Research

My research focuses on understanding the long-term interactions between wildfire, vegetation, and climate change. By analyzing charcoal records, fossil pollen, sediment cores, historical datasets, and GIS mapping, I reconstruct past wildfire activity and vegetation dynamics in California’s fire-prone landscapes. My work aims to identify how natural and human-driven fire regimes have shaped ecosystems over time and how this knowledge can inform modern fire management policies.

Additionally, I explore the policy implications of fire history research, evaluating how past and present regulations have influenced wildfire patterns and ecological change. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining paleoecology, geography, and environmental policy, I seek to contribute to sustainable land management strategies that enhance climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

At UCLA, I work with Dr. Glen MacDonald. I previously worked in Dr. Sara Hotchkiss’ PaleoEcology and Quaternary Paleoclimatology group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have also been advised by Dr. Debra Willard (USGS) and Dr. Miriam Jones (USGS).

Check out my research

Education

Ph.D. Geography

University of California, Los Angeles (In Progress)

M.S. Botany

University of Wisconsin-Madison 2023

B.S. Applied Botany (Environmental Botany and Palynology)

University of Lagos, Nigeria 2019

Job

Between my bachelor’s and master’s studies, I worked for approximately two years as an Environmental Consultant at AquaEarth Consulting. In this role, I was actively engaged in environmental planning, impact assessment, management, monitoring, and auditing across multiple sectors, including power, maritime, and oil & gas in Nigeria. My responsibilities required a deep understanding of environmental regulations, sustainability frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure strict compliance with industry and governmental standards.