Off-Campus Tidbits |

Two Howard University PhD candidates, Olabisi Atofarati and Chukwudi Ikegwu, have been selected for the Ecological Society of America’s prestigious Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award, marking a major achievement for the university’s growing research presence in global ecology and conservation policy. Their selection reflects both scientists’ rising influence in biodiversity research and Howard’s expanding footprint in environmental leadership.

Both students conduct research under Dr. Lotanna Micah Nneji, an Assistant Professor of Biology and Principal Investigator of the Nneji Ecology, Genetics, Evolution, and Conservation Lab—an innovative research group focused on biodiversity in the Global South. Though their areas differ—one studying fish, the other amphibians—their paths converge around a shared commitment to bringing science into policy conversations.

A Journey From Nigeria to D.C. in Pursuit of Aquatic Conservation

For Olabisi Atofarati, the road to Howard University spans continents and years of academic refinement.

“I chose Howard University for my PhD because of its strong commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and impactful research,” he says, adding that working under Dr. Nneji—whose work closely aligns with his own interests in aquatic biodiversity and conservation genomics—was a decisive factor.

Atofarati holds a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Environmental Biology from the University of Abuja. These experiences ignited her passion for fish biodiversity, community‑based conservation, and the use of molecular tools to answer ecological questions.

At Howard, Atofarati studies fish diet composition and gut microbiome diversity using DNA metabarcoding techniques. Her research examines how feeding patterns and microbial communities can reveal ecosystem changes, pollution impacts, and fisheries sustainability challenges.

“My work enhances understanding of how environmental stressors affect fish populations and overall aquatic ecosystem functioning,” she explains. “In many regions, long‑term ecological data are scarce, so research like this is essential for making informed decisions.”

Atofarati became involved with the Ecological Society of America to stay connected with the broader ecological research community. When she learned about the McCarter Policy Award, she applied without hesitation.

“As a researcher whose work has real‑world relevance for biodiversity, food security, and community livelihoods, I felt compelled to learn more about how science can inform policy,” she says. “Engaging with policymakers helps bridge that gap.”

After completing her PhD, she hopes to build a career at the intersection of ecological research and environmental governance. “I want to contribute to evidence‑based decision‑making, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management,” she says. “Ultimately, my research benefits the general public by supporting healthy aquatic ecosystems that communities depend on.”

Mapping Amphibian Biodiversity in Africa’s Montane Landscapes

While Atofarati explores aquatic systems, Ikegwu delves into the world of amphibians—critical bioindicators whose health reflects broader environmental conditions.

“When I was searching for a PhD program, I was intentional about finding an environment that would strengthen my technical skills and prepare me for long‑term impact in conservation biology,” he says.

He found that very environment in Dr. Nneji’s lab.

“I was particularly drawn to Dr. Nneji’s extensive work on African amphibians,” he explains. “His scholarship and mentorship reflected the rigorous, globally relevant scientific training I was seeking.”

Ikegwu’s research centers on amphibian biodiversity in understudied African montane ecosystems, regions of immense ecological significance but insufficient scientific attention. He integrates machine learning, macroecological modeling, spatial analysis, and environmental DNA fieldwork to map species distributions, understand biodiversity patterns, and predict how climate change might reshape habitats.

“These montane systems hold exceptional biodiversity, yet they face rapid environmental change,” he says. “There are major data gaps, and my work aims to generate rigorous, policy‑relevant information that can guide conservation planning.”

Like Atofarati, Ikegwu’s interest in the ESA award comes from a desire to connect research to policy.

“My advisor consistently emphasizes the importance of participating in decision‑making processes,” he notes. “When I learned about the McCarter Award, I saw it as an opportunity to expand my impact and better understand how science informs policy.”

After earning his PhD, Ikegwu aims to become a conservation scientist and eventually a faculty member who mentors future researchers, particularly those from underrepresented regions.

“I want to lead integrative biodiversity research that addresses complex environmental challenges,” he says. “My work directly benefits the public because amphibians help us detect changes in freshwater systems, forests, and other ecosystems that communities rely on.”

Howard’s Research Leadership on the Global Stage

The recognition of Atofarati and Ikegwu highlights Howard University’s growing leadership in conservation science, especially across the Global South. Their research areas—fish and amphibians—may differ, but their goals are deeply aligned: to produce science that guides real‑world decision‑making and protects vulnerable ecosystems on which millions of people depend.

Both students are contributing to a new wave of conservation scholarship—one rooted in rigorous science, community impact, and policy‑driven outcomes.

Their achievements not only elevate their individual careers but also demonstrate Howard University’s commitment to training scientists who can translate research into action.