Titilayo Tajudeen

2023 – 2024 Global Change Research Fellow

Statement of purpose:

I am a first-year Ph.D. student at the Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State University. I recently completed my M.Sc. degree in Forestry, with my research focusing on developing biomass models from remote sensing data to assess the importance of the Bald Cypress knees in forested wetland ecosystems. Prior to coming to the States, I earned my B.Sc. in Geography and Planning from Nigeria, where I grew up. My research back in my home country focuses on changing climate, green infrastructure, and crop production. I love the grandeur and beauty of nature and the benefits it provides to a greater society. I am passionate about the environment and interested in employing quantitative and qualitative approaches to understanding forest ecosystems and natural landscapes. With the challenges posed by climate change, the hope lies in the collective efforts to protect the uniqueness of nature for future generations. Therefore, the Global Change Research Fellowship will equip me with the necessary tools, skills, and hands-on experience to conduct cutting-edge research to solve global change problems. These experiences will also help me develop quality interdisciplinary research skills and further improve my leadership and engagement skills, which will help me excel academically and professionally.

Description of research:

Climate change is a major global concern, greatly reshaping the environment and continuously altering the earth’s ecosystems. The application of remote sensing technology is vital for quantifying this change and how it drives surface water resources and vegetation in the future. Therefore, I intend to contribute to the existing scientific literature by exploring how geospatial data can be employed to manage surface water and forest resources to enhance tactical and informed decisions. My research encompasses climate and forest dynamic modeling to monitor the rate of change in climate systems and its effect on forest ecosystems, water resources, and wetlands. I am also interested in evaluating how various forest management practices can be employed to mitigate flooding and improve surface water quality and quantity. My passion and dedication to quantifying forest characteristics and water resources in the face of changing climate will help inform decisions in meeting water demand (both in quantity and quality) and enhance forest productivity for sustainable development.

Contact Information:

Email: tttajude@ncsu.edu

Faculty Advisor:

Katherine Martin (Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, NCSU)