Miss Rumbidzai Lesley Chitsiku
About me
With a BSc in Biotechnology, Rumbidzai Lesley Chitsiku works as a research fellow at the National Biotechnology Authority, Zimbabwe. Her work focuses on using native plants to create commercial bio-products, supporting initiatives that encourage sustainable innovation and the use of local resources. She previously worked at Agri- Biotech Seeds Pvt Ltd, where she focused on using cutting-edge plant tissue culture techniques to eliminate viruses from plants. Rumbidzai is dedicated to contributing to innovative solutions that mitigate food insecurity, promote sustainable development and ensure a more equitable and resilient future for all.
Rumbidzai Lesley Chitsiku is a dynamic and accomplished biotechnology professional holding a first-class BSc degree in Biotechnology. Currently working as a Research Fellow at the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA), she is deeply involved in innovative projects focusing on vaccine development, plant tissue culture, value addition of indigenous undervalued crops and natural drug discovery from plants. Her work aims to harness the potential of local resources to improve agricultural practices and public health. Prior to her role at the NBA, Rumbidzai served as a researcher and laboratory supervisor at Agri-Biotech Pvt Ltd. In this position, she specialized in virus elimination in plants and played an instrumental role in supervising numerous university students during their research attachments, sharing her expertise and fostering the next generation of scientists. Her dedication to biotechnology is further exemplified by her authorship of a book chapter discussing her collaborative efforts with the NBA to enhance the value of underutilized indigenous crops. Through her research, Rumbidzai aims to drive sustainable agriculture and promote the utilization of plants for economic and health benefits. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to making a difference in her field, she continues to explore new avenues in biotechnology, aspiring to contribute to advancements that positively impact society.