Academic history: A second-class upper in BSc in soil science and Land Management from the University of Benin, Nigeria. A distinction in MSc in Agriculture and Environmental Science from Newcastle University, UK.
Awards: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (2022), Loughborough School of Social Sciences and Humanities PhD Studentship (2023).
Professional Memberships: British Society of Soil Science, Soil Science Society of Nigeria
Personal research interests: As an aspiring environmental scientist with specialisation in soil health and management, my awareness of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address global environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion fuels my interest in researching and developing innovative solutions to these challenges to make a positive impact on the environment and society.
Research Projects: Effects of compaction by heavy agricultural machinery on soil physical properties. Effects of combined soil amendment using rock dust with fertilizer and tillage practices on soil health in agricultural systems.
Understanding how reservoirs influence riverine ecosystem health: Investigating ecosystem health in a changing climate (EcoSENSE Project 1)
PGR Supervisors: Dr Dave Ryves, Dr Helen Glanville and Dr James Reynolds
As part of the EcoSENSE cluster, this project aims to elucidate the multifaceted relationships between reservoirs, riverine ecosystems, and the challenges posed by climate change. River systems worldwide are increasingly impacted by human activities, with reservoir construction being a prominent one. Simultaneously, climate change is altering hydrological patterns, temperature regimes, and precipitation, further complicating the dynamics of these ecosystems.
The study embarks on a comprehensive exploration of these intricate interactions, focusing on three key research themes. First, it investigates the Impact of Reservoirs on Nutrient Cycling, aiming to understand how the creation and operation of reservoirs alter nutrient fluxes within riverine ecosystems. This includes examining nutrient accumulation in reservoirs and downstream consequences for water quality and overall ecosystem health, particularly in the context of a changing climate.
The second theme delves into Biodiversity and Habitat Modifications, seeking to elucidate the consequences of reservoirs on species composition and habitat quality. This involves assessing how reservoirs affect ecological niches, the distribution of species, and their adaptability to changing environmental conditions due to climate change.
The third theme of Resilience of Riverine Ecosystems in a Changing Climate explores the capacity of these ecosystems to adapt and recover from the influences of reservoirs and shifting climate patterns. Long-term monitoring will provide insights into the resilience of various species and communities and inform strategies for ecosystem restoration and management to enhance their adaptive capacity in the face of environmental changes.
Overall, the project endeavors to shed light on the intricate web of interactions between reservoirs, riverine ecosystems, and climate change, offering vital insights into the maintenance of ecosystem health. The outcomes of this study will not only contribute to scientific knowledge but will also provide valuable guidance for sustainable ecosystem management and the development of strategies that safeguard these essential environments amid an evolving climate and increasing anthropogenic influences.