• News |  
• Articles |  
• Onifade studying environmental sociology

Graduate student Abosede Onifade hopes to make global impact through environmental sociology studies

Abosede Onifade, a second-year graduate student in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, combines her passion for humanity and the environment to work toward a more just planet.

Onifade always knew sociology was for her. She chose to attend Auburn for its strong African community and describes her studies as "an intersection between environmental sociology and rural sociology."

"I had this flair for humanity, this flair for environmental and social justice," Onifade said. "I'd always known that I wanted to just ensure that every human being lives a fulfilled life without any marginalization. Sociology is going to help me let people lead the life that they deserve."

An internship with the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ) gave Onifade the chance to work toward these goals. Founded by Catherine Coleman Flowers, CREEJ is an organization dedicated to reversing health, economic and environmental disparities.

Onifade's team surveyed the data and maps of offsite sewage systems, measured county sewage failure, created a database of wastewater treatment providers and analyzed water quality metrics for water bodies.

"I'm working towards something that's going to be of great benefit, a long-term benefit, a continued benefit to the USA," Onifade said. "My goals tie back to all of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations."

Onifade emphasized that inadequately made sewage systems do not bode strongly for global prosperity, as they can lead to the contamination of groundwater, affecting water supply, and lead to health hazards and waterborne diseases.

Through her own research, Onifade examined inadequate wastewater infrastructure, degradation of natural habitats, unstable climates and a loss of biodiversity.

"I'm trying to provide a social dimension of why these issues still persist in an attempt to tie it back to environmental justice, environmental sustainability, biodiversity and agriculture," said Onifade. "I'm passionate about this because it affects the marginalized communities. With my research, there can be a way forward, there can be a solution."

After graduating, Onifade plans to get a doctorate in environmental sustainability and sociology. She plans to one day create a smart septic system.

"The system can alert us of what is about to happen, giving us the chance to treat issues as soon as possible instead of having a big impact." Onifade said. "I know that it's going to take a while, but of course, nothing is impossible. A drop of water makes a mighty ocean."

Learn more about sociology in the College of Liberal Arts.

Tags: Sociology Students