FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, Virginia – Daniel Owodunni, a PhD candidate in geology at Louisiana State University (LSU), has been named the 2025 recipient of the GeoScienceWorld (GSW) Graduate Studies Award, an annual scholarship program for graduate students in the geosciences. Mr. Owodunni will receive $5,000 and have his essay published in GSW’s Open Access journal, Lithosphere.
In his compelling essay, Owodunni recounts his path from a first-generation university student investigating water contamination and widespread degradation linked to landfill runoff and poor waste management in a densely populated district in Lagos, Nigeria, to a PhD candidate conducting advanced geochemical research in the United States. His story is one of resilience and commitment to a field of geoscience that is both technically rigorous and community-centered.
Now conducting research in paleoclimate reconstruction and organic geochemistry, Owodunni works with marine and terrestrial samples from initiatives such as the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and collaborates with the Louisiana Geological Survey on field and research efforts. His work also draws on publicly available datasets, analytical tools, and reference materials from institutions such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Heuses compound-specific isotope analysis and other advanced geochemical techniques to investigate carbon cycling processes and assess hydrocarbon source rock characterization.
Outside the lab, Owodunni leads student engagement programs, mentors early-career scientists, and organizes hands-on science events for K–12 schools and local communities. As president of the AAPG/SEG Student Chapter at LSU and Lab Manager of the Zhuang Isotope Geochemistry Lab in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at LSU, he demonstrates a strong commitment to both academic leadership and public engagement.
“Daniel’s passion for making geoscience more inclusive, relevant, and impactful exemplifies the kind of leadership and innovation that will shape the future of our field,” said Phoebe McMellon, CEO of GeoScienceWorld. “His exacting scholarship, personal perspective, and a collaborative mindset will help shape a more connected and forward-looking geoscience community.”
The GeoScienceWorld Graduate Studies Award was established to support graduate students whose deep engagement in the geosciences highlights new ideas, fresh thinking, and diverse viewpoints. The award aims to foster an inclusive and dynamic geoscience community and reduce financial barriers that can limit participation in academic and professional opportunities. A panel of three outside judges, each from a different field of earth science, thoroughly evaluated 45 highly qualified applications to select a winner.
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