OAC Plant Agriculture PhD graduate Deus Mugabe's path to becoming a research leader in agricultural science was shaped by a deep-rooted passion for improving global food security. Raised amidst the challenges of food insecurity in Rwanda, Deus's early experiences instilled in him a determination to use science to transform agriculture for the better.

          “I wanted to be part of the solution,” Deus explains. “Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges farmers face, and I knew science could make a difference. My goal has always been to improve crops so that farmers can achieve better results with fewer resources.”

His journey as a Scientist began with a bachelor’s degree in Crop Science from the Philippines, where he honed his understanding of agricultural fundamentals. Driven by a desire to deepen his impact, Deus spent time in rural Rwanda with One Acre Fund, helping smallholder farmers improve their crop production. He later pursued a master’s degree at Washington State University as a Fulbright Scholar, focusing on enhancing related to environmental stress tolerance—an area critical for sustainable agriculture.

It was during a pivotal moment at the National Association for Plant Breeders conference in Guelph that Deus first encountered Dr. Istvan Rajcan, whose expertise and mentorship would profoundly influence his academic and professional trajectory. Inspired by Guelph's reputation for cutting-edge agricultural research and its supportive academic environment, Deus embarked on a PhD journey in Plant Agriculture.

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