Melanie Harrison Okoro facts for kids

Melanie Harrison Okoro, born in 1982, is an American scientist who studies the ocean, rivers, and the environment. She is the founder and CEO of Eco-Alpha Environmental & Engineering Services. Dr. Okoro works to understand how water environments work and how to protect them. She also helps encourage more people, especially young people, to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She was one of the youngest scientists to join the Council of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Early Life and Learning

Melanie Harrison Okoro was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She grew up in Tuskegee, Alabama. Her love for environmental science began when she was young. She enjoyed swimming and fishing with her great-grandmother and twin sister in Lake Martin, Alabama.

Education Journey

Dr. Okoro went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2005, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She continued her studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In 2011, she received her Doctor of Philosophy degree. Her advanced degree focused on Marine Estuarine and Environmental Science. This field studies how oceans, rivers, and the land around them connect.

Career and Discoveries

Dr. Okoro is the CEO of Eco-Alpha Environmental and Engineering Services, Inc. This company and its partners work on environmental projects. Before starting her own company, Dr. Okoro worked for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. She is an expert in marine estuaries, which are places where rivers meet the sea.

In 2017, Grist Magazine recognized Dr. Okoro. They featured her as one of eight Black leaders who are making big changes in the climate movement.

Helping Others in Science

Dr. Okoro is passionate about making science more welcoming for everyone. She has worked to increase diversity in STEM fields. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Leadership Roles

She served on the council of the American Geophysical Union. There, she led the Diversity & Inclusion task force. She was also on the leadership board for the Earth Science Women's Network. This group supports women in earth sciences. Dr. Okoro was also a leader for Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth and Space Science. She is currently on the board of trustees for Sacramento Splash. She also represents the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce on the High Speed Rail Business Advisory Council.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Okoro has received many awards for her important 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

Publications

Dr. Okoro has also shared her research in scientific journals. One of her notable works is:

• Johnson, Ashanti; Harrison, Melanie (March–April 2015). "The Increasing Problem of Nutrient Runoff on the Coast". American Scientist. Volume 103, Issue 2.