By Clara Hall, December 2025
This spotlight features Fopefoluwa “Praise” Anjolaoluwa, a second-year PhD student in Environmental Social Science at Arizona State University’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change. Fopefoluwa’s work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to environmental planning, community well-being, and the co-production of knowledge with those most affected by environmental change.
From Nigeria to Alaska: A Journey in Environmental Planning
Fopefoluwa’s academic journey began in Nigeria, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in geography at the University of Ibadan. Her early research examined the impacts of industrial activity on local environments. Driven by a desire to focus more specifically on human-environment interactions, she pursued a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. Her thesis explored the health impacts of market environments on women working in Nigeria’s open markets, revealing how environmental neglect and disorder directly affected their well-being. “Everything we do happens in the environment, and our activities are what affect it. How do we control this? What strategies can help?”
Her passion for environmental planning and community impact made the next step to a PhD at ASU a natural fit, where she aims to train and mentor future generations of environmental stewards.
Current Research: Vessel Traffic, Climate Change, and Indigenous Voices
Fopefoluwa’s current project investigates the impacts and challenges of increasing vessel traffic near the Gambell community on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. As climate change accelerates sea ice melt, new shipping routes have opened through the Bering Strait, bringing more vessels and with them, new threats. “Community members report erosion, oil spills and pollution, debris, ship strike, and the displacement of marine mammals. These changes threaten their traditional hunting, fishing, subsistence lifestyle, and their cultural heritage.”
Her research highlights how vessel traffic not only increases carbon emissions and pollution but also introduces invasive species and disrupts the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. Compliance with international regulations is difficult to monitor due to the region’s remoteness, leaving communities vulnerable. “The community wants to be involved in decisions that affect their waters. They want their voices heard and to participate in managing vessel activity and protecting their future.”
Balancing Economic Development and Environmental Protection
While increased vessel traffic can bring economic opportunities through tourism and shipping, Fopefoluwa emphasizes the need to balance these benefits with environmental protection and community well-being. “It’s about bringing Indigenous voices to the decision-making table, ensuring their knowledge, needs, and concerns shape the policies that affect them. The environment is their heritage, and it must be protected for future generations.”
She draws inspiration from comparative studies of other Arctic and coastal communities, noting that where local policies complement international regulations, compliance and monitoring are more effective. Gambell, she notes, is seeking similar involvement and empowerment.
Approach: Building Trust, Relationships, and Co-Production of Knowledge
Fopefoluwa’s approach to research is rooted in relationship-building and co-production. Although she was not part of the original interview team, she has since traveled to Gambell to meet community members, build trust, and lay the groundwork for future interviews and data collection. “It’s about planning with the people, not for the people. Working together ensures research leaves a positive impact, empowers communities, and goes beyond just research to implementation.”
ESSA’s emphasis on community engagement, Indigenous knowledge, and interdisciplinary collaboration has deeply influenced her work. “I’m learning to work across disciplines, to bring together science and social science, to find solutions to environmental challenges. ESSA has taught me that planning is about walking with people through change.”
Challenges and Resilience
Fopefoluwa acknowledges the challenges of entering new spaces, culturally, geographically, and academically. “Being Black in Alaska, I wondered if I’d be understood or if I could understand the community. But their openness and the support of my advisor and team have kept me going. I’ve learned to keep showing up, to be consistent, and to ask for help when I need it.”
Her advice to others navigating new research or environments: “Keep showing up. Consistency builds knowledge, relationships, and community. It’s how we learn and grow.”
Looking Forward: Academic and Policy Impact
Fopefoluwa’s career goals include academia and working with organizations like the International Maritime Organization to influence policies that balance economic opportunity with environmental and cultural protection. She is committed to amplifying community voices, fostering co-production of knowledge, and ensuring that research leads to real-world impact.
For those interested in learning more or collaborating, Fopefoluwa welcomes connections as she continues her research and prepares future publications.