhance my skill set in managing these crops from the field to postharvest stages. Fast forward to 2022, when I came across research conducted by Dr. Zilfina at UGA. I reached out to her for an MS position in her lab, but unfortunately, there was no funding at that time. However, later, an internship opening opened shared between her lab and Dr Angelos' lab, and I applied as a Research Scholar. That’s how I found myself at UGA, even though I had previously applied for an MS position, but because there was no funding, my admission was not processed. In April 2024, I arrived in the United States for the position and worked alongside Dr. Zilfina and Dr. Angelos on a blueberry project where I investigated "Performance of Preharvest Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Postharvest Application of Sulfur (IV) Oxide Emitting Sheets on the Firmness, Marketable Yield, Quality, and Shelf Life of Blueberries," in addition to other projects I participated in. I continued in this role until the end of 2024, when I submitted another application for an MS to further develop this project, which holds promise for maintaining the quality of blueberries after harvest, potentially offering solutions to postharvest loss in blueberries, which is critical in the economy of the United States.
Fortunately, I was admitted to the Horticulture department for the spring semester of 2025. However, the need to switch from being a Research Scholar to being a student required me to return to my home country to obtain a student visa. As a result, I left for Nigeria in January and was in Nigeria until I secured the visa at the end of February. Due to this process, I was unable to meet the Spring Semester start date, and my admission was deferred to the Summer Semester of 2025. I remained in Nigeria until May, when I returned to start my program. This process was lengthy and stressful, and I am grateful to the Horticulture Department, Prof. Leornado Lamborghini, Maria Twedt, my supervisors (Dr. Zilfina and Dr. Angelos), the UGA immigration office, the Master Gardner Scholarship, and the University of Georgia at large for their continued support throughout my journey.
I look forward to offering my best to the Department of Horticulture and the University of Georgia during my time at the university. I also look forward to meeting in person the people who have been a great support on my journey.
Thank you so much to everyone for your help.