As a plant pathologist, Pamela is keenly interested in learning molecular techniques and skills in order to precisely diagnose and identify plant disease causal agents, study disease epidemiology and develop disease control strategies. Pamela wants to establish a functional bean pathology laboratory at the National Agricultural Research Organization where researchers can efficiently diagnose and identify diseases, study their epidemiology and devise control strategies. Her inclination is towards biological control of plant diseases. Such control is environmentally friendly and occurs widely in nature. She wants to determine if microorganisms in the soil can suppress diseases and help determine a control strategy. Pamela says her greatest desire is to contribute towards alleviation of hunger and poverty in Africa, by helping farmers achieve long-lasting solutions to crop diseases.