Lusike Wasilwa holds a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Plant Science from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, US, a post-doctorate from Rutgers University, New Jersey, a Master of Science (MSc) in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Agriculture from University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. Dr. Wasilwa was inducted into Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society); Gamma Sigma Delta (Honour Society of Agriculture); and Phi Beta Delta (Honour Society for International Scholars) while at the University of Arkansas. She has research experience of over 25 years and has authored or co authored several publications, scientific articles and technical papers in a wide spectrum of subject matter with emphasis in plant pathology, fruit, nut, oil crops, and vegetables. Her current research focuses on mainstreaming biodiversity to contribute to food, nutrition and income security and issues pertaining to agroecology. Dr. Wasilwa works for Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO previously KARI [Kenya Agriculture Research Institute]) at the Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. As the Director of Crops Systems, she is involved in providing leadership to several projects and activities including building, developing and promoting of integrated food, horticulture and industrial crops product value chains for increased productivity, commercialisation and competitiveness. Dr Wasilwa has recently been nominated as a Governing Board Member of the East African Science & Technology Commission. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Institute for People, Innovation and Change in Organizations East Africa (PICO-EA); Advisory Committee of Horticulture Impact Project, SNV; the Advisory Committee FAO Agro-ecology and the Advisory Committee for the Kenya Avocado Project, Olivado and Plant and Food Research, New Zealand. Lusike served as the Director of the East African Regional Horticulture Innovation Centre and as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Horticulture International Advisory Board (Horticulture Collaborative Research Support Project [HortCRSP]) coordinated by University of California Davies. She served on the Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Programme grants advisory and approval committee and the advisory board for the African Journal for Horticultural Science. She is an active member of various local and international professional societies and associations. Lusike is a recipient of 3 medals from International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in recognition of service and a fellowship from Gender and Diversity Rockefeller Fellowship Programme to enhance the careers of women crop scientists in East Africa. She was recognized by AWARD (African Women in Agriculture Research Development) for her dedication and commitment to excellence in mentoring from 2008 to 2010.