Sama Huseynova
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Detail-oriented research professional with a background in agronomy, precision agriculture, and sensor-based crop assessment. Experienced in field and laboratory research support, plant imaging, machine learning, and technical documentation, with proven ability to manage data, interpret results, and support multidisciplinary agricultural research initiatives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Agronomist (Short-term contract)
CELLAR INSIGHTS
Calgary, Alberta
08.2025 - 10.2025
- Contributed to precision agriculture research focused on VOC-based gas monitoring for potato storage systems.
- Assisted in integrating sensor data with machine learning models to detect early signs of crop stress and rot.
- Supported data analysis, visualization, and interpretation to improve agronomic decision-making and storage management.
- Collaborated directly with the Head of Product, CTO, and engineering team to align agronomic research with product development goals.
- Contributed to product roadmap discussions by identifying user challenges and proposing data-driven solutions to enhance storage efficiency and reduce losses.
Teaching Assistant (Short Contract)
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY
Truro, AB
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Delivered engaging tutorials and provided targeted academic support, contributing overall class performance and reinforcing student success.
- Clarified complex mathematical theories in one-on-one and group settings, showcasing strong communication and adaptability across diverse learning styles.
- Supported academic progress tracking by evaluating assignments and exams, contributing to process efficiency and timely feedback loops.
Field Research Intern
MCCAIN FOODS - FARM OF THE FUTURE
Florenceville-Bristol, NB
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Performed field-based research to support digital agriculture trials; used spectrophotometry, machine learning and statistical tools (Python, R) to assess nutrient levels in real time.
- Led field sampling activities, data collection, and ensured data quality control across multiple trial plots.
- Trained and supervised incoming interns on field sampling techniques and data recording protocols.
- Integrated field scouting observations (nutrient stress, canopy color) with digital sensing data to support accurate nutrient diagnosis and fertilizer recommendations.
National Consultant
FAO OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Azerbaijan
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Conducted field assessment and data collection activities across 3 pilot regions, supporting FAO project implementation through evidence-based technical reporting.
- Trained and supervised 6 enumerators in the use of measurement tools, on-farm data collection, and interview procedures to improve consistency and field data accuracy
- Coordinated interviews with 100 farmers and supported collection of production, management, and breed-related data across multiple field locations.
- Supported the measurement and documentation of 483 sheep across 31 villages and settlements, contributing to a large field dataset for phenotypic characterization and technical analysis.
- Organized field data transfer into electronic format and supported data analysis in Excel using descriptive statistics for reporting and interpretation
- Contributed to technical recommendations on herd recording, management practices, future training priorities, and field data collection improvements
Chief Agronomist
PLANT PROTECTION CENTER UNDER THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Goranboy, Azerbaijan
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Provided crop protection and agronomy guidance for cereal crops, including wheat and barley, across large production zones, overseeing more than 30,000 hectares of croplands and grazing areas.
- Used drone-based field observation and digital imaging to support monitoring of crop health, pest pressure, and infestation patterns across agricultural areas.
- Applied aerial and ground-level plant imaging in plant protection activities to assist with pest detection, field assessment, and targeted management recommendations.
- Supported mapping of insect pest infestation and crop stress patterns for precision agriculture-oriented decision-making, helping guide timely interventions and input use.
- Collected and interpreted plant imaging and crop condition data to support field diagnostics, technical reporting, and crop protection planning.
- Used digital field information and observational data to identify problem areas, prioritize response measures, and improve the efficiency of pest and weed management programs.
Researcher
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF PLANT PROTECTION AND TECHNICAL PLANTS
Ganja, Azerbaijan
07.2018 - 10.2019
- Conducted applied research on soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and fertilizer management within cotton-based cropping systems, supporting data-driven agronomic decision-making.
- Designed, implemented, and monitored agricultural field trials to evaluate fertilization regimes, soil response, crop rotation effects, and productivity outcomes.
- Managed field and laboratory operations related to agronomic experiments, including trial setup, monitoring, data collection, and documentation.
- Analyzed soil physical and chemical properties to determine nutrient requirements, assess fertilizer-use efficiency, and support interpretation of crop and soil response data.
- Supported fertilizer optimization strategies that reduced nutrient costs by approximately 10-15% for participating farms.
- Contributed to recommendations impacting more than 500 ha of crop trials and farmer-managed lands.
- Presented research findings to 50+ agricultural stakeholders through workshops and training events.
Education
Master of Science - Precision and Digital Agriculture, Machine Learning, Sensing and Automation
Dalhousie University
Truro, NS01-2026
Master of Science - Agricultural Engineering
Szent Istvan University
Godollo, Hungary01-2018
Bachelor of Science - Soil Science and Agrochemistry
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University
Ganja, Azerbaijan01-2016
Skills
- Experienced in field-based crop assessment, plant health evaluation, data collection, and UAV-supported agricultural monitoring for pest detection and field observation
- Skilled in field trial setup, monitoring, research support activities and technical report writing
- Knowledge of remote sensing workflows for plant assessment and digital phenotyping
- Familiar with image-based assessment methods for crop health and stress detection
- Experienced in AI algorithm development, machine learning, and model building for the analysis of large agricultural datasets
- Proficient in data management, statistical analysis, quality control, and interpretation of crop and sensor-derived data in research environments
Certification
• Digital Agriculture Fundamentals, Palette Skills, 06/25
• Programming with Python Professional Certificate, Python Institute, 05/24
• Pilot Certificate - Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft (VLOS), Transport Canada, 04/24
Projects
Researcher, SATREPS Project (JST, Japan), Advanced and Sustainable Methods on Water Utilization, 01/09/19, 30/09/19, Contributed to a multinational research project assessing water resources and greening potential in arid regions, using UAV/satellite data to develop water-efficient agropastoral systems for livestock and crop production (SDGs 2, 6, 15).
Awards
FAO scholarship, FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, 09/01/22
Timeline
Agronomist (Short-term contract)
CELLAR INSIGHTS
08.2025 - 10.2025
Teaching Assistant (Short Contract)
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY
09.2023 - 12.2023
Field Research Intern
MCCAIN FOODS - FARM OF THE FUTURE
02.2023 - 08.2023
National Consultant
FAO OF THE UNITED NATIONS
08.2021 - 07.2022
Chief Agronomist
PLANT PROTECTION CENTER UNDER THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
10.2019 - 09.2020
Researcher
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF PLANT PROTECTION AND TECHNICAL PLANTS
07.2018 - 10.2019
Master of Science - Precision and Digital Agriculture, Machine Learning, Sensing and Automation
Dalhousie University
Master of Science - Agricultural Engineering
Szent Istvan University
Bachelor of Science - Soil Science and Agrochemistry
Azerbaijan State Agricultural University