Emuobosa Orijemie – Environmental Data Analysis – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Emuobosa Orijemie - Environmental Data Analysis - Best Researcher Award 

University of Ibadan - Nigeria

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Emuobosa Akpo Orijemie began his academic journey at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he earned his BSc (Hons) in Botany in 2001. His interest in environmental archaeology led him to pursue an MSc in the same field at the University of Ibadan, which he completed in 2005. He continued to deepen his expertise by obtaining a PhD in Environmental Archaeology from the same institution in 2013. His education laid a strong foundation for his future research endeavors in palynology, archaeobotany, and palaeoenvironments, particularly focusing on the tropics.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Orijemie’s professional career is marked by a series of esteemed positions and fellowships. He began as a Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Ibadan in 2010, where he was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2019. His international experience includes a Newton International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, UK (2016-2017). He has also been a Visiting Researcher and Scholar at prestigious institutions such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.

In 2022, Orijemie expanded his teaching influence as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Pure and Applied Botany at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Currently, he is an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, Jena, Germany, further enhancing his research capabilities and international collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Orijemie specializes in palynology and archaeobotany, with a keen focus on studying preserved pollen, spores, phytoliths, and dinocysts to reconstruct ancient environments and human-landscape interactions. His work is pivotal in deciphering the cultural dynamics and environmental conditions of the tropics, particularly in Africa. He employs archaeobotanical evidence to investigate food pathways, addressing food security and insecurity in African rainforests.

His research integrates palaeo-science with human-ecology data, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of human-landscape interactions within environmental contexts. Orijemie’s interdisciplinary approach has led to significant insights into the relationship between ancient human activities and environmental changes, contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of environmental archaeology and anthropology.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Orijemie has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards, underscoring his contributions to his field. Notable among these are the Newton Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Funds (£99,000.00) and the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research Fieldwork Grants (£8,500.00). His travel grants from INQUA, PALSEA, and various other institutions have facilitated his participation in international conferences and workshops, fostering global scholarly exchange.

He has also received substantial support for his research, including the MacArthur Doctoral Research Grant from the University of Ibadan (USD 2,300) and various conference travel funds from prestigious institutions such as the University of Kiel, Germany, and the International Quaternary Association (INQUA).

Impact and Influence

Dr. Orijemie’s research has had a profound impact on the understanding of palaeoenvironmental changes and human-environment interactions. His work on Holocene vegetation and climatic changes in Nigeria, published in journals like Quaternary Science Advances, provides critical insights into the historical climatic patterns and their implications for contemporary environmental issues. His interdisciplinary studies, combining palynology with archaeobotany, have advanced the knowledge of ancient agricultural practices and their environmental consequences.

His findings on the ecological consequences of iron smelting in Nigeria and the archaeobotanical legacy of agroforestry in African rainforests have been instrumental in understanding the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices. Orijemie’s research also extends to the forensic use of palynology, demonstrating its applicability in modern scientific investigations.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Orijemie’s legacy is one of pioneering research and significant academic contributions to environmental archaeology. His work continues to shape the understanding of ancient human activities and their environmental impacts, providing valuable lessons for addressing current environmental and food security challenges. As an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow, he is poised to further his research on human-environment interactions, potentially leading to new discoveries and methodologies.

Looking ahead, Orijemie aims to expand his interdisciplinary research, integrating more advanced technologies and collaborative approaches to further unravel the complexities of past human-environment interactions. His future contributions will likely continue to influence the fields of archaeology, anthropology, and environmental science, cementing his position as a leading figure in these disciplines.

Citations

A total of 269 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Ana María Blázquez Morilla – Environmental Data Analysis – Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ana María Blázquez Morilla - Environmental Data Analysis - Women Researcher Award 

Universidad Católica de Valencia - Spain

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ana María Blázquez Morilla embarked on her academic journey at the Universitat de València, where she pursued a rigorous education in geography. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1991, majoring in Geografía Física, and later obtained her Licenciatura de Grado in 1995. Her passion for physical geography led her to a doctoral program, culminating in a PhD received in 2001, with a dissertation titled "L'Albufera d'Elx: Evolución cuaternaria y reconstrucción paleoambiental a partir del estudio de los foraminíferos fósiles," which earned her the prestigious Sobresaliente Cum Laude recognition. This work laid the foundation for her future research and academic contributions.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ana María's professional career is marked by a series of positions that showcase her progression from a research and teaching associate to roles of significant administrative responsibility. Starting as a Becaria at various institutions during the early 1990s, she later took on roles as a Professor Asociado at Universitat de València multiple times between 2004 and 2011. Her industry experience includes a stint as a Tecnico Superior at INEMA INGENIEROS ASESORES, S.L., and a role as a Doctor in Empresas under the Torres Quevedo program at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In 2008, she began her long-standing affiliation with the Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, ascending from roles such as Vicedecana to eventually becoming the Decana of the Facultad de Veterinaria y Ciencias Experimentales in 2023.

Contributions and Research Focus On Environmental Data Analysis

Dr. Ana María's research interests are primarily rooted in geomorphology, sedimentology, and cartography, with a particular focus on paleontology and the physical geography of marine environments. Her early doctoral work on the quaternary evolution and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of L'Albufera d'Elx through foraminifera fossils is a testament to her dedication to understanding environmental changes over geological timescales. This expertise is further highlighted through her primary involvement in various Unesco codes related to these fields.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic career, Ana María has been recognized for her scholarly excellence and leadership in the field of geographical sciences. Her doctoral thesis was awarded Sobresaliente Cum Laude, an honor that marks exceptional academic achievement. Furthermore, her accreditation as a Profesor Titular by ANECA in 2015 underscores her competency and standing within the academic community.

Impact and Influence

As Decana of the Facultad de Veterinaria y Ciencias Experimentales, Ana María has not only influenced curriculum development but also strategic academic and administrative directions at her university. Her role as President of the Conference of Deans of the Degree in Marine Sciences further amplifies her impact, extending her influence over marine science education across Spain. Her teaching and leadership are pivotal in shaping the educational experiences and careers of future geographers and marine scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Ana María's legacy is firmly rooted in her commitment to excellence in education, research, and leadership within the realms of geography and environmental sciences. Looking ahead, her ongoing roles and research projects will likely continue to focus on the sustainable management of marine and coastal environments, leveraging her expertise in sedimentology and geomorphology. As she continues to lead and teach, Ana María Blázquez Morilla will no doubt contribute to significant advancements in understanding and managing the Earth's physical landscapes, particularly in response to environmental challenges and climate change.

Her career trajectory serves as an inspiring example for aspiring geographers and environmental scientists, demonstrating the profound impact one can have through a combination of passionate research, dedicated teaching, and visionary academic leadership.

Notable Publication