Jedy takes an open and inclusive approach with her students, partnering with them to define their research and professional paths, guiding them through graduate programs in science, medicine, and biotechnology, and ultimately preparing them for the best-fit opportunities that advance their education and future careers.

Location:
West Springfield, Massachusetts

Education:
Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Plant Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
MSc., Biology, East Tennessee State University
BSc., Microbiology, University of Zambia

Bio:

Jedy received her Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst in the Plant Biology Program, where she studied in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department. Her research focuses on the beneficial interactions between bacteria and plants and the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to understand how these interactions contribute to healthy and sustainable food. Her research has received prestigious awards from numerous organizations, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O), International Peace Scholarship, and the Harvard University Cunin/Sigal Research Award of the Arnold Arboretum.

Throughout her graduate school career, Jedy has mentored and taught biology, genetics, microbiology, and laboratory research to both undergraduate and high school students interested in STEM and medical school, all from diverse ethnic, cultural, social, and educational backgrounds. In her mentorship, she strives to create an open, inclusive, and equal environment where every student can flourish and succeed. Her research mentees proceed to a variety of professional paths that include medical school, graduate school, and biotechnology internships and jobs, making her a valuable resource to students seeking the best-fit research opportunities that advance their scholarship and careers.

Jedy recently received the “Future Leaders Award of Higher Education” for her innovation in research teaching and learning from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).

Jedy’s Research Focus   

• Microbiology/bacteria-plant interactions
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
• Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
• STEM Education

Jedy’s Scholarly Activity  

Ayande, R. E., & Chilufya, J. (2021). Two african immigrant graduate students reflect on food access, food (in) security, and community during the pandemic. Food and Foodways, 29(4), 391-402.

Chilufya, J. Y., Devaiah, S. P., Sante, R. R., & Kilaru, A. (2015). Endocannabinoid-like lipids in plants. eLS, 1-9.

Chilufya, J. Y. (2016). Anandamide-Mediated Growth Changes in Physcomitrella patens.

Kilaru, A., Shinde, S., Chilufya, J., Haq, I., Devaiah, S., & Welti, R. (2017). Mammalian Endocannabinoids in Early Land Plants and their Implications.

Chilufya, J., Mohensi, K., & Kilaru, A. (2015). The Role of Anandamide in Biotic Stress Tolerance in Mosses.

Chilufya, J., Devaiah, S., & Kilaru, A. (2015). Effects of Anandamide on Development, Growth and Cellular Organization of Physcomitrella Patens.

Kilaru, A., Haq, I., Chilufya, J., Devaiah, S., Shinde, S., & Welti, R. (2017). Novel Polyunsaturated N-acylethanolamines (NAE) and Their Role in Physcomitrella Patens.

Chilufya, J., & Kilaru, A. (2016). Analyses of Anandamide-Mediated Growth Inhibition in Physcomitrella Patens.

Kilaru, A., Chilufya, J., Shinde, S., Devaiah, S., & Welti, R. (2017). Discovery and Implications of a Mammalian Endocannabinoid Ligand in Moss.

Shinde, S., Chilufya, J., Devaiah, S., Welti, R., & Kilaru, A. (2017). Anandamide-Mediated Growth, Morphological and Cellular Changes in Physcomitrella Patens.