My aspirations about environmental botany and palynology

I am diligent, keen and innovative individual who put his best into whatever he finds doing in order to achieve set goals and objectives and always thirsty for knowledge. I completed my undergraduate studies in Botany with a full concentration in Environmental Botany and Palynology, where I graduated with a second class upper in faculty of science, University of Lagos in 2012. I found that Environmental Botany and Palynology was an interdisciplinary undertaking and one needs foundation in chemistry (Organic and Inorganic), Physics and Computer science to be at the forefront in this subject. The interdisciplinary aspect suits my abilities well and I found it challenging to apply the knowledge to practical problems. For this reason, I chose to undertake a written undergraduate thesis: “ Application of Palynology in the Environment and Taxonomy of Phanerogams”. Where I craved the indulgence of taxonomist to focus on plant pollens in classification and how helpful these pollens are in the environment, most especially at a crime scene, climate studies, and Paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The seminar was duly supervised by a renowned Paleobotanist/Palynologist in University of Lagos; Dr. Peter Gbenga Adeonipekun, who also gave me a recommendation into my intended graduate school at Georgia State University. I excelled in courses in Environmental Botany including Paleobotany, Palynology, Forensic Botany and Environmental Pollution Monitoring (Top 10%) as listed on my transcript. I was appointed as the Department of Botany Representative at the parliamentary council of University of Lagos Science Student Association (ULSSA) 2012.

The research area of Paleoenvironment, Paleobotany and Palynology in Environmental and Life Sciences fascinated me. I haven’t fully explored this course of study during my undergraduate years and thus, my desire to further in a school with exceptional facilities, suitable learning environment, flexible curriculum that provides cutting-edge solutions and expertise in the method I hope to explore.

I did a six month industrial training at Shodex Beautification Landmark, an Environmental and Horticultural company in Lagos, working at the Nursery Department. During National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I felt I should acquire some practical experience working in a teaching environment to gain a first-hand knowledge of what the life of a teacher entails. I was posted to Igbere Secondary School, Abia State to teach Biology (at Senior Secondary classes) and Basic science (at Junior secondary classes). I am currently a Field Supervisor at King and Akins Nigeria limited, an Environmental company, which is also a Private Sector Participant (PSP) Contractor to Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), where we are currently sanitizing all Lagos State Schools in Somolu, Lagos Mainland, Kosofe and Amuwo-Odofin local Government Areas Georgia State University is an ideal place to continue my research from my findings on the website and has the specialty areas that interest me. I am also excited to interact with Prof. Lawrence Kiage, whose work is closest to what I want to pursue for the original research component of master degree and he has included my name on his research team webpage.

Studying in USA offers me the opportunity to study in one of the friendliest , safest and one of the best international learning center. It is well known for its quality education across the globe and particularly, quality environmental studies. An extremely popular choice for international students, A lively and diverse place. The country has low crime rates and most American universities have support and safety networks set up especially for international students.

In conclusion, I’m very optimistic about my experience if given a student visa into Georgia State University outstanding program. My career plans in this field include furthering for a Doctoral Degree, becoming a consultant to NNPC, Shell, Chevron and some Environmental companies while lecturing in a Nigerian University to nurture brilliant young minds. I would also like to be in a position of power where I can influence the usefulness of Palynology in Environmental development and Crime solving (Forensic Palynology) with the knowledge and exposure studying in USA would have given me.