If Jacob Ngeve’s (’88, PhD Plant Genetics) 30 plus years in agricultural research has taught him anything, it is the power of hard work. From a very early age as an orphan in Cameroon, Ngeve worked tirelessly to study hard, gain scholarships to get an international education, and ensure that his family wouldn’t have to struggle the same way he did. Now, his daughter is a postdoctoral researcher in plant biology and ecology in the very same department in AGNR where he graduated the year she was born, and she has taken those values of dedication and interdisciplinary education to heart.
“Growing up, I remembered seeing photos he would send of him in these very same halls,” said Magdalene Ngeve, Plant Science and Entomology. “I never imagined I’d be here one day—it is a real privilege. My father would always tell me, ‘Education is the only thing a father can give his child, because that, no one can take away from you.’ And I clung to those words, I studied, and I followed my dreams. I look forward to making an impact here the way he did.”
After studying zoology in Cameroon, Magdalene became a biologist with a specialization in environment, biodiversity, and ecosystems for her Master’s and conservation ecology and genetics for her PhD before becoming a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow with AGNR. While she focuses on coastal ecosystems and ways to preserve biodiversity in complex systems like mangroves across Africa and beyond, the seedling doesn’t fall far from the mangrove tree.
Her father Jacob led a highly decorated and impactful career in international agriculture and food security. Sponsored by the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) in Cameroon, Jacob studied plant genetics and pathology at the University of Georgia before coming to AGNR for his PhD.
“The chairman of the department of agriculture at that time by sheer coincidence visited Cameroon and wanted to speak to the head of food crops research at IRAD—me,” explained Jacob.“ He was so impressed with my work that he instantly invited me to do a PhD at Maryland. It was a beautiful education—I’m so happy that Magdalene has found herself there now because the legacy continues!”
Jacob took as many courses as he could in Georgia and Maryland, ranging across entomology, pathology, genetics, agronomy, and statistics. He would go back and forth between UMD for coursework and IRAD in Cameroon doing research on root crops. Similar to how a professor moves through tenure track positions, Jacob eventually moved from assistant to full chief research officer. While at the peak of his career, he was honored by the President, who named him Director General of IRAD, a presidential appointment in Cameroon similar to that of Secretary of Agriculture.
“Being appointed Director General and being recognized by the President of the Republic was one of the proudest moments of my life. Young scientists should know that no matter your background, you can always make it if you are determined. Whatever you do, you must do your best.”
Throughout his career, Jacob achieved the highest position at IRAD and took 495 trips around the world sponsored by organizations like the International United Nations. These consultations with foreign governments and institutes translated to incredible increases in agricultural yield to improve food security. For example, FAO contracted Jacob to fight famine in the Central African Republic, leading to a long-lasting four- fold increase in cassava production, a major root crop.
“A career in agriculture led me to all sorts of places,” reflected Jacob.“ It took me out of poverty and allowed my children to study at good schools, and I was able to help a lot of people and countries along the way.”
Magdalene added, “Seeing all his accomplishments and his impact on food security and farmers—he was a role model for me because he contributed a lot to human health and well-being. It is true that representation matters. The fact that I watched as my father’s research career blossomed made me know that I can be whatever I want to be.”
Jacob is currently finishing his first book, The Making of a Scientist, that documents his career. With his work, he hopes to inspire future scientists the way he has inspired his daughter.
By Samantha Watters