Student Perspective
By: Shepherd Baidoo, Master’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry | University of Ghana, Ghana
I got to know about the IIES from a colleague a few months before the 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop in Johannesburg and the International Graduate Student Forum in Acornhoek, South Africa, April 7 to 12, 2025. I was adamant that it would be worth participating since I had always been passionate to learn new things and sharing intriguing ideas with fellow researchers, academics, and policymakers on an international level.
The Science & Policy Workshop, which was held at the University of Witwatersrand, started off with a refreshing ice breaker event at one of Africa’s best, Holiday Inn Johannesburg, Rosebank. Although it was a gathering of individuals with diverse cultures, getting to know one another happened just like magic.
In my opinion, the 2025 Science & Policy Workshop marked a special milestone as the plenary session unraveled themes that speak to the current global environmental challenges and strategic remediation approaches. The choice of speakers for the plenary session was sensational, given their different backgrounds of study and the interconnectedness of interdisciplinary discussion during the various sessions.
Image: Shepherd speaking to his group during the Co-Design session at the Grad Forum.
I was thrilled to share my master’s research findings on “Evaluating the Biodegradation of Diesel and Engine Oil in a Rhodic Kandiustalf Amended with Biochar and its Impact on the Vertical Flow of Water in the Soil Environment”, contributing to a broader understanding of modeling CO2 emission during the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and its impact on groundwater dynamics. I received tremendous feedback and input, which enlightened my understanding of my research even more.
From my experience, I perceive that the IIES isn’t just another research organization, but it is an encouraging society for building consequential relationships, fostering collaborations, and allowing for an enabling space where both scientists and policymakers are able to contribute to impactful solutions for global environmental challenges.
This indelible exposure and experience that I had over the past few days during both the Annual Science & Policy Workshop in Johannesburg and the International Graduate Student Forum in Acornhoek, South Africa, has enlightened my research and career path even more, and I am excited to contribute to impactful solutions for mitigating global environmental challenges.
Image: Shepherd during the Blyde River Canyon tour in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the IIES organizers and sponsors for putting together such a wonderful event. A huge thanks to Margaret, Craig, and Raquel.
Shepherd
Ngiyabonga (Thank you in Zulu language)
