Graduate Student | Purdue University | United States
Ayooluwa Omobolaji Ojo is a dedicated scholar and researcher, currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences at Purdue University, where he specializes in quantitative genetics, genomics, and systems biology. His research focuses on genetic improvement in livestock species, with a particular interest in longitudinal traits and the integration of various data sources to understand genetic variability in phenotypic traits. With a strong academic foundation, Ayooluwa has published multiple papers in prominent journals and has contributed significantly to the field of animal breeding and genetics.
Profile
Scholar
Education
Ayooluwa Ojo is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, where he has been working under the guidance of Dr. Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira since January 2025. His research explores genomic selection, maintenance efficiency, and the genetic parameters of mature cow size, particularly in beef cattle. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s in Animal Sciences at Purdue University, focusing on genomic selection’s impact on mature cow size and maintenance efficiency. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Animal Sciences) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where he graduated with First Class Honors. Ayooluwa further enhanced his expertise with a professional certificate in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Wageningen University & Research.
Experience
Ayooluwa has a diverse range of experiences, both in academia and industry. He has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Animal Breeding at Purdue University, where he supports undergraduate students through lab sessions and office hours. His involvement as a judge for various research expos further demonstrates his commitment to the academic community. Prior to his current role, Ayooluwa worked as an undergraduate research intern at Obafemi Awolowo University, gaining valuable experience in agricultural fieldwork, including crop and livestock management. His internships at Ope Farms and as an elementary school teacher in Nigeria also contributed to his skill set in agricultural management and education.
Research Interests
Ayooluwa’s research interests are focused on the genetic and genomic analysis of livestock species, particularly in relation to longitudinal traits. He is keen on improving livestock efficiency through genomic selection and developing better modeling approaches for understanding genetic parameters. His work is crucial in addressing challenges in the agricultural sector, such as optimizing breeding strategies for cattle and improving feed efficiency. Ayooluwa’s approach integrates phenotype, pedigree, and genomic data, enabling him to explore the genetic basis of phenotypic variability in livestock traits.
Awards
Ayooluwa has received several prestigious awards throughout his academic journey. Notably, he was awarded the John Deere Graduate Student Scholarship in December 2024, recognizing his excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. In October 2024, he received the Ross-Lynn Research Scholar Fund from Purdue University, which provided him with a stipend and tuition fee remission. His achievements were also recognized in 2023 when he won the 1st Place Research Discussion Contest at the MANRRS38 National Conference and received multiple travel awards for his contributions to agricultural research.
Publications
Ayooluwa has made significant contributions to animal genetics through his research publications. Some of his notable works include:
- Ojo, A.O., Mulim, H.A., Garcia, A., Retallick-Riley, K.J., Miller, S., Oliveira, H.R. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Recursive and Alternative Modeling Approaches Considering Body Condition Score for Genetic Evaluation of Mature Cow Weight. Under review for Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics.
- Ojo, A. O., Campos, G. S., Mulim, H. A., Garcia, A., Schinckel, A. P., Miller, S., Retallick-Riley, K. J., & Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Mature Cow Size in North American and Australian Angus Cattle. Under review for Journal of Animal Science.
- Ojo, A. O., Mulim, H. A., Campos, G. S., Junqueira, V. S., Lemenager, R. P., Schoonmaker, J. P., & Oliveira, H. R. (2024). Exploring Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle: From Data Collection to Genetic and Nutritional Modeling. Animals, 14(24), 3633. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243633
His work has also been presented at various international conferences and published in conference proceedings, further cementing his position in the field.
Conclusion
Ayooluwa Omobolaji Ojo is a rising star in the field of animal sciences, with a strong academic background and a wealth of experience in animal breeding and genetics. His research is focused on improving livestock efficiency through genomic selection, and his contributions to the field are already having a significant impact. With numerous awards, publications, and professional affiliations to his name, Ayooluwa is well on his way to becoming a leader in agricultural genomics. His passion for advancing the understanding of genetic traits in livestock, coupled with his commitment to teaching and community involvement, positions him as a future innovator in the field of animal sciences.