The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences is pleased to celebrate ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ as our Spotlight Member of the Week.
Dr. Igbawua is an Associate Professor of Environmental Physics at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, whose work brings together physics, environmental science, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, climate research, big-data analytics, and machine learning. With more than 14 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, his career reflects a strong commitment to using scientific tools to understand environmental change and address practical challenges affecting society.
His academic background provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation for this work. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from Benue State University, Makurdi, a Ph.D. in Cartography and GIS from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Physics from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.
A major focus of Dr. Igbawuaโs research is understanding the interaction between the atmosphere, climate, vegetation, land, and human environments through observational and computational approaches. His research interests include climate change and atmospheric physics, disaster-risk monitoring, spatial and image analysis, environmental impact assessment, remote sensing, GIS, and big-data applications.
His published research reflects the breadth of these interests. He has contributed to studies on atmospheric aerosols, PM2.5 pollution, vegetation dynamics, drought, rainfall and growing seasons, heat waves, groundwater potential, agricultural suitability, and environmental variability across Nigeria and other parts of Africa. His work has also explored how satellite observations and statistical modelling can improve our understanding of changing environmental conditions.
Dr. Igbawua has co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports. His research has appeared in scientific outlets including Scientific Reports, Remote Sensing, Climate Dynamics, Advances in Space Research, Agricultural Water Management, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, and the Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences.
Beyond academic publication, his expertise has also been applied to environmental and social risk assessments in Nigeria. Working as a GIS Analyst, he has contributed to assessments involving dams and irrigation projects, road infrastructure, communities, and proposed housing developments. This aspect of his work highlights the practical value of environmental physics and geospatial science in supporting planning, risk assessment, and evidence-based decision-making.
One phrase that captures his scientific outlook is:
โBig Data for Research and Environmental Sustainability.โ
The statement reflects his interest in transforming large and complex environmental datasets into knowledge that can support better understanding, planning, and sustainable development.
Away from his professional responsibilities, Dr. Igbawua enjoys nature exploration, mentoring, sports and fitness, music, and community service.
Looking ahead, his long-term scientific ambition is to contribute meaningfully to understanding and addressing Africaโs growing environmental and climate challenges. He envisions an interdisciplinary research platform that combines environmental physics, remote sensing, satellite observations, GIS, cartography, big-data analytics, and artificial intelligence. His goal is for research to move beyond scientific publications and provide practical knowledge for environmental management, disaster-risk reduction, climate-smart agriculture, the built environment, and climate-resilient communities.
Mentorship is equally central to this vision. Dr. Igbawua hopes to continue supporting young scientists in developing strong analytical skills, scientific curiosity, and confidence, while strengthening collaboration between African researchers and the global scientific community.
The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences proudly celebrates Dr. Tertsea Igbawua for his contributions to Environmental Physics, climate science, remote sensing, GIS, environmental monitoring, big-data analysis, and scientific mentorship.
His journey reminds us that understanding a changing environment requires more than observation. It requires the ability to connect physical processes with satellite data, climate records with computation, and scientific evidence with the needs of communities. Through this interdisciplinary approach, science can help us better understand environmental risks, improve decision-making, and build more resilient and sustainable communities.