Dr Abigail Dawit is a Research Assistant within the Banana Biotechnology Program since May 2021 at the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy (CAB), Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Abigail is currently working on molecular characterisation of transgenic and edited banana lines and molecular diagnostics of Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4) and banana bunchy top virus (BBTV). She is also involved in a confined field trial to evaluate different Cavendish bananas lines with resistance to TR4. Dr Dawit completed her PhD in November 2021 from QUT in biosciences focusing on improving insect resistance in legumes through breeding and application of ‘Omics, and has over nine years’ work experience in plant breeding and plant pathology. In addition, she has in-depth technical knowledge and skills of different wet and dry laboratory activities. Prior to her PhD, Dr Dawit worked at the International Potato Center (CIP) from 2012-2016. While with CIP she was involved in establishing and running the potato breeding program for sub-Saharan Africa, working in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Rwanda, germplasm management and distribution as well as potato varietal releases. Abigail has several publications in peer reviewed journals and a book chapter.