Black History Month | Science Societies
A farmer walking through a green field with a herd of cows

Black History Month

To celebrate various diversity months, the Societies are honoring several of our members – looking to the future of our sciences.

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Martha Mamo

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?

"I currently serve as the Head of the Agronomy and Horticulture Department at the University of Nebraska, a position I have held since 2019. A significant part of my role is to support faculty and staff, as we collectively pursue our tripartite mission.  It is exciting and an honor to be part of this journey!  In addition, I am part of an interdisciplinary research project evaluating grazing management strategies on nutrient cycling in the Nebraska Sandhills."  

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

"The best career advice I’ve received is Be YOU! Your career is part of what you do, not who you are. Establish your core values. You will need them to anchor you as you navigate and evolve in the complex professional environment. No matter your career stage – mentor and also be mentored."

How has your membership with the Societies helped you in your professional career?

"As I reflected on my membership journey, people at headquarters, society leaders, and members have made positive changes to improve the experiences of all members. These improvements include relevant workshops, tours, early career programs, symposia, or networking opportunities. Dr. Lowell Moser (1940-2019), who I considered a mentor and dear colleague, (President ASA 2004 and CSSA 1999) set me up early in my career. Dr. Moser fostered my professional advancement and connection to the societies – for that I am grateful."

What does Black History month mean to you? How does it fall into the context of your industry?

"Black History month is remembering American history. I remember the black landowners who farmed. I remember the black scientists and professionals who innovated in our field. I remember the migration away from oppression. I remember those who ran the marathon and sacrificed for justice to pave the way for me. It is a reminder for me to support and advocate for others so they can grow and flourish."

Candice Duncan, ASA Board Member and current DEI Member-at-Large Representative on ASA Board of Directors

 "In today’s black culture (referring to the African diaspora; inclusive of African-Americans) black history is celebrated year-round. As the culture continues to inspire, promote, educate, and embrace black history, we also strive to remember the excellence of the past when obstacles were present and in times of struggle.

Over the years, I’ve searched and sought out an African American environmental scientist who could serve as my inspiration as I strive to push STEM amongst minoritized students in the academe. I came across an article written about Dr. Dorceta Taylor, an environmental sociologist, now serving as a professor at the Yale School of the Environment. Her work is inspiring, but I am continually in search of an individual whose research interests align with my own in environmental science with impactful societal implications. I strive to be the scientist that inspires others as Dr. Taylor has inspired me with her work. I also strive to encourage students from minority backgrounds to pursue STEM disciplines as an area of interest and potential career. 

The Societies has provided the mechanism by which my goals within the academy and student interests can align. Through these interactions at conferences and meetings, I can provide a viewpoint of environmental science from a diverse individual’s perspective. Possibly a perspective not considered in their academic endeavors. Additionally, I’ve met industry partners and agency staff whose research interests and commitment to diversifying the Societies align. 

Professionally, advice can sometimes be aloof. Therefore, I receive council from those I trust and range from knowledge shared in brief encounters, as well as from seasoned scientists who I’ve known for many years. I hope to build some of these types of lasting relationships with Society members in the future as I continue to participate in events, conferences, meetings, and working groups." 

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Dexter Watts

2020 ASA Fellow, 2022 Carl Sprengel Agronomic Research Award

"Phosphorus loss from agricultural fields is a major contributor to surface water eutrophication. My research, as well as that of others, have shown that gypsum is very effective at reducing soluble P losses from soils following manure applications. Currently, I am excited about evaluating the best practices for mitigating P loss from manure applications with gypsum; e.g., is gypsum effective when only applied at the edge-of-field or used as bedding for broiler production."

Tiffany Carter

2020 SEED Ambassador award, 2019 Future Leaders in Science Award 

"I’m fortunate to have had several mentors. Dr. Zelia Wiley taught me how to navigate the sciences as an African-American woman. She taught me that resilience is compulsory, and collaboration is invaluable. She also taught me to help others whenever and however I can. Dr. Charles Rice taught me the value of lifelong learning and reiterated the importance of collaboration. Interdisciplinary collaboration allows you to learn continuously. Resiliency, lifelong learning, and collaboration drive my work."

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Jacques Fils Pierre

2021 Graduate Student Leadership Conference award

"I'm interested in this career because I admire farmers' work, which emphasizes the need of producing food to help ensure global food security. Working with smallholder farmers in developing countries, I've had the opportunity to help develop some new ways to assist farmers in increasing farm profits and implementing sustainable farming practices on their farms. I intend to continue working closely with farmers, helping them with their requirements and developing new techniques, software, and small equipment suitable for small-scale farms in developing countries. Thank you to Drs. Krista Jacobsen and Sandra Gregorio for the care they have shown me as student and as a person."

Christianah Tinuola Oladoye

2021 Graduate Student Leadership Conference award

Christianah is a second year PhD student at the department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University. "What gets me excited about my research is the direct impact it has in helping farmers increase their crop productivity and yield while minimizing environmental pollution that arises during crop production, helping to create a clean environment for everyone to live in."

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Qudus Uthman

2021 Graduate Student Leadership Conference award

"The project I am currently working on that excites me the most is the collection of water transport parameters to predict water movement in a central ridge soil of Florida. What I like about my career is that every day I learn new things about my research project. I keep on getting better every day. And the people I have engaged with along my career have been awesome…[the potential for this career] is enormous and could take several pages of writing...a special thank you to my advisor Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni."

Emmanuella Owusu Ansah

2021 Graduate Student Leadership Conference award

"I am pursuing a master’s degree in Plant Science at the University of Idaho. My research focuses on the stacking of nutrient 4R’s for Winter Wheat. I am interested in the role crops play to contribute to food security, nutrient management and the use of cultural practices that are environmentally friendly. In the long term, I plan to look at how future generations would benefit from present practices and productions. I aspire to become a Crop/Soil Scientist to help growers solve issues associated with food production and soil health with sustainability at heart. A special thanks goes to Dr. Olga Walsh, my supervisor for her great mentoring skills and hard work, and my teammates."

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