Nompumelelo H. Obokoh (nee Masubelele) is a Plant Molecular Biologist with a PhD degree from the University of Cambridge, Magdalene College, MSc degree in Plant Biotechnology, BSc (Hons) degree in Microbiology from the University of Pretoria, BSc degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Zululand. She worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge (2003-2005) on genome-wide expression profiling of genes associated with plant growth; a project funded by the Growth, Vigour and Environment (GVE) EU-FP 5 consortium. She also received the Rothamsted International African Fellowship, to identify molecular markers in drought tolerant cowpea mutant lines and was hosted by the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER, Wales). Before joining AATF, Nompumelelo was employed by the Agricultural Research Council-Roodeplaat, Biotechnology Division as a Senior Researcher (Project Manager). She worked on projects geared towards the genetic improvement of neglected African crops (cowpea and Amaranthus) using molecular approaches. In South Africa she is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) in Biological Science and is a member of the subcommittee to the Advisory Committee of the GMO Act. At Cambridge, she received several awards and scholarships, including third-year student award from the Institute of Biotechnology, Mandela Cambridge Scholarship from the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust (CCT), Overseas Research Student Award from the Committee of the University Principals, Mandela Magdalene College Scholarship from CCT and Magdalene College Scholarship Scheme. As Cowpea Project Manager, Nompumelelo will be responsible for the coordination, implementation and monitoring of all the Bt cowpea project activities through the entire product value chain, liaising with project partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful development and deployment of regulated Bt cowpea. Nompumelelo is a South African citizen.