Academic Career
Dr Sijeh Asuk is a scientist in the field of geography and environmental science with focus in tropical forest ecology, remote sensing for climate-ecosystems study and tree reproductive phenology.
- 2018 - 2023: PhD Geography & Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2021: Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management, The City and Guild of London Institute, UK
- 2020: Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2013 - 2016: MSc Forest Biometrics, University of Calabar, Nigeria
- 2005 - 2010: Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Professional Career
- 2023 onwards: University Teacher in Physical Geography, Loughborough University, UK
- 2023: Research Assistant, TREEMORT project, School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2021: Pump-priming Research Fund - School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham
- 2020 onwards: Member ForestPlots.net
- 2020 onwards: Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)
- 2020 onwards: Member, International Society for Tropical Forestry, Nigeria Chapter
- 2018-2023: Postgraduate Teaching Assistant/Demonstrator, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2018 onwards: Member, British Ecological Society
- 2018 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Merit PhD Scholarship Award – Nigeria
- 2016-2018: Lecturer, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria
- 2013-2016: Assistant Lecturer, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Sijeh Asuk is a researcher specialized in tropical forest ecology, ecosystem service provisioning, and the effect of resource utilization by humans and climate variability on forest ecosystems. His research scope also includes the application of remote sensing and statistical methods in understanding the long-term impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and monitoring the reproductive phenology of tropical forest trees.
Among his notable contributions is a study on the effects of human foraging on tree diversity in tropical rainforests, published in Biotropica. This work bridges the gap between advanced research and its practical implications on human communities dependent on forest ecosystems. Sijeh has pioneered a two-year baseline tropical tree phenological monitoring dataset, which is remarkable for an understudied area.
Sijeh's current research endeavours aim to explore and provide more insights into sustainable human-environment interactions, long-term phenological monitoring, and advanced geographical modelling. His work contributes not only to the scientific understanding of these issues but also has practical implications for biodiversity conservation in tropical ecosystems and beyond.
Sijeh teaches a range of module in physical geography at both undergraduate and master's levels, blending classroom learning with field-based experiences. The modules mainly include biogeography, conservation management, forest ecology, quantitative methods, and research-informed environmental management.
- Asuk, S.A., Matthews, T.J., Sadler, J.P., Pugh, T. A. M., Ebu, V.T., Ifebueme, N.M. & Kettridge, N. 2023. Impact of human foraging on tree diversity, composition, and abundance in a tropical rainforest. Biotropica, 55(1):232-245.
- Asuk, S.A. & Nchor A.A. 2018. Challenges of Community-based Ecotourism Development in Southern Eastern Nigeria: Case Study of Iko Esai Community. Journal of Scientific Research & Reports, 20(1):1-10.
- Asuk, S.A., Ebu, V.T. & Ifebueme, N.M. 2018. Assessment of community-based ecotourism prospects in southern Nigeria: Case study of Iko Esai Community. Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res., 6(7):111-121.
- Asuk, S.A., Offiong, E.E., Ifebueme, N.M. & Akpaso, E.O. 2018. Species composition and diversity of mangrove swamp forest in southern Nigeria. Int J Avian & Wildlife Biol., 3(2):159-164.
- Nchor A.A. & Asuk, S.A. 2018. Perception of the Status of Iko-Esai Community Forest, Akamkpa Local Government, Cross River State, Nigeria. Advances in Research, 17(5):1-10.
- Bukie, J.O., Ebu, V.T. & Asuk, S.A., 2017. Effects of Farming Activities on the Population of Three Sympatric Species of Guenons in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 10(3):1-8.
- Ogar, D.A., Asuk, S.A. & Umanah, I.E. 2016. ‘Forest Cover Change in Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria’. Applied Tropical Agriculture, 21(1): 183-189.
- Ogogo, A.U., Asuk, S.A. & Ikpeme, R.V. 2014. Evaluation of the anti-poaching programme of the cross river National Park Okwango Division, Nigeria 2002 to 2013. Open Journal of Forestry, 4(5): 507-511.