For Black History Month 2024, the British Ecological Society (BES) journals are celebrating the work of Black ecologists around the world and sharing their stories. In this blog, Dr Saheed Olaide Jimoh shares his story.
Biography
Name: Saheed Olaide Jimoh
Pronouns: He/Him
Affiliation: Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Wyoming, USA
Website/social media links:
Ecology interests in three keywords:
1. Functional ecology
2. Belowground plant organs
3. Community ecology
How did you get into ecology?
I grew up in a community where only a few people pursued higher education. My uncles are a major influence on my educational journey. I loved biology in secondary school and dreamed of becoming a medical doctor, but I faced setbacks trying to get into university for that course. Eventually, I enrolled in a polytechnic for electrical engineering and interned at Seal Electro-medical Systems after earning my diploma.
Determined to continue my studies, I returned to university but was admitted to study Pasture and Range Management, a field I knew nothing about. I accepted the course, hoping to switch to engineering later. However, after achieving good grades, my Head of Department refused to let me transfer to engineering or physics.
Instead of giving up, I decided to focus on excelling in the path I was given, and developed an interest in forages, particularly their role in livestock production. During my master’s program, courses like grazing management and pasture ecology deepened my interest in ecology. My research focused on the behavior of White Fulani calves on a grass-legume pasture.
My passion for ecology grew as I studied the ecological and economic impact of overgrazing in the Inner Mongolia Grasslands through the lens of policy implementation. Throughout my PhD, I further explored ecology by collaborating with peers on research to manage, conserve, and restore grasslands.
In summary, my journey has evolved from engineering to forage and animal science, and ultimately to ecology.
What are you researching/working on right now?
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Laughlin Research Lab at the University of Wyoming, studying the belowground ecology of grasslands. My research employs a trait-based approach to understand how functional traits influence ecological processes essential for sustaining ecosystem services. I specifically study bud bank dynamics and their effects on plant fitness across varying environments. My work also explores the interplay between decomposition, functional traits, climate change, and plant responses to resource availability, as well as above-and-belowground connections concerning productivity, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience. Additionally, I participated in the 6th ‘Go Belowground’ functional ecology course at Konza Prairie Biological Station, enhancing my expertise in plant belowground organs and root ecology. I collaborate on global ecological research projects, including DRAGNet, which investigates disturbance recovery in global herbaceous ecosystems, and sDiv, focusing on belowground plant strategies such as the root economic space. I am also involved in TraitDivNet , a global research network advancing trait-based ecology by connecting above- and belowground plant traits.
What do you enjoy most about your work or ecology in general?
I enjoy fieldwork, analyzing ecological patterns through data, and collaborating with other researchers. My undergraduate training as a pasture agronomist, focused on producing high-quality forage for livestock, fostered my love for fieldwork and sparked my research interest. The ecology courses I took during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies further ignited my passion for the field. During my PhD, I explored not only the ecological aspects of overgrazing on Inner Mongolia grasslands but also the economic and social dimensions, expanding my research frontiers. I started expanding my network during this time, through collaborations with researchers across different levels in academia. These collaborations have been vital to my growth, providing opportunities to work with researchers from diverse backgrounds and broadening my research scope. I am grateful to all my I enjoy fieldwork, analyzing ecological patterns through data, and collaborating with other researchers. My undergraduate training as a pasture agronomist, focused on producing high-quality forage for livestock, fostered my love for fieldwork and sparked my research interest. The ecology courses I took during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies further ignited my passion for the field. During my PhD, I explored not only the ecological aspects of overgrazing on Inner Mongolia grasslands but also the economic and social dimensions, expanding my research frontiers. I started expanding my network during this time, through collaborations with researchers across different levels in academia. These collaborations have been vital to my growth, providing opportunities to work with researchers from diverse backgrounds and broadening my research scope. I am grateful to all my teachers and mentors who have guided and impacted my knowledge in one way or another even though I can’t mention them all (Prof. and Dr. Mrs Ayinde, Dr. Dele Peter, Prof. Olanite Jimoh, Prof. Hou Xiangyang, Prof. Lauren Shoemaker, Prof. Daniel Laughlin). More, importantly, Prof. Daniel Laughlin fully immersed me in the world of ecological research, and I am grateful for that. My research network continues to grow as I collaborate with peers and senior colleagues, with fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration remaining the core of what I enjoy in ecology.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
I am passionate about advancing our understanding of above-and-belowground interactions in grassland ecosystems, particularly their role in managing and conserving natural resources. I aim to secure funding for collaborative projects with local and international scientists, while developing new methods for studying belowground plant traits across diverse ecosystems. This will allow me to establish a leadership position in my research niche, mentor young Black Ecologists, and foster the next generation of researchers.
Looking further ahead, I aspire to lead interdisciplinary research initiatives that integrate ecological science with policymaking to implement solutions for pressing environmental challenges. I am committed to building strong networks and collaborations, advancing ecological research through interdisciplinary partnerships, and contributing to evidence-based ecological solutions and policies that promote ecosystem sustainability.
The theme for Black History Month UK this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. What does this mean to you?
As an ecologist, the theme for Black History Month (BHM) UK, “Reclaiming Narratives,” resonates deeply with my me. I aim to uncover the hidden stories of the belowground world and their significance for sustainable ecosystem management. This theme inspires me to:
- Amplify the voices of Black ecologists who are making significant contributions to ecological knowledge and science.
- Celebrate the often-overlooked achievements of Black Ecologists and environmental stewards across various subfields of ecology.
- Foster inclusive and diverse collaborations among Black Ecologists to reshape the narrative surrounding our field.
By reclaiming these narratives, we can challenge the status quo and ensure our voices are heard in ecological discourse, ultimately working toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Shout out your peers! Are there any black ecologists or groups who are doing work you admire?
I would like to give a big shout-out to my colleague, Dr. Taofeek O. Muraina, for his valuable contributions to understanding the impacts of drought on plant communities across various environments, as well as his commitment to researching ecological communities in Nigeria and Africa. I also commend Dr. Matthew McCary for his mentorship and support of emerging Black ecologists, and Tsumbedzo L. Ramalevha for his passion for studying belowground ecology in South African savannas. Their work is truly inspiring!
Are there any aspects of your academic career / personal journey as a Black ecologist that you wish to share?
As an African scientist and Black ecologist, my academic journey is marked by a blend of challenges and unwavering dedication to achieving my goals. I have encountered barriers to inclusion in academia to race, color, and nationality. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of diversity in perspectives and experiences, which are essential for fostering critical thinking, innovation, and addressing societal challenges. I advocate for a more inclusive academic environment, as it is fundamental for achieving scholarly excellence and driving meaningful change.
I hail from Ogbomoso, a town in Oyo State, Nigeria, and come from a non-academic family. As the first PhD graduate in my family, pursuing graduate education was not something I initially envisioned, despite my parents’ willingness to support me, as they could not afford it. My undergraduate years were challenging; I often took farm jobs to stay in school while managing my identity as the only undergraduate in my community. During this time, I found invaluable mentors—whom I consider foster parents—who played a pivotal role in supporting my education, along with my uncles. Their support enhanced my focus and dedication, enabling me to graduate with distinction.
This journey has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and highlighted the importance of embracing diversity in educational settings. I integrate these experiences into my teaching and mentoring philosophy, striving to provide research opportunities for students from all backgrounds, thereby facilitating their academic journeys.
I also found a father in my undergraduate and postgraduate advisor, further highlighting the importance of mentorship in building resilient black ecologists. He stood in my way when I wanted to move to another department as an undergraduate but simultaneously decided to train and mentor me to appreciate what I had with me then. For aspiring Black ecologists, my key message is to believe in yourself first and seek out mentors who can help you navigate the challenges ahead. I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and the motivation from my siblings, uncles, and aunts. My parents have always stood by me through thick and thin, providing unwavering support. Additionally, my wife and kids are my greatest cheerleaders. It has been particularly rewarding to engage my first child in discussions about general ecology, as he learns new concepts in school, making him a great discussion partner on certain topics.
I cannot recall how many applications I submitted before earning my PhD in 2017, but this experience underscores the importance of perseverance. Moving away from home to pursue studies can be daunting, yet it requires dedication, focus, and maintaining good communication with family. I completed my PhD during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted my mobility and decision-making. Upon returning home, I felt as if I were starting over with my applications, and I had to wait two years before finally securing the postdoctoral position I desired. Did I give up during that waiting period? Absolutely not. I continued submitting applications until I received the “YES” I was hoping for.
I have been fortunate to collaborate with brilliant minds worldwide through various globally coordinated experiments, enriching my understanding and expanding my professional network.
No matter the challenges you face as a Black ecologist, please don’t give up. Always seek out someone who cares about your progress—someone who can uplift you and help you see the potential you may not realize you have. Throughout my journey, I have had people play these crucial roles, and their support has made a significant difference.
This story aims to inspire individuals from underrepresented groups or those facing challenges to pursue studies in ecology. My journey underscores the importance of resilience and mentorship, fortified by self-determination.
If you believe you can achieve your goals, pursue them with conviction, and you will find success.
Are there any ongoing issues in the ecological / academic landscape that you would like to highlight or have experienced?
I believe mentorship should be recognized as a key indicator of researchers’ impact, as it significantly influences the development of future ecologists and their engagement with nature. Celebrating established Black ecologists is crucial; doing so would increase the visibility of role models within the community, fostering greater representation and inspiring the next generation of researchers.
If you could see one change in academia to positively impact Black ecologists, what would that be?
One significant change I would like to see in academia is a stronger focus on inclusive mentorship and support networks specifically for Black ecologists. By establishing formalized mentorship programs and creating safe, empowering spaces, we can foster career growth, encourage diverse perspectives, and ensure that Black ecologists are represented and supported at every stage of their academic journey.
