Liberian scientist Thomas Wilbur Davis is making waves in global agricultural research with a ground-breaking study on improving the quality of potato protein concentrate through a novel, sustainable method.
His work, conducted in collaboration with leading scientists in Sweden, aims to enhance food security by transforming industrial potato by-products into a high-quality protein source for human consumption.
Davis, a Doctor of Plant Health student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, worked alongside Dr. Ecevit Yilmaz of Redstone Separations AB and Dr. William R. Newson of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to develop a specialized adsorption resin that reduces harmful phenolic compounds in potato protein concentrate. This innovation could revolutionize the way plant-based proteins are processed, making them more suitable for human diets while promoting environmental sustainability.
His research comes at a critical time as the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with food demand expected to rise by 70%. With over a billion people already suffering from chronic malnutrition, Davis emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to boost food production while reducing waste and minimizing agriculture’s environmental footprint. His work aligns with global efforts to develop more responsible and efficient food systems.
A native of River Gee County, Davis attended high school in Maryland County before pursuing a B.S. degree in General Agriculture from WVS Tubman University. He later earned an M.S. in Horticultural Science from SLU in Sweden, where he gained expertise in plant health and agricultural sustainability. Currently a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Davis focuses on plant virus research, particularly the quantification of viral titers in wheat under diverse conditions.
His academic excellence and research contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the 2024 Research Travel Award from the University of Nebraska Foundation and a fellowship with the 2023 Bayer Crop Science University Mentorship Program for early-career scientists in North America. In 2020, he was also awarded the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals.
