Visiting scholar Justine Nakintu seeks to discover ways to extend the shelf life of nutrient-rich jackfruit, which is available year-round in her home country of Uganda, but spoils within five days of being harvested. "In Africa, people are hungry because food is wasted," she said. "We need to preserve it so it can be eaten later." Mapping the best locations for cultivating jackfruit, based on soil suitability and climate, is another goal toward making it a value-added commodity. She has engaged 10 NMU students in lab and GIS analysis for this ambitious, international project.

Nakintu is in the midst of a 10-month research fellowship with NMU's Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department, supported by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was born in Mityana District in Central Uganda.

When she was a little girl, Nakintu's father, a businessman, motivated her to learn to read English-Uganda's official language-so she could translate newspaper articles and read to him. His friends, some of whom were doctors, would say, "Please come read for us." They inspired her to learn more, and soon she was helping her friends with their homework.

"My dad is my hero," Nakintu said, as she recalled how he believed in her from a young age. Her love of learning propelled her to the university in Mbarara, where she initially wanted to study medicine, but was given the opportunity to study biology and chemistry. Graduating at the top of her class meant that the university retained her to pursue a master's degree while teaching labs.

Nakintu's dad had taught her to look for opportunities, so she jumped at the chance to pursue a doctorate and to gain international experience in molecular biology in Germany. She attended Justus Liebig University in Giessen, and then was in a research institute in Frankfurt for three months.

"I wanted an international fellowship because it is important to connect with the outside world to build international connections," she said, adding that she became fascinated by how other countries run their educational systems.

Back in Uganda. Nakintu was appointed lecturer in the Department of Biology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She was eager for more international experience, and a connection between her adviser and NMU Professor Robert Legg led her to apply to spend the year in Marquette, and she was successful in obtaining the AAUW fellowship that brought her to Northern in September 2024. Nakintu has found that people at Northern and in Marquette are welcoming.

"Everyone is willing to help," she said. "If they don't have the answer, they will find out who can assist."

She appreciates that NMU's faculty, staff, and administrators worked hard to meet tight deadlines to finalize the fellowship arrangement, and NMU affiliates who offered housing. Nakintu has also benefitted from the mentoring program for international faculty that EEGS Associate Professor Weronika Kusek launched as Provost Fellow.

When asked during the previous semester about her favorite experiences in Marquette, Nakintu mentioned autumn nature walks and picking up colorful leaves.

"Fall is so beautiful here! To watch the leaves turn from green to red to maroon and yellow was impressive," she said, then joked, "I'm not sure about the coming weather, though."

Nakintu might spend more time cooking, a favorite pastime, this winter. She also wants to learn more about the culture here, including how to make sausage.

"Making sausages is an example of value addition; the food can be preserved for a long time," she added.

This material was contributed by the EEGS Department at NMU and included in its most recent newsletter.