Biography

I am a Chief Research Officer at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) in Lagos, Nigeria, where I lead research focused on marine pollution, ecosystem health, and coastal community resilience. With over 14 years of experience, I have worked extensively on understanding the impacts of contaminants—such as microplastics, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals—on Nigeria’s coastal ecosystems, particularly in the Lagos Lagoon.

My work blends science with advocacy. I have used drone and machine learning technology to map plastic pollution hotspots, and I actively engage with government agencies and local stakeholders to translate research into policies that protect our marine environment and support vulnerable coastal populations. I have also represented Nigeria at the UN negotiations on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), advocating for equity and ocean justice at the global level.

Mentoring young scientists, especially women in STEM, is a passion of mine. I serve as a mentor with several international programs, including the New York Academy of Sciences and 1000Girls, 1000Futures. I also contribute to global scientific leadership as the first African elected to the Board of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), and I am a former Beahr’s Environmental Leadership Fellow at UC Berkeley.

As a Coastal Institute Fellow, I look forward to contributing my expertise in coastal pollution, policy engagement, and inclusive science. I am particularly excited about opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community-based solutions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of coastal systems, both in Rhode Island and globally.