Thelma Madzima
Dr. Madzima is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Washington Bothell, a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI).
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science in 2004 from Fort Valley State University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) and her Ph.D. in 2009 with Dr. Kevin Folta in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (PMCB) from the University of Florida (UF). As a graduate student, she was the recipient of the University of Florida Alumni Association Graduate Research Fellowship. Upon completion of her graduate training, she joined the laboratory of Dr. Karen McGinnis at Florida State University as a postdoctoral scholar. As a postdoc, her research utilized genetic and genomic approaches to characterize RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM)-mediated epigenetic regulation of transcription in (Zea mays) maize.
The long-term goal of her research program is to understand how epigenetic mechanisms facilitate plant responses to abiotic stress in crop plants. Her research interests stem from her upbringing in Zimbabwe, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of drought on agricultural productivity and human livelihood. At UW Bothell, she has developed a research program that actively engages undergraduate students in plant molecular genetics research.
Dr. Madzima is also very dedicated to broadening the participation of individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM and is involved in several minority recruitment and retention activities within the scientific community. She previously served on the ASPB Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (EDIC). She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maize Genetics Cooperation (MGC), the MGC Advocacy Committee and the MGC Committee on Outreach, Diversity, Inclusion and Education (CODIE).
She was recently awarded the 2021 UW Bothell School of STEM Inclusive Service Award, the 2022 Maize Genetics Cooperation Leadership Award, 2022 American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award and the 2022 American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Excellence in Education Award.