January 31, 2025 – 12:11 PM | By Gabriela Shinskie
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is committed to supporting its students with valuable research and collaboration opportunities. The dedicated faculty and staff play a vital role in this mission.
This semester, the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) welcomes two new faculty members: Dr. Songjie He and Dr. Wokil Bam. Both come with strong research backgrounds that will enrich the learning experience for students.
Dr. He specializes in biogeochemistry. She focuses on important environmental issues in the Mississippi Sound, Gulf of Mexico, and more. With 22 peer-reviewed articles, her research looks into key topics like nitrogen and carbon movement in coastal areas. Her work will involve students and research technicians, helping them grasp essential chemical interactions in our region.
Dr. Bam brings expertise in chemical oceanography and radiochemistry. He studies how coastal and open-ocean dynamics interact and is particularly interested in climate change’s impact. He has published 14 peer-reviewed articles on these subjects.
Dr. Robert Leaf, director of SOSE, believes both professors will enhance the program. He aims to provide students with hands-on research experiences in coastal settings.
“We are thrilled to have Drs. He and Bam join our faculty. Their research will deepen our understanding of chemical cycles in both the ocean and coastal areas of Mississippi,” said Leaf.
Dr. Zachary Darnell, associate director for Coastal Sciences, highlighted Dr. He’s contributions to student success and the program’s overall goals. He noted that her knowledge in carbonate chemistry and biogeochemical processes will broaden research opportunities and benefit both graduate and undergraduate students.
Christopher Hayes, a Marine Science professor, praised Dr. Bam’s global perspective. “Dr. Bam’s research on carbon dioxide uptake in oceans, spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to the South Pacific, adds incredible value to our team,” he commented.
For more on USM’s Coastal Sciences and research opportunities, visit the university’s website.
