In the vivid town of Idemili North, Anambra State, Nigeria, a young girl gazed up at the sky, captivated by its mysteries. Little did she know that her curiosity would one day lead her to unravel some of the atmosphere's most intriguing secrets. This is the story of Professor Francisca Nneka Okeke, a trailblazing Nigerian physicist whose groundbreaking research on the ionosphere has revolutionized our understanding of Earth's upper atmosphere and its connection to climate change.
A passion ignited in her early years
Born in 1956, in Onitsha, Nigeria, Francisca Okeke grew up in Idemili North, Anambra State.[1]
As a young girl, Francisca was fascinated by the sky and had many questions about it. She wondered:
why the sky changed colors.
and
how airplanes could fly through it without falling.
This early curiosity about natural phenomena sparked her interest in science.[2]
Francisca's father, who held a PhD in mathematics, played a significant role in her early education. He encouraged her interest in STEM subjects, mentoring and teaching her.[2]
This support was crucial, as she was living in a society where women were often discouraged from pursuing careers in science.
Her father's influence as both a mathematician and a philanthropist helped shape Francisca's academic aspirations. Despite societal expectations, her passion for understanding the world around her never stopped.
She excelled in her studies, earning a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1980.[1]
Francisca's journey in academia was marked by determination and perseverance. She went on to obtain two Master's degrees - one in Science Education (1985) and another in Applied Earth Geophysics (1989) - before completing her Ph.D. in Ionospheric Geophysics in 1995. [2]
Her doctoral research focused on studying the ionosphere, which is a region of Earth's upper atmosphere containing electrically charged particles.[3]
Unraveling atmospheric mysteries: The Equatorial electrojet phenomenon
After completing her doctoral studies in 1995, she continued to focus on the ionosphere.
The Equatorial electrojet phenomenon became a central part of her research as she delved deeper into ionospheric phenomena. This electrojet is essentially a river of electric current that flows eastward around the Earth's magnetic Equator in the ionosphere.
Professor Okeke recognized the significance of this phenomenon and its potential implications for understanding climate change and other geophysical processes. Her work on the Equatorial electrojet phenomenon involves studying how solar activity in the ionosphere affects Earth's magnetic field. This research has far-reaching implications, potentially helping to pinpoint sources of dramatic phenomena like tsunamis and earthquakes.[4]
![A snapshot of the variation of the Earth's magnetic field from its intrinsic field at 400 km altitude, due to the ionospheric current systems. The equatorial intensification of the magnetic field is due to the equatorial electrojet (EEJ). The EEJ peaks over the Indian Ocean at the point in time depicted. The map was generated using a geomagnetic field model.[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eej_cm4.png#/media/File:Eej_cm4.png)
Understanding The Equatorial Electrojet Phenomenon
Imagine there's an invisible river of electricity flowing high above our heads, about 100 kilometres up in the sky.
This is what scientists call the Equatorial electrojet phenomenon.
Just like a real river flows with water, this "river" flows with electric current, but you can only find it near Earth's magnetic equator.
It's pretty much like having a giant wire wrapped around Earth, but it only works during the day!
This is what got Dr. Okeke really excited about her research.
Living in Nigeria, which is close to Earth's magnetic equator, she had the perfect spot to study this amazing phenomenon. It's like having a front-row seat to one of nature's most impressive shows!
Dr. Okeke spent years studying how this electric river changes according to the sun activities. You know how the sun sometimes has those huge explosions we call solar flares? Well, these explosions can make this electric river behave differently. It's a bit like how a peaceful stream might turn into rushing rapids after a storm.
Why should we care about an electric river we can't even see?
Well, it turns out this research is super important!
When you use your phone's GPS to find your way around, or when your parents watch satellite TV, these signals have to travel through the area where this electric river flows. Understanding how it works helps us make these technologies work better.
Even more impressively, Dr. Okeke discovered that this electric river might help us predict natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. It's like having an early warning system in the sky!
She also found connections between this electric current and climate change, helping us better understand how our Earth's atmosphere is changing.
Dr. Okeke's work shows us how studying something that seems so far away can actually help solve problems right here on Earth.
Climate change and Africa: Pr Francisca Okeke's unique perspective
As an African scientist, Professor Okeke brings a crucial perspective to climate change research. Her work bridges the gap between global atmospheric phenomena and their local impacts on the African continent.
Climate change is not just a scientific issue, it's a human one.
Professor Okeke often says.
In Africa, we're seeing firsthand how changes in our atmosphere are affecting agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods. It's crucial that we have African scientists at the forefront of this research, bringing our unique experiences and knowledge to the table.
And in 2024, we are not there yet. The African continent, the one who contributes the least to climate change, and suffers the most, is notoriously underrepresented in the past IPCC report.[5]
Moreover the lack of diversity in climate science research is not due to the lack of scientists from diverse background, but because they have more difficulty to be published because of biases in the scientific community.[6]
Breaking barriers: Pr Okeke, a woman in STEM
In a field dominated by men, Pr Okeke faced numerous challenges. However, she turned these obstacles into opportunities, becoming a role model for aspiring female scientists across Africa.
Her achievements speak volumes:
- First female Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2003-2006)
- First female Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences (2008-2010)
- First female Professor of Physics in Eastern Nigeria [1]
Professor Okeke's commitment to gender equality in STEM is evident in her actions. During her tenure as department head, she actively advocated for the inclusion of more women, resulting in the hiring of three new female faculty members.
Embracing intersectionality: The power of diverse voices in science
Professor Okeke's journey exemplifies the importance of intersectionality in scientific research.
Her identity as an African woman in STEM has shaped her approach to science, leading to innovative perspectives that might have been overlooked by researchers from different backgrounds.
"Science is not neutral,"
she explains.
"Our experiences, our culture, our gender - they all influence the questions we ask and how we interpret the results. That's why diversity in science is so crucial. It leads to more comprehensive, nuanced understanding of our world."
Some practical examples
Consider, for instance, the development of drought-resistant crops.
When initially approached by predominantly male Western scientists, the focus was largely on genetic modification and large-scale industrial farming solutions.
However, when diverse research teams including women scientists from affected regions became involved, the innovation pathway shifted dramatically. They brought in crucial knowledge about local farming practices, indigenous seed preservation techniques, and the specific challenges faced by women farmers who, in many parts of Africa, make up the majority of smallholder farmers. (The scientist's research describe in our chapter 12 is a good example).
In urban planning for climate resilience, teams led by scientists from diverse backgrounds considered factors that are overlooked by more homogeneous groups.
For example, Professor Okeke's understanding of both atmospheric science and local Nigerian communities helped identify how weather pattern changes specifically affect informal settlements, leading to more inclusive and effective urban adaptation strategies.
Empowering the next generation
Professor Okeke's impact extends far beyond her research. She has supervised 36 M.Sc. and 23 Ph.D. students, nurturing the next generation of African scientists.[7]
Her efforts to encourage girls and women to pursue physics have helped change the landscape of STEM education in Nigeria and beyond.
I want every young girl in Africa to know that she belongs in science.
Professor Okeke asserts.
Our voices, our perspectives are needed to solve the complex challenges facing our world today.
A legacy of innovation and sustainability
Professor Francisca Okeke's work and legacy exemplify the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Her groundbreaking research in atmospheric physics contributes significantly to our understanding of climate change, addressing a critical environmental challenge of our time. [7]
This work not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs policy decisions that can lead to more sustainable environmental practices.
Social sustainability
Professor Okeke's advocacy for women in STEM and her role as a mentor have been instrumental in promoting gender equity in science. As the first female Head of Department and Dean in her faculty at the University of Nigeria, she has broken barriers and inspired countless women to pursue careers in physics and other scientific fields. This push for diversity in science is crucial for social sustainability, as it ensures that a wide range of perspectives and talents are brought to bear on global challenges.
Economic sustainability
Professor Okeke's efforts to build scientific capacity in Africa contribute directly to the continent's sustainable development.
By training numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, she is helping to create a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.
Her work exemplifies how investing in education and research can lead to long-term economic sustainability.
Environmental sustainability
The Natural Synthesis movement, which Professor Okeke's work aligns with, further reinforces these sustainability principles.
By encouraging the use of indigenous materials and techniques in art creation, it promotes environmental sustainability through the valuation of local resources.
In essence, Professor Okeke's work embodies the principle that true sustainability is achieved when environmental protection, social equity, and economic development are pursued in tandem. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and artists to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Conclusion
Professor Okeke's legacy challenges us to move beyond acknowledging the problem of underrepresentation to actively creating pathways for diverse voices in climate science - because the future of our planet requires nothing less than the full spectrum of human talent and perspective.
When scientific teams embrace intersectionality, the resulting innovations are more likely to:
Address the needs of marginalized communities
Consider local cultural contexts and traditional knowledge
Account for gender-specific impacts and challenges
Create solutions that are both technically sound and socially implementable
Bridge the gap between global scientific knowledge and local practical application
In the words of Professor Okeke,
Science knows no boundaries - of gender, race, or nationality. When we bring together diverse perspectives, we expand the horizons of what's possible. That's how we'll build a more sustainable, equitable future for all.
This article is part of a series exploring the importance of intersectionalty in science for innovation and sustainability.
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