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Wilfried DOSSOU-YOVO

PhD

Professional Status
Employed
Open to opportunities
About Me
Resilient, Honesty, Dedicated, Open minded
Experiences
  • Teach undergraduate courses in precision agriculture, GIS, GPS, ag data analytics, agricultural economics, statistics, and machine learning.
  • Equip students with practical skills in spatial analysis, economic reasoning, and data-driven decision-making using real-world agricultural datasets.
  • Lead applied research focused on nutrient optimization, compositional data analysis, and precision agronomy across Canadian Prairie cropping systems.
  • Design and implement field trials integrating digital tools, remote sensing, and statistical modeling to improve crop performance and sustainability.
  • Utilize R, Python, QGIS, and satellite imagery to support zone-specific fertilizer recommendations and sustainable land management.
  • Collaborate with growers, research institutions, and industry partners to co-develop scalable, data-driven innovations for efficient and resilient crop production.
  • Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications and research reports, contributing to scientific knowledge in precision agriculture, agronomy, and data science.
  • Led greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) studies, greenhouse trials, and growth chamber experiments to optimize nutrient use efficiency and assess sustainable agricultural practices under both controlled and field conditions.
  • Conducted advanced agronomic research on micronutrient fertilizers and seed coating technologies, evaluating their effects on early seedling growth, nutrient uptake, crop yield, and GHGE mitigation.
  • Analyzed and modeled historical crop data (wheat, corn, soybean, canola, and sunflower) using R programming, statistical modeling, and machine learning to support product development and innovation.
  • Designed experimental protocols, implemented field trials, and ensured rigorous experimental design aligned with scientific standards.
  • Built predictive models and developed visual analytics tools to translate complex datasets into actionable insights for agronomic decision-making.
  • Managed cross-functional R&D teams and coordinated task planning to ensure timely and high-quality execution of research projects.
  • Contributed to data interpretation, scientific reporting, and the development of environmentally responsible, data-driven crop input solutions.

Research Scientist – Fertilizer Optimization & Software Development

Nature canneberge
September 2021 to 2022
  • Led the development of a fertilizer dose prediction tool for cranberry production, combining R programming, Shiny apps, and compositional data analysis (CoDA) to support precision nutrient management.
  • Integrated multi-source data including field observations, soil properties, and environmental variables to model crop response and optimize nutrient efficiency.
  • Applied advanced machine learning algorithms, including Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Random Forest, XGBoost, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and neural networks, to predict optimal fertilizer rates.
  • Designed and deployed an interactive web-based decision-support system, delivering site-specific, data-driven recommendations through an intuitive user interface.
  • Bridged the gap between research and practice by translating complex modeling outputs into actionable agronomic insights for growers.
  • Contributed to sustainable horticulture by developing a scalable, field-ready tool that enhanced input efficiency and environmental stewardship.
  • Conducted soil incubation experiments in closed chambers at controlled temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C) to assess CO₂ emissions and microbial activity.
  • Prepared and packaged sampling materials, including vials and mason jars, for accurate and sterile CO₂ capture and analysis.
  • Performed tea bag incubation and harvests for Tea Bag Index (TBI) measurements to assess litter decomposition rates and stabilization.
  • Determined soil organic matter fractions (cellulose, hemicellulose, soluble substances, lignin, and cutin) using a modified Van Soest method.
  • Operated the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle sizer for precise soil texture and particle size distribution analysis.
  • Conducted statistical analysis and data visualization using various R packages, supporting interpretation of soil and carbon data.
  • Facilitated educational workshops for students on seed germination, basic nursery management, and plant growth requirements.
  • Participated in the maintenance, monitoring, and harvesting of tree seedlings in educational and community-based nurseries.
  • Assisted in the planting of economically and ecologically valuable tree species (black walnut, butternut, and oak) to support reforestation and agroecological resilience.
  • Delivered youth-focused awareness sessions on systematic hygiene and best practices in crop handling, promoting food safety and community health.
  • Collaborated with program coordinators and peers in cross-cultural settings, gaining experience in teamwork, leadership, and global citizenship.

Mathematics teacher

Secondary school of Ouidah/Benin
October 2012 to July 2014
  • Designed and delivered structured mathematics lessons aligned with national curriculum standards for junior and senior secondary students.
  • Explained mathematical concepts and guided students through exercises and real-world problem-solving activities.
  • Assessed student learning through grading assignments, quizzes, and exams, and provided individualized feedback to support academic progress.
  • Participated in staff meetings, curriculum planning sessions, and professional development workshops.
  • Supported student learning through extra help sessions and exam preparation tutorials.
  • Collaborated with colleagues and school leadership to implement effective teaching strategies and classroom management practices.

PhD Soil and Environment, Crop & Carbon Modeling

Laval University

January 2017 to August 2021
My Ph.D. research explored the carbon sequestration potential of cranberry agroecosystems, with a focus on modeling organic matter decomposition and evaluating soil carbon stability under varying environmental and management conditions.

Employed the Tea Bag Index (TBI) and fractal kinetics modeling to assess decomposition rates and stabilization dynamics in cranberry soils.

Analyzed CO₂ emissions using R programming and statistical modeling, examining their relationship with temperature, soil management practices, and crop residue composition.

Investigated how organic matter biochemistry (e.g., lignin, cellulose) and physical soil protection influence decomposition rates and long-term carbon stabilization.

Integrated field data, laboratory experiments, and mathematical modeling to develop insights into soil carbon cycling in horticultural systems.

Contributed to the scientific understanding of soil carbon dynamics, supporting strategies for sustainable soil management and climate-resilient agriculture.

Master's degree in Soils and Environment, Crop Modeling

Laval University

September 2015 to December 2016
My master’s research focused on optimizing phosphorus fertilization strategies in Eastern Canadian corn production systems. I integrated field experimentation with crop response modeling using R programming to evaluate the effects of banded phosphorus applications, both with and without cattle manure, on corn yield performance.

Developed predictive models to simulate grain yield outcomes under varying fertilization regimes, aiming to improve phosphorus use efficiency and inform data-driven nutrient management.

Analyzed long-term trial data to assess interactions between soil fertility, organic amendments, and environmental conditions, linking agronomic responses to site-specific variability.

Contributed to the advancement of sustainable phosphorus management by applying statistical and modeling techniques to optimize input use and minimize environmental losses.

Gained expertise in soil fertility diagnostics, environmental soil chemistry, and the integration of agronomic data science for practical decision-support in precision agriculture.

Professional Bachelor's in Plant Production Sciences

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin)

October 2008 to July 2012
My academic journey began with a rigorous science track (BAC Série D) in Benin, a program tailored to prepare students for engineering and scientific studies. This curriculum provided a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, geometry, physics, electromagnetism, and biology.

I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Plant Production Sciences and Techniques from Université d’Abomey-Calavi, where I developed both theoretical knowledge and applied skills in agricultural science.

During the first two years, I completed over 40 intensive courses in Calculus I–III; general , organic analytical, and physical chemistry; physics; biology; topography; statistics and experimental design.

In the final two years, the focus shifted to applied agronomy, including soil fertility, crop physiology, irrigation, and integrated pest management.

I completed a supervised practicum involving field experimentation and diagnostic analysis, culminating in a written thesis and public defense.

This solid dual foundation combining scientific depth with agronomic practice continues to inform my work in nutrient optimization, agricultural modeling, and precision agriculture research.
Interests

Sports

  • Soccer
  • Athletics
Skills

Relevant academic courses

  • Temporal and Spatial Variability in Soil Sciences
  • Agroecosystem analysis and modeling
  • Soil Calibration and Meta-analysis
  • Soil fertilization
  • Phosphorus and agri-environment
  • Experimental design
  • Statistics
  • R scientist
  • Scientist writing
  • Applied Statistical Modeling for Data Analysis in R
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Calculus I-III
  • Building Interactive Apps with Shiny and R
  • ggplot2 in R for data visualization
  • R shiny Interractive web Apps-Next Level Data Visualization
  • Data Science & Machine Learning with R

Soil sciences, Agronomy expertise

  • R&D team coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Field, greenhouse, and growth chamber trial management
  • Experimental design and protocol development
  • Site-specific nutrient management strategies
  • Integration of remote sensing and soil monitoring tools
  • Sustainable fertilizer use and environmental risk reduction
  • Soil fertility assessment and amendment planning
  • Organic matter decomposition (Tea Bag Index, fractal kinetics)
  • CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions in agroecosystems
  • Soil carbon sequestration and long-term storage
  • Seed germination and early growth optimization
  • Nutrient management and optimization
  • Soil quality evaluation in diverse agroecological zones

Data science expertise

  • Experimental design and statistical power analysis
  • Advanced mathematical modeling
  • Big data analytics
  • Crop, carbon and ROI modeling
  • Missing value imputation, outlier handling, noise reduction
  • Feature scaling, encoding, normalization, and feature engineering
  • Linear, nonlinear, and multilevel modeling (lm, nlme, GAM)
  • Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
  • Group comparison methods: t-test, LSD, Tukey HSD, Duncan, non-parametric tests (agricolae)
  • Static and interactive plotting with ggplot2, plotly, ggpubr, patchwork, ggally
  • Bayesian statistics, probabilistic modeling
  • Time series analysis and forcasting
  • Visualization of predictions and decision-support tools in web applications
  • Reproducible reporting with Quarto and R Markdown
  • Dynamic dashboards and document automation for research reporting
  • End-to-end pipelines using tidymodels
  • Algorithms: XGBoost, Random Forest, SVM, GAM, Gaussian Processes, Keras neural networks
  • Strong ability to build, evaluate, and explain ML models in agronomic datasets
  • Interactive model deployment using R Shiny
  • JupiterLab, Anaconda, Github, Visual code (VS Code)
  • R shiny application development
  • Programming and scripting with R/Python
  • Geospatial data analytics with QGIS/R/Python
  • GIS, GPS and remote sensing
  • Advanced geoprocessing
  • Spatial zoning and map based decision support
  • Semivariogram and spatial autocorrelation
  • Spatial interpolation: IDW, kriging, co-kriging, spline, polynomial

Teaching Expertise

  • Mathematics (Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Linear Models)
  • Precision Agriculture & Digital Agronomy
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS, and Remote Sensing
  • Agricultural Data Science (R, Python, Excel)
  • Statistical Analysis & Experimental Design
  • Machine Learning & Predictive Modeling for Agronomy
  • Curriculum Development & Educational Design
  • Interactive Teaching Tools (Quarto, R Shiny, GitHub)
  • Academic Advising and Research Supervision
  • Field-Based & Applied Learning (Field Trials, Labs, Greenhouses)

Languages

  • english (fluent)
  • French: native

Publications

  • Dossou-Yovo, W., Parent, S. É., Ziadi, N., & Parent, L. E. (2023). CO2 Emissions in Layered Cranberry Soils under Simulated Warming. Soil Systems, 7(1), 3. https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8789/7/1/3
  • Dossou-Yovo, W., Parent, S.-É., M., Ziadi, N., Parent, E. and Parent, L.E. Tea Bag Index to Assess Carbon Decomposition Rate in Cranberry Agroecosystems, " Soil Systems 5.3 (2021): 44. https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8789/5/3/44
  • Parent, S.-É., Dossou-Yovo, W., Ziadi, N., Leblanc, M., Tremblay, G., Pellerin, A., and Parent, L.E. Corn response to banded phosphorus fertilizers with or without manure application in Eastern Canada. Agronomy Journal. 112(3), 2176-2187. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20115
  • Dossou-yovo, W. 2017. Corn response to phosphorus fertilization according to local pedoclimatic conditions, Quebec City QC. Master's thesis, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Laval University.