Networking Friday Around Africa Expedition
On May 30th, 2025, from 01:00 to 03:00 PM UTC, we invite you to a special Networking Friday session dedicated to the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) who took part in the groundbreaking Around Africa Expedition. This unique, multi-leg expedition, led by OceanX and OceanQuest and endorsed as a contribution to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, brought together young ocean professionals from across the globe to explore some of the least-known deep-sea regions around the African continent. From the flanks of Walters Shoal and Africana Seamount to the Nola Seamounts, ECOPs from several African countries joined forces in an unprecedented effort to advance marine science, foster international collaboration, and co-create knowledge.
During this session, you will hear firsthand accounts from some of the African ECOPs who participated in the expedition. They will reflect on their experiences at sea, the scientific discoveries they contributed to, and the personal and professional impact of being part of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
The mission delivered critical insights into Africa’s deep-sea ecosystems, mapped 120,000 km² of previously unexplored seafloor, and strengthened Africa’s leadership in ocean science through international collaboration.
Among the most significant scientific achievements were 17 ROV dives, totaling 60 hours underwater aboard the OceanXplorer including the first-ever visual surveys of the flanks of Walters Shoal and a newly mapped seamount in the southern Madagascar Ridge. In addition, 12 submersible dives using Neptune and Nadir yielded 79 biological and geological samples across 69 hours of deep-sea exploration. The expedition also conducted extensive high-resolution seafloor mapping in the Madagascar Ridge, Agulhas Plateau, and Nola Seamounts.
Two science legs, led by African researchers, focused on advancing understanding of the biological, geological, and oceanographic processes shaping the Southwest Indian Ocean and the eastern Atlantic. These efforts generated vital baseline data to support marine conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate adaptation. Four Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) were embedded into the scientific work conducted on these legs, contributing directly to the fieldwork in South African and Cabo Verdean waters.
Another central component of the expedition was the training of the next generation of ocean professionals. Two dedicated training legs brought together 27 Early Career Ocean Professionals from across Africa, including participants from Benin/Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Tunisia. These ECOPs took part in multi-day, hands-on learning programmes onboard the research vessel, covering oceanography, acoustic mapping, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. This training initiative was coordinated jointly by OceanX, OceanQuest and the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO).
Although the expedition at sea has concluded, the analysis of collected data is only just beginning. Scientists and ECOPs across Africa and around the world will use the findings to inform ocean policy, environmental planning, and future research, contributing to Africa’s growing leadership in ocean science.
Programme (UTC):
01:00 – 01:05 PM – Opening and welcome. Catarina Duarte, AIR Centre
01:05 – 01:10 PM – Brief background on the Around Africa Expedition and the role of ECOPs in deep-sea exploration, Olga Mironenko, OceanQuest
01:10 – 01:15 PM – Setting the Scene: Why ECOPs Matter, Kailani Acosta, OceanX
01:15 – 01:20 PM – Reflection from the expedition’s trainers, Carla F. Berghoff, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Argentina
01:20 – 2:30 PM – ECOP Voices: Reflections from the expedition (Lightning Presentations by ECOPs). Moderators: Lilian Krug, POGO; and Olga Mironenko, OceanQuest
ECOPs: Aghogho-Otalekor Daniels | Benjamin Dziedzorm Gawornu | Chinomso Onwubiko | Dame Gueye | Frank Mirobo | Hasna Bouazzati | Julio Donfack | Ilhem Hamdi | Margaret Fafa A. Dzakpasu | Mwesigwa Mbeikya | Nada Abdelkader | Nompofane Khauleza | Ogechukwu Iwu | Omaima Mouiret | Paula Sacheus | Rouane Brokensha | Sheila Nyang’anyi | Sinothando Shibe | Siwar Dabboub
02:30 – 02:55 PM – Panel Conversation: Lessons Learned and What’s Next. Moderators: Lilian Krug, POGO; and Olga Mironenko, OceanQuest, Kailani Acosta, OceanX. Guiding topics: Building a career in ocean science; How to stay connected and involved; Reflections on barriers and opportunities for early-career professionals.
02:55 – 03:00 PM – Closing, Kailani Acosta, OceanX
This is an Ocean Decade Event.
ECOPs
Aghogho Kolawole-Daniels
Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research
Aghogho Kolawole-Daniels (PhD) is a Marine Biologist in the Department of Fisheries Resources, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research. She is a passionate ocean lover, who has dedicated her research work towards Assessment of Marine Biodiversity towards Conservation. She has carried out extensive research works and studies off the Lagos Coast, Nigeria.
Benjamin Dziedzorm Gawornu
University of Cape Coast, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Benjamin Dziedzorm Gawornu is a Ghanaian biological oceanographer and early-career researcher passionate about coastal resilience and sustainable aquaculture. He has contributed to major marine research projects, including HOTSPOT, investigating the impacts of multiple stressors on marine ecosystems. Currently pursuing a PhD, he is developing a GIS-based multi-criteria model for shellfish aquaculture site selection in Ghana. His research focuses on harmful algal blooms, water quality monitoring, eDNA, and microbial responses to pollution. He recently joined an international scientific cruise aboard OceanXplorer, applying newly acquired skills to advance his PhD work.
Chinomnso Onwubiko
University of Cape Coast
Dr. Chinomnso Onwubiko is a multidisciplinary researcher and science communicator with a Ph.D. in Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Her work focuses on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions, and sustainable ocean governance. She has a background in environmental pollution and toxicology, and currently co-coordinates the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) programme, Nigeria node. Passionate about translating science into action, she engages in stakeholder-driven research and has presented at numerous international conferences. Her current interests include ecosystem modelling using the InVEST Coastal Vulnerability model, coastal resilience, and fostering inclusive approaches to marine conservation and development.
Dame Gueye
Gaston Berger University
Dame GUEYE is a PhD student working on cyclogenesis conditions and their relationship with the Desert dust in West Africa. His research interests reside in tropical meteorology, focusing on tropical variability in the African-Atlantic region, using numerical weather prediction models and observations employing a multiscale approach. His work has specifically focused on African easterly waves, Mesoscale Convective Systems, and tropical cyclone genesis.
Frank Mirobo
The University of Dodoma & Western Indian Ocean Erly Career Scientist Network (WIO-ECSN)-WIOMSA
Frank Mirobo is an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania, and serves as Secretary-General of the Western Indian Ocean Early Career Scientists Network (WIO-ECSN) under WIOMSA. He is a member of Black in Marine Science (BIMS), a Tidal Wave Fellow (2023/2024), and Mentor (2024/2025), as well as co-founder of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Hub in Zanzibar. Frank is also a board member of the Global Ocean Knowledge Action Network (Ocean KAN) for 2024–2026. A marine ecologist by training, he specializes in the ecology, conservation, and management of threatened marine megafauna such as sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
His work extends to climate advocacy, particularly on loss and damage in Africa, and raising awareness on the impacts of deep-sea mining. He leads ocean literacy programs for secondary schools in the Western Indian Ocean and contributes as a blogger, science communicator, storyteller, ethical boat driver dolphin trainer and recently Ocean explorer. Frank actively champions early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs), promoting equity, capacity building, and youth engagement in ocean science. He is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering a more sustainable, inclusive future in marine conservation.
Hasna Bouazzati
Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP)
Hasna Bouazzati is an environmental engineer and PhD researcher in oceanography at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Morocco. Her research focuses on the resilience of the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area to climate change and pollution, utilizing autonomous underwater gliders and remote sensing technologies. With over 10 years of experience in marine conservation, environmental monitoring, and community-based projects, she has collaborated with local and international stakeholders to advance sustainable ocean management. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary marine research and capacity-building initiatives in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Ilhem Hamdi
Laboratory of Biodiversity, Parasitology and Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems
Ilhem Hamdi is a Tunisian researcher specializing in fish parasitology and its impact on animal health and foodborne diseases. With a strong background in natural sciences, she is passionate about contributing to the fields of One Health and biodiversity conservation. She is also an active member of the ATVS NGO, where she contributes to environmental education, biodiversity preservation initiatives, and community awareness projects. Ilhem recently participated in the OceanX Education program, enriching her knowledge of marine ecosystems, environmental outreach and science communication.
Julio Leonel Donfack
University of Toulouse and Abomey Calavi
Julio Donfack is a Cameroonian early-career physical oceanographer with a background in mathematics, probability, and statistics. He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Fundamental Applications, with a specialization in Physical Oceanography. He has conducted research on ocean surface currents—particularly geostrophic and ageostrophic components—using drifter data and satellite altimetry, including SWOT. Passionate about sustainable ocean management, his interests include maritime routing, rescue operations, pollution tracking, and fisheries. Julio recently participated in the international OceanXplorer expedition and in global programs such as Marine Data 4 Africa, WEkEO Training, and the ACECoR Winter School in Ghana. These experiences have strengthened his skills and motivation for future PhD applications.
Margaret Fafa Akwetey
University of Cape Coast, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Margaret Fafa Akwetey is a Lecturer in the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. She holds a PhD from the same university with a focus on benthic ecology, taxonomy, and biomonitoring. She teaches courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels using student-centered teaching approaches.
Margaret is a recipient of several awards, including the AFD-GDN Biodiversity and Development Award and the ASLO Global Outreach Initiative Award. She became a National Geographic Explorer in 2022. She is also a participant of the Early Career Explorers Program (Mindelo 2025 cohort).
She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Ghana Science Association, Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, British Ecological Society and Mothers in Science. Margaret is committed to promoting conservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Mwesigwa Charles Mbeikya
Sustain Lake Tanganyika
Mwesigwa Mbeikya is an early-career aquatic scientist from Tanzania, currently serving as the Fisheries Technical Coordinator at SUSTAIN Lake Tanganyika. He holds a BSc in Aquatic Sciences and Aquaculture and has experience in research on fish nutrition and ecosystem restoration. Mwesigwa is passionate about sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and community engagement. He actively volunteers with organizations such as SOA – Tanzania, where he leads mangrove and seagrass restoration efforts. He is also a member of YOUNGO, WIOMSA, and GYBN, advocating for youth involvement and nature-based solutions across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Nada Abdelkader
Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems’ Research Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis Elmanar & Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage
Nada Abdelkader is a Tunisian PhD student in marine ecology, scientific diver, and storyteller. Her research focuses on the restoration of seagrass in Tunisia, leading the first initiative in Tunisia and North Africa using nature-based solutions. She collaborates with local NGOs, government bodies, and communities to implement seagrass restoration that combines science and cultural heritage.
Nada has over four years of experience with NGO “ATUTAX”, where she led projects on marine biodiversity and stakeholder engagement. She is also a dedicated science communicator. She hosts a recurring segment on marine life on the Tunisian TV show. She also develops educational programs for children, leading scientific camps focused on marine biology and conservation with her team. Nada is an emerging documentary filmmaker, working on her first short film with NEWF.
Her passion for ocean exploration took her aboard the OceanXplorer for the Around Africa Mission, a 20-day scientific expedition across the Atlantic Ocean with the OceanX and OceanQuest.
Nada’s work bridges science, storytelling, and public engagement in ocean conservation in Tunisia.
Nompofane Khauleza
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Nompofane Khauleza is a postgraduate diploma student in marine science at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She has experience as a tutor and facilitator, and her research focuses on variation in size fractioned chlorophyll-a and phytoplankton concentrations across the Agulhas Current.
Ogechukwu Iwu
University of Cape Coast
Ogechukwu is an MPhil candidate in Integrated Coastal Zone Management with a passion for ocean governance, ecosystem services, and science communication. Her current research focuses on modeling the impacts of oil and gas exploitation on the ecosystem services of mangrove forests in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. By combining geospatial analysis with ecosystem service assessment, she seeks to understand how these critical coastal systems are changing over time and what that means for biodiversity, climate resilience, and local livelihoods. Ogechukwu is passionate about bridging science and society through innovative science communication. During the OceanX OceanQuest Around Africa Expedition, she focused on making marine science accessible through storytelling and immersive media such as AR/VR. Through her work, she aims to support evidence-based policies that ensure the sustainable use and protection of marine and coastal resources while uplifting vulnerable communities who depend on them.
Omaima Mouiret
University Hassan || Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock Casablanca Morocco + National Institute of Fisheries Research Casablanca Morocco
Omaima Mouiret is a passionate marine biologist and PhD student at University Hassan II – FSAC, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) in Morocco. Her research focuses on ichthyoplankton, exploring the early life stages of fish to better understand marine ecosystem dynamics and support sustainable ocean management. Driven by curiosity and a deep connection to the sea, she blends rigorous science with a commitment to conservation. Through extensive fieldwork and data analysis, she seeks to translate complex biological processes into actionable knowledge. Omaima is dedicated to building bridges between science, policy, and public awareness to protect marine biodiversity and inspire future generations.
Paula Elaine Sacheus
The Kelp Forest Foundation, Kelp Blue, and the University of Namibia
Paula Elaine Sacheus is a Namibian MSc student in marine chemistry, researching ocean acidification and kelp farming as a nature-based mitigation strategy. Based in Lüderitz, she investigates how cultivated kelp alters seawater chemistry, focusing on pH and alkalinity. With a background in chemistry and interdisciplinary collaboration, she works with marine biologists on coastal sustainability. Paula is also a trained seabird first responder and fire marshal, reflecting her commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. She aspires to become a leading advocate for marine protection and science education.
Rouane Brokensha
The Marine Ecology Lab, University of Cape Town
Rouane Brokensha is a South African-born marine scientist and PhD candidate with a strong academic foundation in marine biodiversity, taxonomy and ecology, particularly in the southern hemisphere. She holds an MSc in Biological Sciences with distinction from the University of Cape Town, during which she produced a fully illustrated guide to the mantis shrimps of South Africa and Mozambique. Rouane has been involved in various inshore biodiversity projects in South Africa, including the 1001 Seaforest Species Project, documenting marine life in False Bay. She has also contributed to several peer-reviewed publications ranging from biodiversity mapping and eDNA metabarcoding in kelp forests to global marine litter policy and circular economy initiatives. She combines her scientific expertise with a passion for communication, regularly engaging in educational programs through guided marine excursions and underwater photography. Presently, her research focuses on the ecological role of the understudied and highly abundant Cape mantis shrimp (Crustacea, Stomatopoda) in the southern Benguela upwelling system, along the west coast of southern Africa.
Sheila Nyang’anyi Rioba
Kenya Fisheries Service
Sheila Nyang’anyi Rioba is a Fisheries Officer with the Kenya Fisheries Service(KeFS), a government agency responsible for the conservation,management and development of Kenya’s fisheries and aquatic resources. She also serves as Director of IOI Ocean Academy, Kenya under the International Ocean Institute(IOI) where she delivers ocean literacy programs in Swahili to diverse audiences including women, youth, students, educators, government officials, and coastal communities from Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Sheila is currently pursuing an MSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Eldoret. Her thesis is part of a DFG-funded project “Global change impact on hydro-biogeochemical processes in tropical Kenyan catchments.” Implemented in patnership with Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany. Sheila is passionate about connecting science with policy and using her expertise to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices in the protection of aquatic resources for future generations.
Sinothando Shibe
South African National Parks
Sinothando Shibe is a marine biologist at South African National Parks (SANParks), an organization responsible for managing South Africa’s terrestrial national parks as well as 10 of the country’s 42 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has a strong background in benthic ecology. Her early career included work with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), where she contributed to the interpretation of visual data used in ground-truthing and refining ecosystem types within South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It was during this time that she developed a deep interest in deep-sea research.
Sinothando has collaborated with Professor Gary Williams, a leading expert in coral taxonomy at the California Academy of Sciences, focusing on the taxonomy of sea pens (Class Octocorallia, Superfamily Pennatuloidea). This work incorporated visual data, DNA barcoding, and scanning electron microscopy to support species identification and classification.
Currently, she contributes to the France–South Africa partnership on biodiversity and marine conservation, where she plays a role in supporting the monitoring and management of marine protected areas.
Siwar Daboub
National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM)
Siwar Dabboub is a PhD student at the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies de la Mer (INSTM) in Tunisia. Her research focuses on microplastic pollution in sediment archives in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Ghar El Melh lagoon. She participated as an Early Career Explorer aboard the OceanXplorer during the OceanQuest Around Africa Expedition (Cabo Verde – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), where she gained hands-on experience in marine science, ocean exploration technologies, and science communication. Beyond her research activities, Siwar is actively engaged in raising public awareness about marine pollution through educational campaigns and workshops, targeting local communities and youth. She is also a member of TunSea, where she promotes ocean literacy, environmental protection, and community engagement in ocean conservation.
Speakers
Carla F. Berghoff
Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP)
Carla is a biologist with a strong background in seawater chemistry, and has participated in several research projects related to carbon dynamics. Her research focuses on the interaction between the long temporal variability of biogeochemical processes—specifically the carbonate system and dissolved oxygen—and the role of phytoplankton in regulating air-sea gas exchange in the context of ocean acidification and climate change. Additionally, she is passionate about bridging science and art to make research visually engaging and accessible, believing that combining visual thinking with data science can spark curiosity and awareness about the ocean.
Kailani Acosta
OceanX
Kailani is a Science Program Associate at OceanX, focusing on science education, capacity building, expedition planning, and ocean biogeochemistry. She received her Ph.D. from Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in 2024, and conducted her research in biological oceanography – specifically, nutrients and phytoplankton changes in the surface ocean of the Gulf of Mexico with Dr. Andrew Juhl. She received her B.S. from Brown University in Environmental Science in 2016.
She is interested in understanding how nutrients vary and how they influence phytoplankton communities and larger-scale ecosystem nutrient cycles. She is also passionate about increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields worldwide. At Columbia, she created the Seminar Diversity Initiative, an initiative focused on increasing diversity and inclusion by increasing representation of underrepresented groups in research seminars. As co-chair of the Lamont Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, she published an article on lessons learned and best practices for creating a DEI report and task force in the Journal of Geoscience Education (Acosta et al., 2022). She is an Early Career Liaison for the U.S. National Committee for the UN Ocean Decade. Finally, she created a science + art exhibition called “Bridging the Gulf: Intersection of Geology, Biology, and Environmental Justice” to demonstrate the deep connections in the Southern US between 100-million-year-old phytoplankton, the fertile soil of the Black Belt, and its impacts on race and culture today.
Moderators
Lilian Krug
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean
Dr Lilian (Lica) Krug is a Luso-Brazilian oceanographer specialised in ocean observations. She serves as the Scientific Coordinator for the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), where she oversees various activities, including the coordination of training programmes for early-career ocean professionals, with strong emphasis on supporting researchers from developing regions. POGO’s initiatives are instrumental in building global capacity in ocean science, which is essential for advancing climate change research and promoting sustainable ocean management.
Olga Mironenko
OceanQuest
Olga is an environmental scientist and practitioner from Russia, who joined OceanQuest for the Around Africa Expedition to supervise the two ECOP legs of the cruise and help shape the educational program. Olga has worked on a variety of ocean-related topics: she researched plastic pollution of the ocean and designed waste management plans to minimize it, worked on ocean literacy and ocean science dissemination. She has also focused on the issue of deep-sea mining and co-designed a serious game on it. On top of ecology and environmental protection Olga’s interest is in various formats of formal and non-formal education for behaviour change and paradigm shift.