I have a planning background, having studied MPhil in Planning, Growth and Regeneration at the University of Cambridge (UK) and a BSc in Human Settlement Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana). I gained my PhD qualification from the University of Adelaide (Australia), where my research focused on the governance processes for implementing green infrastructure to address freshwater challenges. My thesis was entitled Governance of waterways and flood adaptation: implementing sustainable green stormwater infrastructure in Ghana [2]. I joined the Environmental Governance and Land Management Group within the Social and Geographical Sciences Department [3] at the James Hutton Institute in 2021. Currently, I am working full-time on the H2020 MERLIN project, focussing on mainstreaming aquatic nature-based solutions by working with industry and policy stakeholders at the European level.
Due to the unparalleled climate change consequence and associated societal challenges, such as disaster risks, water insecurity and environmental degradation, working with nature is no longer an option but a societal obligation. However, societies are complex, comprising diverse layers of actors, rules, resources and discourse. Hence, I am passionate about conscious and result-oriented research that harnesses the opportunities in these layers, addresses the challenges, and enables society to coexist with nature effectively.
The primary research focuses on innovative governance and transformation frameworks for restoring freshwater ecosystems through the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). This involves overarching research topics:
Before assuming my current role, I conducted applied and empirical research about water resources governance, green infrastructure planning and socio-ecological systems. I also worked as a Planning Consultant at Training, Research and Networking for Development Group in Ghana:
I also have a passion for imparting knowledge to others. Consequently, I held casual tutoring positions in several subjects at the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Australia. Courses tutored include Research Dissertation, Designing research and Project appraisal.
Links:
[1] https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1511-3169
[2] https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/handle/2440/133698
[3] https://www.hutton.ac.uk/research/departments/social-economic-and-geographical-sciences
[4] https://project-merlin.eu/