My name is Karimot O. Shobowale, and my journey in environmental science began in Ogun State, Nigeria, where I studied Environmental Management and Toxicology at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. It was there that I first learned how closely human activities are tied to the health of our ecosystems. Those early experiences shaped my passion for understanding environmental problems and, more importantly, finding ways to protect human health through better environmental practices.
Driven by this interest, I went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management at the University of Lagos. During this period, I gained hands-on experience with toxicity testing and learned how different toxicants affect living organisms. This deepened not only my academic understanding but also my desire to support communities struggling with environmental challenges. My internship with the Environmental Law Research Institute gave me the opportunity to speak directly with residents affected by flooding, listen to their stories, and help connect them with government resources. That experience reinforced my belief that environmental science should always be connected to community needs.
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at Arkansas State University, where I continue to grow academically and professionally. My research focuses on how land use change, agricultural activities, and watershed disturbances influence water quality. I conduct upstream and downstream ecological assessments using macro-invertebrate surveys, because these organisms tell powerful stories about the health of river systems. My interest lies in how agricultural runoff affects nutrient levels, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause eutrophication, a significant problem in many U.S. waterways. I am also investigating the effectiveness of different algal bloom remediation chemicals and how they may impact non-target species, ensuring that solutions do not create new problems in the ecosystem.
Through my work, I aim to understand nutrient pollution dynamics while exploring sustainable ways to protect aquatic environments, especially in communities that rely on these water resources. This research is not just academic to me, it represents a commitment to safeguarding ecosystems and supporting the communities that depend on them.
I am sincerely grateful to the organizers of the CEKTRA/CEHA awards for recognizing my efforts. This recognition means so much to me, as it affirms the value of the work I am doing and encourages me to keep pushing toward more impactful and meaningful research. Their support has strengthened my motivation to continue contributing to the fields of aquatic ecology and environmental toxicology in ways that serve both science and society.
