Celebrating Connections: Meet Daniel Owodunni

Your essay begins with a powerful image of growing up in Nigeria. How did those early experiences shape your sense of responsibility as a scientist?

Growing up in a community where environmental hazards were a daily reality, including oil-slicked rivers, acidic boreholes, and polluted drains, instilled in me a deep sense of urgency and responsibility. It was impossible to ignore how these conditions affected people’s health and dignity. My early experiences were not abstract; they were personal and communal. That drove me to see science not just as knowledge, but as a moral responsibility, something that could protect the vulnerable and hold systems accountable.

Your undergraduate research in Lagos revealed serious environmental risks. How did those results impact you and the community?

The research revealed high levels of contamination in everyday water sources, including acidity, heavy metal presence, and organic pollution. For the community, the results provided scientific validation for health issues they were already facing such as skin irritations, gastrointestinal illness, and a decline in ecosystem quality. One striking finding was the widespread use of surface toilets, locally known as “short-put,” where human waste was discharged directly into freshwater streams. This practice significantly contributed to groundwater contamination, raising public health risks.

The impact on the community was immediate and tangible. The data helped raise awareness and initiated local discussions on sanitation practices and water safety. It empowered residents with knowledge to advocate for improved waste management and environmental protection.

For me, the experience was transformative. It reinforced my belief that science should serve the public and that research must be both community-centered and actionable. It deepened my sense of responsibility as a scientist and inspired my continued focus on environmental health, justice, and geoscience solutions grounded in local realities.

What is one discovery or moment in the lab at LSU that has stayed with you—something that felt especially meaningful?

One moment that stands out was the first time I completed the full lipid biomarker workflow, from total lipid extraction to running compound-specific isotope analysis. After weeks of careful preparation, I processed the samples through GC-FID for quantification and GC-IRMS for stable carbon isotope analysis. The resulting δ¹³C data confirmed a key hypothesis about the sources of organic matter in a lacustrine setting.

What made it especially meaningful was how the technical steps handling sediments, separating compounds, and operating analytical instruments ultimately revealed a clear environmental signal. That moment connected the chemistry on my screen to Earth’s ancient carbon cycle. It was powerful to witness how a highly analytical process could contribute to broader climate narratives. It made me feel not just like a student learning techniques, but like a scientist actively contributing to the understanding of our planet’s history and future.

I am especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Guansheng Zhuang, and the members of our research group, whose mentorship, guidance, and support have played a key role in my development.

You have been active in outreach across multiple geological societies. What drives your commitment to public engagement in geoscience?

My commitment to public engagement in geoscience comes from a deep conviction that science must be inclusive, accessible, and rooted in service to society. Growing up in a region where the consequences of poor environmental management were both visible and personal, I learned early on that scientific knowledge means little if it doesn’t reach the people it is meant to help. Many communities, especially those in underrepresented or underserved regions, see geoscience as distant or irrelevant. I want to change that narrative.

Outreach gives me the opportunity to bridge that gap. Whether through classroom visits, community science fairs, public exhibits, or mentorship, I’ve seen how geoscience can spark curiosity and equip people with tools to understand and care for their environment. As an outreach ambassador with organizations like the New Orleans Geological Society (NOGS), and as a leader within the Louisiana State University student chapters of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), I’ve had the privilege of organizing programs that bring science to life from helping students simulate delta formation to leading interactive sessions on water quality and environmental sustainability.

I believe the future of geoscience depends on who gets invited into the conversation. By engaging with young students, especially those from backgrounds like mine, I hope to show that geoscience is not only relevant, it is for everyone. Outreach allows me to share not just what I know, but why it matters. It remains one of the most meaningful and fulfilling aspects of my journey in science.

You spoke of building a climate and geoscience research center rooted in community needs. What would that look like in practice?

It would be a collaborative and interdisciplinary space where cutting-edge research in paleoclimate science, basin modeling, and environmental geochemistry directly informs local and regional adaptation strategies. In practice, it would serve both as a scientific hub and a community-centered resource, where data from isotope labs and satellite models are translated into practical insights through workshops, public town halls, and educational outreach.

This center would also focus on training emerging scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by providing mentorship, hands-on experience, and access to modern research tools. It would empower them not only to participate in high-level research but also to bring that knowledge back to their communities.

I know this vision sounds large in scope, but it is entirely achievable. With strong collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to inclusion, such a center could bridge the gap between science and society. It would be a place where meaningful research meets public need, where knowledge becomes action, and impact is measured not only in publications but in improved lives.

What advice would you give to young people who see environmental degradation around them and want to make a difference through science?

Start where you are. Pay attention to the environmental challenges in your community, and ask thoughtful questions about their causes and consequences. Do not underestimate the impact of small, local actions; real change often begins close to home. Science doesn’t require a perfect start; it begins with curiosity, the courage to keep asking questions, and the consistency to keep learning.

Seek out mentors, build your scientific skills, and believe that your voice and your lived experience matter. Science is not only about solving technical problems, but it is also about understanding people, ecosystems, and how to protect what matters most.

One phrase I remind myself of daily is: “I am not behind. I am building. I am not broken. I am becoming.” That mindset has helped me remain grounded, focused, and resilient. I hope it encourages other young people to trust their path and recognize that they, too, can lead meaningful change through science.