From farm fields to future technologies

From smallholder farms in Nigeria to advanced agricultural engineering research in Canada, Uduak Edet's career has been driven by a desire to develop practical solutions that help farmers work more safely and efficiently. 

Edet joined the Department of Biosystems Engineering as an Assistant Professor on July 1, 2026.

His research will be exploring how engineering, data, and emerging technologies can help improve the performance and reliability of agricultural machinery. As a teacher, he is passionate about helping students apply engineering principles to real-world agricultural challenges. Learn more about his journey to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

What was your academic journey?

I am an agricultural machinery researcher, educator, and extension professional with a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Uyo, an MSc in Biological Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, and a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba. 

Since joining UM in 2016, I have held research, teaching, extension, and industry-focused roles. As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I led industry-driven research on grain bin safety technologies and contributed to product development, commercialization, and patents. 

Most recently, I served as an Agricultural Research Extension Engineer, where I established the University of Manitoba Agricultural Engineering Resource (UM-RAE), supported collaborative agricultural systems R&D with industry partners, producer groups, and government, and facilitated knowledge transfer to support the agricultural sector and stakeholder engagement. I have also taught courses at the diploma, undergraduate, and graduate levels.

Why did you get into this area of study? 

I have always been interested in how engineering can solve practical, real-world problems. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed my grandparents and local farmers dedicate long hours to cultivating small plots of land using manual tools. Seeing the physical demands, inefficiencies, and time constraints associated with traditional farming practices sparked my desire to pursue a career in biosystems engineering to develop engineering solutions that could improve agricultural productivity and reduce the burden on farmers. This early experience continues to motivate my work in creating innovative technologies that enhance the performance and operability of farm machinery.

One interesting part of my career journey has been the transition from studying agricultural engineering in Nigeria to conducting advanced research and teaching in Canada. It has been rewarding to see how engineering connects diverse environments (from smallholder farming systems to highly mechanized Canadian agriculture) and how engineering innovations can make a meaningful impact across different scales. 

What are you seeking to explore with your research?

I am seeking to explore how mechanistic and data-driven modelling, supported by smart sensing, can be used to predict and optimize agricultural machinery performance under variable soil, crop, and operating conditions. Agricultural machinery performance is strongly shaped by its interaction with changing field conditions. By integrating computational modelling, machine learning, and experimental validation, I aim to develop tools that would improve equipment reliability, adaptability, and efficiency while reducing development time.

Will you be teaching?

Yes, I will be teaching Biosystems Engineering Design #1 in Fall 2026 and Precision Agriculture in Winter 2027. 

What excites me most about teaching is the opportunity to inspire, guide, and mentor the next generation of biosystems engineers. Agriculture is rapidly evolving, and I feel privileged to contribute to the development of students who will help shape the future of food production. I also enjoy helping students connect engineering principles with real-world agricultural challenges, and I find it rewarding to see them gain confidence, understand complex concepts, and apply their knowledge to solve meaningful design problems.

When you aren't at UM what do you like to do? 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, playing soccer, and volunteering at my church’s food bank. I also participate in science competitions and outreach activities that create opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and develop an interest in engineering.