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.
- Citations 269
- h-index 9
- i10-index 8
Notable Publication