Ohio University Graduate Students Shine at National Environmental Conference: Achievements, Networking, and Key Insights

Earlier this summer, Dupe Oluwasesan and Emily Fox, two graduate students from Ohio University’s Environmental Studies program, proudly represented their school at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) in Butte, Montana.

This conference gathered a vibrant community of professionals focused on restoring disturbed lands and aquatic ecosystems. It provided a space for sharing research, policy discussions, and practical solutions.

Oluwasesan and Fox presented their joint research, “Hydrologic Controls on Nutrient Retention in a Restored Wetland.” This work was part of a larger project in collaboration with Ohio’s Stream and Wetlands Foundation. Oluwasesan also shared her thesis on “Ecosystem Services of Restored Wetlands,” which examines how these ecosystems can enhance climate resilience.

Fox highlighted her own research titled “Restored and Preserved Wetlands as Habitat for Pollinating Insects Across Land Use Transects in Central Ohio.” This study investigates how pollinators interact with various land uses, from agriculture to forests.

Kruse Daniels, a mentor to both students, praised their work. “They are connecting wetland restoration with vital ecosystem services, such as supporting pollinators and carbon accumulation,” she noted. Their fieldwork aims to unravel how restored wetlands function within the broader landscape.

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed; both received two awards at the conference: one for presentation excellence and another for a competitive travel grant to further their research.

A highlight of the event was the “Wild Women of Reclamation” breakfast, where leading women in the field shared inspiring stories of perseverance and mentorship. This discussion emphasized the importance of visibility and support for women in environmental careers.

Participants engaged in immersive field tours, showcasing innovative strategies for ecological recovery in mined and degraded areas. Oluwasesan and Fox described the atmosphere as “welcoming and intellectually vibrant,” with open dialogues making the experience especially valuable for emerging researchers.

“We are truly thankful to everyone who made this opportunity possible,” said Oluwasesan, expressing gratitude to their mentors and supporters.

With fresh insights and connections, both students are already looking forward to ASRS 2026, scheduled in Laramie, Wyoming. They aim to bring even more contributions to the world of restoration science.

Recent reports indicate that wetlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration. According to the EPA, healthy wetlands can store significant carbon, making them key players in climate change mitigation. This reinforces the importance of research like Oluwasesan’s and Fox’s, as society increasingly recognizes the vital services wetlands provide.



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