Fully Funded Graduate Assistantship Recipient, Adebisi Ogunbawo from Nigeria, Advances Research in Quantitative Genetics and Breeding at Purdue University

My name is Adebisi Ogunbawo, I am from Nigeria, West Africa, and I am currently a doctoral researcher studying quantitative genetics and breeding at Purdue University. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from Obafemi Awolowo University. Following my undergraduate studies, I worked as a research specialist in the agricultural sector, where I gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock industry. Through this experience, I identified a critical gap in the application of genetic and genomic tools in animal breeding and productivity. This realization sparked my interest in advancing my expertise in quantitative genetics and genomics. After which, I went ahead to pursue a Master's degree in Quantitative Genetics and Breeding at Purdue University, where I served as a Graduate Research Assistant.

Graduate Assistantship and NRSP-8 Fellowship Details

My doctoral studies at Purdue University are fully supported through a Graduate Research Assistantship, which provides tuition coverage, a stipend, and funding for my research.

I was recently awarded the 2025 (National Animal Genome Research Program) NRSP-8 Fellowship, a prestigious $10,000 award designed to support graduate students annually. This year, the fellowship supported up to 4 graduate students. This fellowship is intended for students conducting research projects or developing tools that directly benefit the animal genetics and genomics research community. It is administered under the National Research Support Project 8 (NRSP-8) program, which promotes collaborative, community-driven advancements in genetic research.

Educational Background

During my undergraduate program, I was involved in research addressing a major global challenge, which is the overuse of antibiotics in livestock production and the resulting threat of antimicrobial resistance. Specifically, my research focused on identifying natural alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production. This work resulted in a peer-reviewed publication in the Nigerian Journal of Animal Science, titled Effect of Curcuma longa Powder on Growth Performance, Hematological, and Microbiological Parameters of Cockerels. This academic foundation not only deepened my interest in animal health and productivity but also helped me develop critical research and analytical skills, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, which prepared me well for graduate-level research and positioned me to pursue advanced studies in genetics and breeding.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Purdue University?

When I decided to pursue graduate studies, I initially wasn’t sure where or how to begin. I knew I needed reliable information to guide me through the process, so I started by exploring graduate school-related content on YouTube. This helped me understand the basic steps involved and gave me a clearer direction. From there, I began narrowing down a list of potential schools based on my academic interests. I reviewed departmental requirements carefully and reached out to graduate coordinators to inquire about available funding opportunities, such as graduate research or teaching assistantships. As I continued my research, I discovered that for my specific program of interest, securing an advisor was a key requirement. It was important that the advisor's research focus aligned with mine and that they were open to mentoring a new student. This led me to send cold emails to potential advisors, expressing my interest in their work and seeking opportunities to join their research group. Once I identified a suitable advisor and gathered all the required documents, I proceeded with my applications to the schools I had selected.

How Did You Find Information About the NRSP-8 Fellowship and Institutions?

To gather information about institutions, I primarily used resources such as YouTube, Google, and US News, which provided helpful overviews and rankings. When it came to learning about scholarships, I focused mainly on the official websites of the schools I was interested in. Additionally, I reached out directly to graduate coordinators and connected with current graduate students within those departments to gain more detailed and firsthand information about available scholarships and funding opportunities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the NRSP-8 Fellowship?

To prepare for the NRSP8 fellowship application, I was required to submit a detailed research proposal as part of my application package. This proposal included a comprehensive description of my proposed research project, preliminary data, and the experimental approach and design I intended to use. My master’s research provided a strong foundation, equipping me with the necessary background and experience to develop a competitive proposal for this fellowship

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my strong research background, particularly my focus on developing genetic solutions and tools that directly benefit the genetics and genomics research community, made my application stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Reflecting on the process, I sincerely believe that the steps I took effectively prepared me for the scholarship and my current academic path. However, if I were to approach applying to graduate school again, I would focus solely on applying to programs where I have secured a professor willing to supervise my research beforehand. Other than that, I would not change my approach, as every opportunity I pursued and risk I took has contributed meaningfully to where I am today.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice would be to proactively seek guidance by reaching out to previous awardees or mentors for clarification. This can help you understand the fellowship requirements better and identify steps you can take to strengthen your application. Additionally, it is important to clearly define a research project you are truly passionate about, as genuine enthusiasm will come through strongly in your written proposal and make your application stand out.