Melanie Harrison Okoro facts for kids

Melanie Harrison Okoro, born in 1982, is an American scientist who studies oceans, rivers, and the environment. She started her own company, Eco-Alpha Environmental & Engineering Services. Melanie works to protect water environments and helps more young people get involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She was also one of the first young scientists to join the leadership council of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Growing Up and School

Melanie Harrison Okoro was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Her family later moved to Tuskegee, Alabama, where she spent her childhood.

Discovering Science

Melanie first became interested in environmental science by swimming and fishing. She enjoyed these activities with her great-grandmother and twin sister in Lake Martin, Alabama.

College and Degrees

Melanie went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned a basketball scholarship to attend the university. In 2005, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She continued her studies and received her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Marine Estuarine and Environmental Science in 2011. This advanced degree came from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Her Work and Research

Melanie Okoro is the CEO of Eco-Alpha Environmental and Engineering Services, Inc. This company and its partners focus on environmental solutions.

Before Eco-Alpha

Before starting her own company, Melanie worked for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is a U.S. agency that studies the ocean and atmosphere.

What She Studies

Melanie specializes in marine estuaries. These are places where rivers meet the sea. Her work and research focus on several key areas:

• Environmental aquatic biogeochemistry: This is the study of how chemicals and living things interact in water environments.
• Natural resource management: This involves wisely using and protecting natural resources like water and land.
• STEM diversity initiatives: She works to encourage more people from different backgrounds to join science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Recognized Leader

In 2017, Melanie was recognized by Grist Magazine. They featured her as one of eight Black leaders who are helping to shape the climate movement.

Helping the Community

Melanie Okoro actively promotes diversity in STEM fields. She has held important roles in groups that support different people in science.

Leadership Roles

• She served on the council of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). She was a young scientist on the council and led the Diversity & Inclusion task force.
• She was a leader on the board of the Earth Science Women's Network.
• She also served on the leadership board for Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth and Space Science.
• Melanie is on the board of trustees for Sacramento Splash, an organization that teaches about water.
• She represents the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce on the High Speed Rail Business Advisory Council.

Awards and Honors

Melanie Okoro has received many awards and honors for her work:

• 2008-2009: Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies Graduate Fellow
• 2011: Invited speaker at the Society for Advancing Chicano and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• 2012: Invited speaker at the Society of Freshwater Science
• 2016: Baltimore Ecosystem Studies Distinguished Alumni Award
• 2017: Fisheries Employee of the Year Award from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
• 2020: High Speed Rail Small Business Partner Spotlight
• 2021: Keynote speaker at the National Educator's Virtual Conference for JASON learning
• 2022: Named one of "40 Under 40" by Comstock's Magazine
• 2023: Featured speaker at GRIT-X, University of Maryland Baltimore County

Selected Publications

• Johnson, Ashanti; Harrison, Melanie (March–April 2015). "The Increasing Problem of Nutrient Runoff on the Coast". American Scientist.