2025 Interns

Assma Oumasst

Master in Process Analysis and Quality Control

Ibn Zohr University

Morocco

”Earth’s climate diary, written in brown ink”

Glory Raphael Mulashani

MSc Soil Science and Land Management

Sokoine University Of Agriculture

Tanzania

“it’s not only about data but solutions that come with”

María Alejandra Rodríguez Parra

Zootechnician

La Salle University

Colombia

”As a woman passionate about nature and inspired by love and gratitude to God, I contribute to science”

Maria Fernanda Rondón Fernández

Biologist

Universidad del Valle

Colombia

“Passionate about the science of life — Biology — and the Science of Soil.”

Aymara Olin Ramírez González

Chemical Engineer

Metropolitan Autonomous University

Mexico

“In confronting climate change, working to preserve the miracle of life is a noble endeavor”

Oluwafemi Bejide

Msc. Geo-information Science

University Of Ibadan

Nigeria

“Empowering informed decisions through spatial insights”

María Alejandra Cardozo Sánchez

Biologist

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Colombia

“Each step in research helps build a better future for farmers and the environment”

Alasca Ekuya Lombolu

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Ciencia del Suelo

University of Kinshasa

D.R. Congo

”Soil is our last line of defense against climate change”

Hillary Kipngetich Rotich

Soil scientist

University of Nairobi

Kenya

“Championing soil health and climate resilience”

Coffi Leonce Geoffroy Sossa

Master in Rural Engineering and Water management

University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako

Benin

 “Committed to climate-smart farming for better livelihoods.”

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Assma Oumasst

Master in Process Analysis and Quality Control

Ibn Zohr University

Morocco
Assma Oumasst was born when atmospheric CO₂ levels were 362 ppm. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of Natural Resources at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, Morocco. Her research focuses on estimating carbon sequestration in argan ecosystems by integrating field surveys, laboratory assays, spatial analysis, and IPCC-aligned accounting methods to trace carbon from soils to tree canopies.

She holds a Master’s degree in Process Analysis and Quality Control, where her final project explored the effects of soil salinity on forage plants. Previously, she worked as a laboratory assistant in a soil–plant–water laboratory, strengthening her expertise in scientific research and computational methods.

As a fellow, Assma contributes to quantifying the net carbon balance of dairy systems. Her work involves selecting context-specific GHG emission factors, estimating removals in soils, aboveground biomass, and trees, and incorporating these data into LCA models aligned with IPCC guidelines. Her ultimate goal is simple: transform complex carbon accounting into practical solutions for climate-smart livestock planning. She is deeply committed to translating science into policy-ready metrics for sustainable agriculture in North Africa.

Glory Raphael Mulashani

MSc Soil Science and Land Management

Sokoine University Of Agriculture

Tanzania

Having no agricultural background and being born and raised in the busiest city of Arusha, Tanzania, a desire and dream were cultivated within her in 2019 when she decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Agronomy. Since then, agriculture has become her way to demonstrate love, passion, and give back to society. Through exposure gained while working on agricultural projects, she decided to further her studies with a Master’s in Soil Science and Land Management. She is currently researching rice biofortification, linking agriculture as a solution to hidden hunger in low- and middle-income societies.

As a research fellow in the Carbon Sequestration Fellowship under Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, she has had the opportunity to be part of the solution to ensure food security (SDG 2) and climate change mitigation (SDG 13). Her work focuses on monitoring and quantifying soil carbon sequestration mechanisms adopted in field trials using MIRs to scan soil samples, calibrate, and validate models for sample analysis.

Her journey through this program has ignited a new ambition toward data science, which she intends to pursue because, as she says, “it’s not only about data but the solutions that come with it.”

María Alejandra Rodríguez Parra

Zootechnician

La Salle University

Colombia

Being a woman has been the starting point of my story—a journey where I have embraced service, love, and discipline as essential pillars of personal and professional growth. From an early age, I discovered in nature both a refuge and a source of inspiration, which guided me to pursue zootechnics convinced that through it I could contribute to life care and sustainable development.

During my undergraduate studies, I joined the Animal Science Research Group (SICA), an experience that deepened my passion for sustainability. Within this space, I developed the project “Hydroponic Green Forage as an Alternative to Climate Change,” representing my country in an international event and earning first place in the Agricultural Sciences category at the International Science and Technology Fair – CIENTEC, endorsed by the OECD. After completing my degree, I was awarded a scholarship that enabled me to continue my academic training, and I am now pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Agricultural Sciences at Universidad de La Salle.

My research interests focus on hydroponics, emission reduction, and carbon sequestration. Through the Bezos Earth Fund Fellowship, I am contributing to a project aimed at promoting resilient and sustainable agriculture, reaffirming my commitment to environmental stewardship and the search for climate solutions.

Maria Fernanda Rondón Fernández

Biologist

Universidad del Valle

Colombia

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Universidad del Valle and a Master's degree in Sciences, Technologies and Environmental Management from the University of A Coruña, Spain. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering with an emphasis on Sanitary and Environmental Engineering at Universidad del Valle. My research focuses on using soil optical spectroscopy and developing artificial intelligence models to estimate soil organic carbon. I am particularly interested in applying these techniques for the mitigation and monitoring of soil carbon stocks, which are essential for improving soil health and combating climate change.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked on enhancing soil properties in coffee crops through ecosystem services, exploring sustainable agricultural practices. Later, in my master’s program, I delved into the study of forage crops, analyzing greenhouse gas emissions after fertilization with slurry and assessing strategies to minimize their impact.

Overall, my research and projects aim to promote healthy and productive soils, strengthen ecosystem services, and provide practical solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. In addition to research, I currently serve as a lecturer in the Agricultural Engineering program at Universidad del Valle, where I teach Plant Physiology as well as Plant Biology and Ecology.

Aymara Olin Ramírez González

Chemical Engineer

Metropolitan Autonomous University

Mexico

Aymara Olin Ramírez is a researcher and consultant passionate about environmental sustainability and water management. As a Chemical Engineer with a Master's degree in Energy and Environment, she is currently pursuing a PhD specializing in remote sensing and modeling for water balance analysis and climate vulnerability assessment.

She has served as Research Assistant at prestigious institutions including the Center for Research in Geospatial Information Sciences, A.C., and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Her expertise encompasses consulting on water and environmental issues related to climate change, while serving as Associate Researcher and Environmental Management Lead across multiple national and international projects.

Aymara has spearheaded comprehensive studies on land cover changes, water balances, and climate change vulnerability, driven by her conviction that science must create meaningful social impact. Her vision centers on fostering transitions toward resilient and regenerative systems, connecting rigorous research with practical actions that strengthen ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource management.

Currently, she serves as fellow in CIAT's carbon capture program, developing carbon estimations for rice crops and providing crucial insights into agriculture's mitigation potential against climate change. Her work seamlessly combines scientific rigor with actionable solutions, utilizing remote sensing tools and geographic information systems to generate innovative solutions.

Oluwafemi Bejide

Msc. Geo-information Science

University Of Ibadan

Nigeria

Oluwafemi David Bejide holds an MSc in Geo-Information Science from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where his research explored the application of GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning in analysing urbanisation, deforestation, and carbon dynamics. His academic journey demonstrates a consistent commitment to leveraging geospatial technologies to address climate change, natural resource management, and human–environment interactions.

He has extensive experience working with Earth observation data, spatial statistics, and accessibility analysis to understand environmental processes and support evidence-based decision-making. In addition to research, he offers consultancy services to individuals and organisations, applying geospatial insights to practical challenges in land use, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

Oluwafemi is currently a Carbon Sequestration Fellow and visiting researcher at the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT, where he focuses on mapping, modelling, and assessing soil organic carbon sequestration across diverse land uses and ecosystems. Driven by a passion for climate resilience and ecological conservation, he aims to establish a research group and lecture in the field of geospatial science, mentoring future scientists and promoting innovative thinking. His long-term goal is to bridge scientific research with real-world applications, ensuring geospatial innovations contribute meaningfully to carbon management, sustainability, and the well-being of global communities.

María Alejandra Cardozo Sánchez

Biologist

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Colombia

María Alejandra Cardozo is a dedicated biologist from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and she is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biotechnology at Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Her comprehensive academic background focuses on molecular biology and plant biotechnology, with a particular interest in applying advanced gene editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 for sustainable crop improvement and agricultural innovation.

Her research during the master's program is strategically centered on developing cutting-edge genetic editing strategies in plants, aiming to support future groundbreaking applications in modern agriculture. The primary purpose of this important work is to contribute significantly to the development of crops with improved beneficial traits, such as greater disease resistance and higher nutritional value, which can have a profound positive impact on both farmers and consumers worldwide.

Currently, she is serving as a dedicated intern at CIAT's prestigious carbon sequestration program, working diligently in the specialized gene-editing platform in rice cultivation. There, she is continuously improving her technical skills in applied biotechnology and contributing meaningfully to research focused on agricultural sustainability and climate change mitigation strategies.
With a continuous unwavering drive to learn and contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology, María Alejandra earnestly hopes her academic and professional work will have a tangible meaningful impact on agriculture and on the development of more sustainable innovative solutions for farmers and the environment.

Alasca Ekuya Lombolu

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Ciencia del Suelo

University of Kinshasa

D.R. Congo

Alasca Ekuya is a Congolese researcher holding an M.Phil. in Soil Science. He currently works as a research assistant at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, within the Department of Natural Resource Management at the University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, he serves as head of the soil laboratory at the Centre for Research in Soil Sciences (CReSSol), where he oversees physico-chemical soil analyses and coordinates field missions for sample collection and processing.

His academic and professional background is centered on the study of tropical soils, with particular emphasis on their fertility, dynamics under anthropogenic pressures, and contribution to sustainable agricultural systems. Ekuya’s research explores how human activities affect soil quality and how these changes influence food production and environmental resilience.

He is deeply engaged in developing climate change mitigation strategies through soil carbon sequestration. His work promotes sustainable agricultural practices, including agroforestry, as a means to enhance soil health and increase carbon storage. By integrating scientific research with practical applications, he aims to contribute to food security and environmental sustainability in tropical regions. His approach reflects a strong commitment to balancing agricultural productivity with ecological preservation for future generations.

Hillary Kipngetich Rotich

Soil scientist

University of Nairobi

Kenya

Hillary Rotich is a Kenyan-born scientist passionate about soil health and the restoration of degraded rangelands through nature-based solutions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Range Management, a Master’s in Rangeland Ecology, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Dryland Resource Management. His doctoral research explores the role of semi-circular soil bunds in enhancing soil health and shaping soil microbial communities an innovative approach to tackling land degradation in drylands.

Hillary’s research journey has been shaped by diverse international experiences. He has worked with leading institutions including Aberystwyth University’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Laboratory (the United Kingdom), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), and Jagiellonian University in Poland. His work has contributed to peer-reviewed publications on soil organic carbon and vegetation dynamics.

Hillary is a Carbon Sequestration Fellow at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in Colombia, where he investigates soil organic carbon storage under different agricultural management systems. Through this work, he is deepening his expertise in climate-smart agriculture and carbon storage while advancing global efforts toward sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation. He is committed to translating science into practice, empowering communities, and shaping policies

Coffi Leonce Geoffroy Sossa

Master in Rural Engineering and Water management

University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako

Benin

Coffi Leonce Geoffroy Sossa is a Beninese researcher specializing in climate change and agricultural water management. He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in rural engineering and water management from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin and is currently pursuing a PhD in climate change and agriculture at the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako in Mali, under the WASCAL Program.

His doctoral research focuses on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon balance in irrigated rice cultivation, with a particular emphasis on varying water management strategies and nitrogen fertilizer applications. As a guest researcher at Leibniz-ZALF in Germany, Coffi gained valuable international experience working on nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas dynamics in agroecosystems.
Coffi also contributes to academic development in Benin, serving as a research assistant at the University of Abomey-Calavi and having previously lectured on crop production and rural engineering at the High Agricultural School of Ina. He has presented his work at international conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals, and received several prestigious scholarships, including those awarded by the IPCC, CLIFF-GRAD, IFS and the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI).

Fluent in both French and English, Coffi is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture through research, education, and cross-cultural collaboration.