Caleb Lewis completed his PhD in biochemistry at the University of the West Indies. His studies focused on identifying the main junctures within the cacao plant that facilitate Cd accumulation in cacao beans. However, this led to wider curiosity in the ionome of the plant, its impact on plant physiology and morphology, as well as the interactions between these factors and the environment. Caleb considers himself very inquisitive and highly motivated to use the skills he has developed to improve the safety and productivity of the agricultural sector within the Latin American and Caribbean region using a climate inclusive approach. To this goal, he has authored several leading publications in the field of Cd in cocoa.

Currently, Caleb works as a consultant under the IICA-managed project, “Improving capacity building and knowledge sharing to support management of cadmium levels in cocoa in Latin America and the Caribbean”, where he uses his expertise to help develop national policies that support the mitigation of Cd in cocoa produced in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.