Audrey Odwuor, Ph.D., Earth System Scientist, Communicator.
Audrey Odwuor is an Earth system scientist passionate about improving our scientific and societal understanding of the planet. As a class of 2023 graduate, she will be hooded on June 17 in the Bren Events Center.
She has experience in independent research, teamwork, mentoring, community outreach, and science communication. In her research, which she presented as a competitor twice in Grad Slam, and tied for a second-place finish in 2023, Odwuor studies wildfires and prescribed fire in California. Her outreach and science communication efforts are focused on educating and empowering people around wildfire and other topics in Earth system research and environmental justice.
What is your favorite memory at UCI?
My favorite memory at UCI is co-hosting a live radio show called “Earth Calling ” on KUCI 88.9 FM. With my colleagues and friends Joana Tavares and Mackenzie Ostrowski, I interviewed guests from all across the climate movement to educate listeners, build a sense of community, and inspire confidence that together, we can make progress in the fight against climate change. Between managing the show’s social media, working at the radio station, and getting to meet new people and highlight their hard work and contributions to the climate movement, co-hosting Earth Calling was a fun way to exercise creativity and serve my community and it deepened my sense of purpose as an Earth system scientist.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work in science communication and continue engaging in community outreach. I would like to help make environmental science accessible to people who need it – decision makers, business leaders, educators, community members, and other stakeholders. I’m passionate about using my knowledge and skills to protect the planet and society. Earth system research is relevant to many aspects of our lives, from writing regulations and policies that protect the environment to understanding how our individual and community actions help fight climate change. I hope to communicate Earth system research to keep science at the forefront of these spaces and help bridge the gap between science and society.
I hope I can use my experience at UCI to act as a link between academia and the broader community, sharing the value of academic research with those who might not otherwise have access. – Audrey Odwuor
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years, I see myself leading creative outreach campaigns, using mass media for science communication to reach a wider audience. My dream is to do this with others who are passionate about engaging the public in the discussion around climate change. Ultimately, I believe community needs should drive scientific research and I think media is a really powerful tool for connecting with people. I hope to use it to build a bridge between scientists and society and help strengthen the links among scientists, communities, and decision-makers.
Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
My biggest influence at UCI has been my friend, colleague, and former co-host Joana Tavares. I was always amazed at how Joana excelled in both conducting and communicating her research. On top of her academic work, she does a lot of community outreach and always inspired me to follow my passions, believe in myself, and make bold moves when it comes to doing work that I can truly be proud of. With Joana’s support, I became more and more involved in community outreach, built a network of science communicators, and began shaping a career where I can continue my pursuit of science while also serving my community.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
As I’m completing my time at UCI, I now know that there is more than one way to feel fulfilled with this degree. Earlier in my graduate education at UCI, I thought that the only fate for a grad student was to eventually become a researcher or professor. However, after a couple of years pursuing my PhD, I realized I felt more fulfilled talking to other people about their research than doing my own. At the time, this felt wrong and like I chose the wrong path because I didn’t love my research as much as my colleagues seemed to love theirs. Over time and with the support of my colleagues and the network I’ve built, I learned that sharing science might actually be what best allows me to create the changes I want to see in society. Via my education at UCI, I’ve developed the skills to understand complex problems in Earth system science and built relationships with people who are conducting important research that will affect all of our lives. I hope I can use my experience at UCI to act as a link between academia and the broader community, sharing the value of academic research with those who might not otherwise have access.
