Jack Peaceibisia: Environmental sustainability advocate and changemaker

Jack Peaceibisia, a native of Rivers State, Nigeria, currently based in the United States, is gradually becoming a prominentfigure in the field of environmental sustainability, blending her expertise in remote sensing, machine learning, and climate science to address some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. From consistently excelling in academics to earning international recognition, Jack has not only redefined what it means to be a trailblazer in her field but also serves as an inspiration to young researchers across the globe.

As a doctoral researcher at San Diego State University, Peaceibisia’s groundbreaking work focuses on using cutting-edge technologies to safeguard ecosystems, mitigate natural disasters, and foster environmental resilience. Her research, supported by NASA, delves into the interplay between wildfire, vegetation, and climate in savanna ecosystems. By integrating MODIS-derived burned area data with advanced land surface modeling systems like HRLDAS, she is advancing predictive capabilities for wildfire management. Her efforts contribute to the development of an Integrated Fire-Climate Early Warning System (FC-EWS), a transformative solution designed to predict, monitor, and mitigate wildfire impacts on coastal-terrestrial ecosystems.

Peaceibisia’s journey in academia is as inspiring as her research. With a Master of Science in Geography from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Her Master’s thesis, “Deep Learning Detection of Anthropogenic Debris in Complex Flood Plains,” funded by NOAA, showcased her ability to merge geospatial technologies with artificial intelligence. This research not only provided critical insights into debris management but also set a benchmark for using machine learning in environmental conservation. It is noteworthy that the model developed from Peaceibisia’s thesis research is currently being utilized by the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) to detect anthropogenic trash hotspots and support mitigation programs aimed at preventing the spread of debris within floodplains.

Jack’s exceptional achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Pacific Southwest Region – American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Scholarship Award, the 2023 Association of Environmental Professional Scholarship Award, and recognition for her outstanding geospatial innovation in automating the digitization of coastal and topographic features. These honors underscore her role as a leading voice in her field, solidifying her reputation as an expert in geospatial data processing and environmental research.

Beyond her academic prowess, Jack has demonstrated remarkable leadership in various professional capacities. As a GIS and ecology intern, she played a key role in the Del Mar Tidal Marsh Restoration Project, creating geospatial assessments that informed coastal restoration strategies. Her work on the Ocean Cleanup initiative in Lagos, Nigeria, further underscores her commitment to sustainable solutions. By leveraging unmanned aerial technology and artificial intelligence, she tackled plastic pollution in urban waterways, a testament to her ability to transform innovative ideas into practical applications.

Additionally, Jack is the founder of Innovate Her Educational Initiative, an NGO dedicated to encouraging young girls to pursue careers in S.T.E.M. Through this initiative, she has made significant strides in empowering the next generation of female scientists and technologists. One of the initiative’s notable achievements was delivering a keynote talk at the Girls Take Flight Program at the Elementary Institute of Science in San Diego, inspiring young minds to explore opportunities in science and technology. She has also organized training programs in Nigeria, equipping young girls with hands-on skills and knowledge to excel in these fields. This dual focus on environmental innovation and fostering future leaders in science underscores her unwavering passion for creating a sustainable and inclusive future.When asked about her motivation, Peaceibisia candidly shared, “I cannot stand to see people suffer. Wildfires displace families, take lives, and impoverish communities, stealing away joy and destabilizing economies. My work is a step toward alleviating these challenges.”

Jack Peaceibisia’s interdisciplinary approach, spanning remote sensing, machine learning, and climate modeling, positions her as a pivotal figure in the global fight for environmental sustainability. As one of the youngest and most prominent women in Geography, she is not only advancing science but also inspiring a generation of researchers to dream big, think critically, and act boldly. In an era where climate change demands urgent action, Jack’s work offers hope and a vision for a more resilient and sustainable future.