Growing up in Kwapong, a farming group in Ghana’s Ahafo area, and attending college in Ghana helped Benjamin Karikari develop an appreciation for agriculture and sustainable meals methods. He earned a bachelor’s diploma in agriculture from the University of Cape Coast in 2008 and a grasp’s diploma in agronomy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2014.
He then earned a doctoral diploma in crop genetics and breeding at Nanjing Agricultural University in China in 2020, the place he centered on soybean enchancment.
Karikari started Sept. 25, 2025, as an assistant professor of apply in plant science within the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
In his present function, Karikari teaches undergraduate and graduate programs overlaying genetics, plant vitamin, biotechnology and soil microbial ecology. His educating emphasizes experiential studying, giving college students the chance to make use of the newest research strategies and instruments within the classroom.
He additionally mentors college students, serving to them conduct research and discover careers in agronomy and horticulture, and leads a research program.
“My research program focuses on improving crop productivity, resilience and nutrient use efficiency, particularly in major crops such as soybean, corn and other legume crops,” Karikari stated. “My work integrates plant physiology, functional genomics and breeding to address challenges related to nutrient limitation, drought and climate stress.”
Beyond conducting his personal research, Karikari information his findings and opinions different researchers’ publications. He has authored quite a few peer-reviewed papers, and is an lively reviewer and visitor editor for tutorial journals like “Plant Communications,” “The Plant Genome” and “Theoretical and Applied Genetics.”
His research has been acknowledged by means of a number of honors, together with the Young African Phosphorus Fellowship, which supported his work on bettering phosphorus use effectivity in soybeans.
Karikari started his profession as an agricultural extension officer for the Government of Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture the place he labored for greater than 5 years. In this place, he developed and applied applications to assist Ghanaian farmers with improved manufacturing practices, pest administration and sustainable agriculture.
His previous expertise in extension programming helps him put farmers’ needs on the forefront of his educating and research at Nebraska.
Karikari prioritizes farmers’ needs in his research as a result of he desires his work to make a sensible distinction in farmers’ lives. His farmer-first method has helped him grow to be a greater researcher and educator.
“I believe that effective agricultural research must connect directly with farmers’ needs,” Karikari stated. “My background in extension has shaped my approach to research and teaching – ensuring that knowledge is accessible, practical and impactful.”
He served as a part of a multidisciplinary crew on the USAID-funded Cowpea Out-Scaling Project with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture for 2 years. He coordinated area operations, engaged with stakeholders, facilitated farmer coaching, collected and analyzed area knowledge and superior the scaling of improved cowpea applied sciences and worth chain growth.
After he completed his doctoral research, Karikari held college and research positions on the University for Development Studies in Ghana, contributing to educating, research and tutorial growth.
In 2023, Karikari began a postdoctoral fellowship at Université Laval in Canada, the place his research centered on genetic mapping and practical validation of candidate genes related to soybean root system structure.
Then, in 2025, Karikari moved to Lincoln.
“I was drawn to Nebraska for its agricultural heritage and commitment to innovation in crop production and sustainability, particularly regarding soybeans,” Karikari stated.
Karikari stated he values how the college’s focus aligns carefully along with his philosophy that scientific research must be knowledgeable by farmers’ needs – designed to have a real-world influence on agriculture.
“In my work, I aim to bridge advanced plant science with practical solutions for farmers, ensuring that innovations in genetics, nutrition and soil health translate into improved productivity and sustainability,” Karikari stated.