EDUCATION 1991-1995 Bsc. Agriculture at the University of Nairobi 1997-1999 M.Sc. in Plant Pathology at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi 2005 Ph.D in Plant Pathology (specializing in molecular virology) 2010 Visiting Research Fellowship by Nagoya University, Japan to conduct research in the biotic constraints of rice.    

His specialization includes plant virology, plant biotechnology and microbiology. In addition to teaching, Dr. Ateka has been involved in a number of researches particularly in cassava and sweet potato virus diagnostics and characterization. Over 20 publications and book chapters attest to this fact. He has also supervised over 15 graduate students to his name. Dr. Ateka has previously consulted for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (2008-2010) specifically on the plant breeding and biotechnology capacity in sub-Saharan Africa; and for the National Council for Science and Technology on potential for value addition and opportunities for product development in biotechnology as well as the development of a biotechnology innovation system in Kenya. He is a member of the National Technical Pesticide Standards Committee.