Velma Okaron

Velma is a PhD candidate in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at Makerere University, Uganda. She develops disease-resistant groundnut varieties using genomic tools to address critical agricultural challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. She is also a Project Coordinator at the JR Biotek Foundation where she supports agricultural innovation, farmer engagement, and scientific project coordination contributing to climate-resilient food systems across Africa. She has served as a Junior researcher with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and contributed to projects with Innovations for Poverty Action aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. 

"I aspire to translate advanced genetics into farmer and consumer focused, policy informed solutions for sustainable agriculture. I am also committed to empowering the next generation of female scientists and smallholder farmers to advance global food security.”

Velma Okaron is a part of the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2026.