This month, we are delighted to introduce Renata A. Ndah who comes from Cameroon. She was part of emPLANT Intake 3 (2020-2022).

She studied at the Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle in France during her first academic year and at the University of Helsinki in Finland during her second academic year.

🌱 Current Position & Career Path

I currently work as a Corn Breeding Technician at KWS France. My career path has been shaped by a deep desire to contribute to global food security. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Buea in Cameroon and an Erasmus Mundus Master’s Degree in Plant Breeding (emPLANT). My first year of emPLANT was at UniLaSalle in France, and my second year was at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

During the summer of my first year, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at KWS Lochow GmbH in Germany, one of the research stations of the KWS Group. These experiences collectively strengthened my passion for food and nutrition security and inspired me to take action. As a result, I founded Ecroh — a platform dedicated to sharing stories, advocating for, and educating the world on issues related to food and nutrition security.

🎓 Most Valuable Skill from emPLANT

The most valuable skill I gained was open-mindedness. Through emPLANT, I had the unique opportunity to “meet the world in a day.” I sat at the same table with people from different continents, backgrounds, and cultures — speaking different languages, sharing diverse cuisines, and exchanging ideas and experiences.

Listening to their perspectives and challenges broadened my worldview and taught me to appreciate diversity in all its forms. More importantly, emPLANT gave me global friendships that I continue to cherish to this day.

❄️ A Cultural Moment to Remember from emPLANT

One cultural moment I’ll never forget was building a snow couple in less than -15°C weather one winter night with my flatmates, who were also emPLANT students.

Zhanargul came looking for partners for a snow adventure in front of our residence at the Viikki Campus of the University of Helsinki. Shaimaa, Reham, and I decided to join in. We raided our kitchen cupboards for embellishments; the relics of the moments enjoyed by students who lived in that apartment over the years. A grey scarf, a silver top hat, a yellow matted hat and an orange wig were found. We grabbed charcoal for the teeth, buttons, and eyes, and gathered twigs from the nearby forest for the hands. We were determined to give our snowman and snowwoman a personality that would make passersby smile — but more than anything, we just wanted to have fun.

Freezing yet laughing uncontrollably, we took turns rolling snowballs and rubbing our hands to keep them warm. Our snow couple proudly stood there for about a week, and every time someone commented or we passed by, we couldn’t help but giggle. The spontaneity, laughter, and joy of that cold winter night still echo warmly in my heart to this day.

✨ Fun Fact

Something many people don’t know about me is that my Christian faith is the guiding force in how I approach life and work. It grounds me during challenges, shapes my decisions, and reminds me to treat others with kindness, respect and humility. It also inspires me to view my research as a way to serve others and contribute positively to the world.

Renata A. Ndah

📍 From Buea, Cameroon 🇨🇲 → Chartres, France 🇫🇷

🎓 Intake 3 – emPLANT Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Plant Breeding