Associate Professor, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders representing various identities, voices and perspectives. List any identities, voices and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

I bring a uniquely global, interdisciplinary, and collaboration-centered perspective to the Near-Surface Geophysics community and AGU leadership. I represent a transnational scientific identity, having been educated and professionally active across Nigeria, Germany, Canada, and the United States, positioning me as a bridge between the Global South and Global North scientific communities. As an African-German scientist and immigrant scholar working in the United States, I will contribute a perspective often underrepresented in the geophysics and Earth sciences leadership. My lived experience navigating diverse academic, cultural, and socioeconomic systems informs inclusive, globally aware decision-making.

I also represent a diaspora engagement voice, evidenced by my participation in Germany’s Diaspora Experts Initiative and sustained collaborations with African institutions. I bring a capacity-building, mentorship and knowledge-transfer perspective, focused on strengthening scientific infrastructure and education. My research which connects geophysics with hydrology, ecology and societal challenges (e.g., water security, climate impacts, contamination) adds a solutions-oriented, community-engaged voice. Additionally, my leadership experience in AGU and SEG highlights a service-driven, globally networked perspective. I should also mention that I am a first-generation international scholar with experience in academic mobility, mentorship of diverse students, and cross-disciplinary collaborative research, which would further enrich AGU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

Volunteer experience that you feel relates to this position:

Chair, Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), Near Surface Technical Section - 2024-25; Vice Chair, Hydrogeophysics Sub-Committee, AGU - 2025-26; Award Committee Member and Chair, Near Surface Geophysics, AGU - 2018-23; Chair, Global Subcommittee, SEG, Near Surface Technical Session - 2019-21; Member, Committee on Defining Research and Teaching Priorities that Could be Advanced Through a Near-Surface Geophysics Center led by AGU

Section presidents and presidents-elect serve as members of the AGU Council and lead their sections. The AGU Council is a diverse forum of perspectives that meets throughout the year to provide input to the AGU Board, staff, and other parts of the organization. Three communities within the Council - committee chairs, section leaders, and students and early career scientists - serve different roles in AGU and bring unique viewpoints to ongoing discussions.

This role aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. This leadership position is a dual role: helping to advance AGU’s strategic plan as a member of Council; and leading your section. How would you support the Board, staff and other sections to achieve AGU’s vision, values, mission, and goals? How will you engage with members of your section to execute AGU’s strategic plan?

I plan to support the AGU Board, staff, and sections by advancing a globally connected, solutions-oriented scientific community aligned with AGU’s mission to combine scientific discovery with societal impact. Drawing on my interdisciplinary Near-Surface Geophysics, Hydrology and Ecosystem Science research expertise and international experience, I would aim to strengthen cross-section collaboration to bridge fundamental science and applied challenges (e.g., in water security and climate resilience). I will actively promote open science, emerging technologies, and geophysical data integration to enhance the usability and impact of AGU science. My record of international partnerships positions me to help AGU expand its equitable global collaborations and co-create knowledge with diverse communities, supporting AGU’s goal of broad and inclusive partnerships.

Within the Near-Surface Geophysics section, my goal would be to foster an inclusive, engaged, and forward-looking scientific community. I will aim to prioritize mentoring and leadership pathways for students and early career scientists from all background and expand representation and participation from underrepresented and international scientists, strengthening the talent pipeline. I will work on expanding the Near-Surface Geophysics section programming through workshops, short courses, and interdisciplinary sessions that integrate discovery and solution-based science.

I would also emphasize community building and communication, creating platforms for dialogue across disciplines and career stages, and encourage member driven initiatives. I would cultivate a culture of open engagement that reflects AGU’s core values. Ultimately, my leadership would focus on connecting science to societal needs, empowering members, and positioning the Near-Surface Geophysics section as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and impact.