Dr. Niyigena holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Rwanda as well as a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Arkansas, in the United States. He currently works as the Director of Extension and Applied Research at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Prior to joining RICA, he worked as assistant professor and state animal science extension specialist for Alabama Cooperative Extension at Alabama A&M University, in the United States. Dr. Niyigena assumed other different roles through his career such as working as a Postdoctoral researcher for United States Department of Agriculture, Managing Director for Upwards Consulting Ltd, and Technical Farmer Field School Assistant at Rwanda Agriculture Board. His research interest focuses on dietary manipulations to improve animal feed use efficiency and mitigate negative impacts of livestock production systems to the environment. Dr. Valens has international experience in developing extension programs that help farmers access research-based information required to improve their farm operations.  He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), and Fulbright Alumnae Association. He has published multiple scientific journals on sustainable livestock production systems.