Dr. Crispus Mbaluto (he/him) is a Senior Research Officer, at the School Life Sciences, University of Essex, UK.
Crispus’s Journey So Far
While his research focuses on how plants respond to biotic and abiotic stress, and generating knowledge useful to create sustainable agrifood systems, Crispus’ academic journey started when he received the Kenyan Government Scholarship for his undergraduate studies in Mathematics at Kenyatta University. A week into his original course, knowing that he was qualified, he switched programs to the Biotechnology course in the spirit of “why not give it a try”, which has propelled him throughout his career.
Crispus’ “why not give a try” mantra led him to apply for a research assistant opportunity at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in genetic transformation of crops which he admits to not enjoying but was an important step in his plant science journey.
“That experience became a turning point. It reinforced that I was passionate in plant science and utilisation of innovate approaches to tackle food security challenges.”
With this newfound passion and focus area, the next period of Crispus’ career was dedicated to applying for PhD programs and reaching out to potential supervisors. “It was tough. I faced several rejections, including before and after interviewing.” Until the conversation “that changed everything”. During his role as research assistant at IITA, Crispus had the great opportunity to speak openly about opportunities abroad with a then visiting research scientist Dr. Beena Ravindran from Germany who introduced Crispus to Prof. Dr. Nicole vanDam who would then work with him to apply for a PhD research grant funded by Germany Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
After a successful application Crispus was able to move to Germany and completed his PhD in Ecology. “My PhD years were both fun and formative. I had clear vision for where I wanted to take my research next, so I sought out for postdoctoral position that, while slightly outside my core PhD area, complemented it”
From one success to another, Crispus moved to the University of Liverpool for three years as a Research Associate where he expanded his knowledge, experience and network on interactions of plants with environment. During this time, Crispus was “deliberate in pursuing a senior positions and fellowships that would provide the next puzzle piece for his long-term research goals.” Which led to his current role as Senior Research Officer in School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex and at the same time awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MCSA-PF).
His research focus on how plant interact with their environment, with the goal of contributing to sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Within this broad topic, Crispus has two main strands:
- He investigates mechanisms driving how plant mediate interactions between the organisms living around their roots (particularly, microbes and herbivores) and those on their shoots (mainly insect herbivores). This helps understand the novel elements of plant immune systems that shapes the plant’s health.
- He uses innovative tool called ‘embryonic monocot grafting’ to explore how important cereal crops such as rice plants manage water use. By uncovering the mechanism behind water-use-efficiency, he is to apply this knowledge to the development of climate-resilient crops.
By bridging the molecular mechanisms that occur inside the plants with their broader ecological outcomes, my research contributes to agricultural strategies that can be exploited for pest management, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and promoting sustainable agrifood systems.
“Most recently, being awarded the MSCA-PF, the 2025 BiPS Research excellence Award and appointed as Assistant Features Editors for The Plant Cell, is a highlight that reminded me just how far I have come. I am proud of each of the steps, as they represent persistence and growth.”
The Importance of Mentors
“I strongly believe mentorship should not come from one person – there can be several mentors each for challenge at a given time.”
Throughout his career Crispus has found it beneficial to have a broad range of mentors and sources of insight into how to develop as a plant scientist. From conversations with senior peers and colleagues to more widely accessible sources such as podcasts and YouTube talks “particularly those showcasing diverse journeys – have also been invaluable sources of perspective.”
When reflecting on his journey, Crispus highlighted the importance of recognising mentoring relationships outside of the advisor/ supervisor framework, as these can be just as significant if not more so.
“My next step is to embark on my MSCA-PF fellowship – which I believe will consolidate my research vision and establish me as a global leader in the field.”
The Future of Science
Reflecting on the future of science Crispus highlighted the importance of including minoritised voices and perspectives. While continuing to advocate for mentorship, he talked about the importance of viewing research through the different lenses that social identities provide. Therefore, only empowering scientists but also enriching research.
“I find hope in the growing recognition of the gaps in diversity, inclusion and equity that exist – and in the voices brave enough to name them. As awareness spreads, so does the potential for change.”