Dr. Nwamaka Okafor

  • Country of Origin: Nigeria
  • Home University: Federal Polytechnic Nekede
  • Host University & Country: University College Dublin - Ireland
  • PhD Title: Artificial Intelligence Enabled IoT-based System for Environmental Monitoring: Design and Evaluation
  • Year of Completion: 2022
Dr. Nwamaka Okafor

PhD Overview

My PhD research focused on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in environmental monitoring. A key aspect of my research is the implementation of cost-effective solution for the integration of IoT data gathering methods into the methods currently used for earth observation as well as leveraging AI and ML-driven optimization strategies for IoT sensor performance and data quality improvement. I applied these technologies to support large-scale, longitudinal monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in ecologically sensitive and biodiverse regions, such as peatlands. By leveraging IoT advancements and crowdsourced data, I harnessed high-value information for improved ecological management and sustainable environmental practices. My work contributes to the development of robust systems that not only advance the scientific understanding of environmental processes but also provide practical tools for addressing pressing global challenges in climate and ecosystem monitoring.

Sustainability Goals

  • Climate Action
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities

About Me

Dr. Nwamaka Okafor is a Postdoctoral Appointee at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, where she leverages her expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative methods for analyzing High-Performance Computing (HPC) system logs, including those from Aurora, the world’s fastest exascale supercomputer. She is the co-lead of African Women in AI, a platform dedicated to supporting women and girls of African descent in pursuing careers in AI and other STEM fields. Dr. Okafor has received numerous awards from prestigious organizations, and her groundbreaking work has been recognized by Africa Shapers, which named her among 80 women revolutionizing AI research in Africa and globally.