2023-24 Sustainability Graduate Fellow Tolulope Oyikeke
Tolulope (Tolu) Oyikeke
Degree Program: PhD, Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Stoll
My project theme is on “strengthening local and regional seafood systems.”
What problem/s are you working to solve?
I’m currently looking at local and regional seafood systems of the United States. I’m specifically investigating the potential of regions in the United States to be self-sufficient in seafood to bolster food security and how that can be achieved. Seafood consumption being a key component in this analysis would be further explored by looking at seafood consumption patterns considering the various socio-demographic attributes associated with seafood distribution and consumption.
What progress are you making toward solutions?
Using programming software, I have been able integrate available data from sources such as USDA, NOAA, NielsenIQ amongst others on seafood and seafood attributes.
How could your findings contribute to a sustainable future in Maine and beyond?
Our initial findings indicate that New England has the potential for seafood self-reliance, particularly in a state like Maine which is the largest seafood producer in the region. Furthermore, by considering the various socio-demographic attributes associated with seafood consumption, we aim to propose targeted interventions that encourage responsible consumption pattern which could lead to a more efficient use of seafood resources, reduced waste, and a more sustainable seafood industry both locally in Maine and across the United States.
Why did you get involved with the Mitchell Center Sustainability Graduate Fellowship Program?
First, I believed this program aligned with my academic and professional goals, offering an opportunity to enhance my quantitative data analysis skills and improve communication of research findings. Additionally, I saw this as a valuable platform to engage with fellows from diverse disciplines and partake in discussions regarding community sustainability.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
As a research enthusiast aiming to provide evidence-based recommendations for real-life challenges in the human dimensions of marine and coastal systems, I hope to sustain my research interests by working in academia and consulting for agencies that inform decisions regarding the sustainable use of marine resources.
What’s your ultimate Maine experience?
As a resident of Orono, Maine, and a student at the University of Maine, I aim to capitalize on the warm hospitality and genuine care I have received from the people here, and I strive to maintain these valuable relationships. Additionally, being in a coastal state, I aspire to immerse myself in fishing communities, deepening my understanding of the socio-ecological and coastal dynamics not only of Maine but also of other regions.