Ayobami Oluwadunsin Oladapo Research Feature: From Mountain Glaciers to Midwest Aquifers: A Water Research Journey

Ayobami Oladapo is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at Purdue University, where her research focuses on groundwater-surface water interactions. Her work aims to enhance water resources management and support sustainability efforts. Ayobami is passionate about making science accessible through documentaries, international outreach events, and stakeholder engagement.

---

What is your path to the field of Hydrology?

My path to hydrology began during my undergraduate studies in Geology at the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Nigeria, where I became fascinated by how geological formations control where water is found and how it moves. During field mapping exercises, I found myself most drawn to understanding groundwater, this invisible resource that sustains ecosystems and communities.

The real turning point came when I joined Purdue University for my master's degree and started working on mountain hydrology. I was learning about alpine glaciers, something completely outside my experience growing up in Nigeria! The more I learned about how glaciers function as "water towers" feeding both surface water and groundwater systems, the more I realized this was critical for water security. Climate change is causing these glaciers to disappear, but we need to better understand the subsurface implications. My master's research focused on understanding where glacial meltwater is stored and how it affects hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical processes in mountain groundwater systems, and how these processes will change as glaciers continue to shrink.

Now in my Ph.D., I have transitioned to studying Midwestern alluvial aquifer systems that support agriculture, but the core question remains: how do we understand and sustainably manage groundwater resources?

Was there a professional development opportunity you took advantage of that was essential to your career today?

Being awarded Purdue's Hydrologists Helping Others (H2O) Grant was transformative. This highly competitive grant selects only two students annually, and it required me to lead my own research project, from conception and design through community partnership development to public dissemination.

The grant required external community partnership approval outside of Purdue. I secured partnerships with the Hood River Watershed Group in Oregon, Glacier National Park’s Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center, and Peru's National Institute for Glacier and Mountain Ecosystem Research (INAIGEM). Through this grant, I designed a study on glacier-groundwater interactions in Glacier National Park and Mount Hood National Forest, using geochemical and isotopic tools to identify the dominant groundwater flowpaths, evaluate their spatial connectivity, and better understand what processes affect the preservation of the isotopic fingerprint of glacial meltwater in mountain groundwater systems.

The grant's emphasis on making research accessible to communities pushed me beyond traditional academic outputs. I created an educational documentary, "Alpine Glaciers, Groundwater, and the Future of Mountainous Areas"[Alpine Glaciers, Groundwater, and the Future of Mountainous Areas], which presents Glacier National Park results in an accessible format for scientists, park managers, and the public. The documentary was later featured by the United Nations on their official website for the 2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation [Read About it Here], demonstrating how effective science communication can reach audiences far beyond academia.

I also led and organized a virtual international outreach symposium that brought together hydrogeologists, microbiologists, engineers, and water managers from the University of Minnesota, National University of Central Peru, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, and INAIGEM to discuss recent research in the U.S. and Peru [Read About it Here]. This event fostered discussions aimed at enhancing our understanding of how alpine hydrological systems will respond and are responding to the loss of glacial ice. That experience taught me that the most impactful research happens when we bridge disciplines, connect across countries, and translate science into practice.

Which part of your work do you feel is the most rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect is when research moves beyond the academic sphere into broader impact. When the United Nations featured my glacier-groundwater documentary for the 2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, it showed that rigorous scientific research, when communicated effectively, can contribute to global conversations about water sustainability and climate change. The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center, sharing the documentary with National Park Service staff and volunteers for education, confirmed that hydrogeological research can directly support conservation communication.

The interactions during the virtual international outreach symposium were particularly meaningful. Connecting U.S. and Peruvian researchers, water managers, and community stakeholders to discuss alpine water systems showed me how collaboration across borders can advance understanding of shared challenges. Seeing different perspectives come together reminded me that hydrogeology is ultimately about serving communities and ecosystems.

What do you do when you're not at your desk working?

I am passionate about science communication and public engagement. I produced a short educational documentary: “Alpine Glaciers, Groundwater, and the Future of Mountainous Areas”, which explores glacier-groundwater systems and was featured by the United Nations for the 2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. I also co-created “The Little-Known Tales of the Thirsty Chip” [The Little-Known Tales of the Thirsty Chip] with two other Purdue graduate students. This documentary explores the connection between semiconductor manufacturing and water use, and illustrates how technology, hydrology, and sustainability intersect. It aims to educate the public about the water footprint of high-tech industries and the importance of efficient water resource management. It was screened at the 2025 Colorado Environmental Film Festival. These projects taught me that complex hydrogeological concepts become powerful when translated into visual narratives, and I am always thinking about new ways to make science accessible through film, infographics, public talks, or social media.

I am also deeply involved in professional leadership, particularly within AGU's Hydrology Section Student Subcommittee (H3S), where I serve as a Leadership Team Member and currently as Co-Chair of the Professional Development Subcommittee. I also serve as a Student Representative for the Geological Society of America's Hydrogeology Division and North Central Section. These roles allow me to contribute to shaping the future of our field, supporting early-career hydrogeologists, and building connections across the hydrology community.

When I need to completely disconnect, I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Having grown up in Nigeria and now studying in the United States, I have developed a deep appreciation for how water connects all communities across the globe. I am also passionate about learning new languages, as it opens doors to understanding different perspectives and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with recipes from different cultures. There's something satisfying about the precision and creativity required that mirrors what I love about research.

What advice would you give to students considering graduate school in hydrology?

Find research you genuinely care about: Graduate school is challenging, and what gets you through is working on questions you find inherently fascinating. For me, that's understanding how water moves beneath our feet and managing it sustainably in a changing climate.

Think beyond traditional academic outputs. Yes, papers are important, but also think about broader impact. Can you create visualizations for policymakers? Engage with affected communities? Translate your work for public audiences? The most impactful hydrogeologists bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application.

Build your professional network intentionally: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and volunteer for leadership roles. The connections you make will shape your career opportunities. Getting involved in professional service, like H3S or GSA student leadership, develops skills beyond research: communication, organization, and mentorship.

Seek out funding opportunities beyond your advisor's grants: Applying for competitive fellowships (NSF GRFP, CUAHSI grants, organization awards) not only provides financial support but also teaches proposal writing, develops independence, and builds your CV. Even unsuccessful applications are valuable learning experiences.

Take care of your mental health: Build a support system, friends, family, mentors, or counseling services. Set boundaries between work and personal time. Your worth isn't defined by research productivity. It's okay to have challenging days or ask for help.

Describe your research using only the most common words:

Big ice on tall mountains is going away fast because our world is getting hot. When this ice turns to water, some goes into the ground under the mountains and acts like a hidden water bank. I study where this water goes, how long it stays, and if it will keep giving water to rivers when all the ice is gone. Now I also look at how water moves between rivers and ground in flat places where people grow food. This work helps people who take care of water make good choices about using it in a smart way.