Jean Wildort Félix is originally from Ouanaminthe (Northeast, Haiti), born into a large family of ten children, including eight daughters and two sons. He is the eighth child and the first son. The son of Emmanuel Félix and Lucina Pierre, both of whom are now deceased, he grew up in an environment shaped by strong family ties and a culture of solidarity.
Félix is an agronomist and biochemist specializing in plant biofortification and omics approaches, particularly proteomics and metabolomics. His research focuses on addressing the global challenge of food security, specifically combating iron deficiency through agronomic biofortification of staple crops such as beans. In addition, his pioneering work on coconut seed biochemistry, including the development of the very first protein extraction protocol from coconut water, has led to significant advances in the understanding of recalcitrant seeds and oilseed biochemistry.
Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy: Specialization in Soil Management and Irrigation.
In 2009, Jean Wildort Félix enrolled at the prestigious Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), Dominican Republic, where he specialized in agronomy, with a concentration in soil and irrigation. His choice of specialization was motivated by his desire to contribute to agricultural development and food security by applying science to improve farming practices.
His undergraduate thesis, defended on June 14, 2015, focused on population density and the effect of chicken manure doses on the intensive production of Moringa oleifera Lam. foliage. This study aimed to optimize moringa productivity—a plant with exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties—by exploring sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods.
Master’s in Agri-Food Sciences: Commitment to Biofortification.
Jean Wildort Félix was awarded an excellence scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Agri-Food Sciences at the Universidad Autónoma de Juárez de Tabasco (UJAT), Mexico. His field of specialization, biofortification, is now considered a fundamental tool in the fight against malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
During his two years of research, he worked on enriching two varieties of black beans with iron, testing two distinct methods: an edaphic application (soil-based) and a foliar application (leaf spraying). His goal was to determine the effect of iron on mineral content, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of beans, a staple food in many parts of the world.
His laboratory expertise expanded further during a research stay at the Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo (CIAD) in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, from April to June 2019. There, he strengthened his skills in biochemical analyses and advanced agri-food studies. He obtained his master’s degree on March 20, 2020, establishing himself among the most promising young researchers in the field.
PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: A Major Scientific Breakthrough.
In September 2020, he joined the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY), where he carried out groundbreaking research on the proteome of solid coconut endosperm. His work focused particularly on the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, contributing to a deeper understanding of this tropical resource.
His scientific contribution is notable, as he developed the first-ever protein extraction protocol from coconut liquid endosperm (coconut water)—a breakthrough that opened new possibilities for the study of recalcitrant seeds, which are difficult to store and utilize.
As part of his doctoral studies, Félix also completed a one-semester academic stay at the prestigious University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he conducted research on wheat metabolomics and proteomics in different soil types. This innovative research involved the integration of biosolids and in-depth analysis of:
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), persistent environmental contaminants,
- PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products), which affect soil and crop quality,
- Heavy metals, and their impact on plant nutrition and human health.
His doctoral research focused on the proteomic analysis of two coconut varieties, investigating the maturation stages of coconut endosperm, and exploring biofortification techniques in beans to enhance their iron content for improved nutritional value.
Félix has contributed to numerous scientific publications and presented his findings at international conferences. His expertise spans a wide range of scientific techniques, including mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and data analysis using tools such as SAS and Minitab.
Achievements and Distinctions
Fluent in French, Haitian Creole, English, and Spanish, Félix is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. His academic and scientific journey has been recognized with prestigious awards, highlighting the excellence of his research and his commitment to scientific innovation:
🏆 Best Master’s Thesis Award (2021): His research on iron biofortification of black beans was recognized for its originality, scientific impact, and practical application in nutrition and food security.
🎓 PhD with CUM LAUDE Distinction (2025): This honorary distinction rewarded his academic excellence, the outstanding quality of his dissertation, and the significance of his contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology.
Together with his brother Benjy Félix, Jean Wildort Félix co-founded Talents of Haiti, an innovative educational and scientific program dedicated to empowering Haitian youth. The initiative aims to strengthen young people’s understanding of their environment and societal challenges through a hands-on, science-based learning approach.
Talents of Haiti is distinguished by its strong integration of theory and practice, enabling participants to transform academic knowledge into practical skills. The program uses science as a central tool for analysis, experimentation, and problem-solving, fostering critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and creativity among young learners.
Through experiential activities, scientific projects, and age-appropriate educational modules, Talents of Haiti raises awareness of environmental protection, sustainable development, and responsible resource management. The program also promotes autonomy, scientific rigor, and civic engagement, preparing participants to become informed, innovative, and responsible agents of change within their communities.
By placing science at the core of youth education and development, Talents of Haiti positions itself as a strategic initiative for talent development, innovation promotion, and long-term human capital strengthening in Haiti.
Through his innovative research and dedication to addressing global food security challenges, Jean Wildort Félix continues to make significant contributions to the fields of agronomy and plant biochemistry.
PhD. Jean Wildort Félix 