National Geographic Select Gambian Student to Join Prestigious Young Explorer group

Betty Jahateh (l) and Betty (r) presenting her research on salt in rivers in The Gambia at National Geographic headquarters in Washington DC

Betty Jahateh, a Gambian studying environmental biology in Swansea, has been named to National Geographic’s list of Young Explorers as a “exceptional individual in their fields.” Betty just finished presenting her findings at the organization’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

Betty Jahateh, who was born in The Gambia, is pursuing an MSc in Environmental Biology: Conservation & Resource Management at Swansea University’s Department of Biosciences.

She is an expert in marine and freshwater sciences and has taught the subject to over 1500 students. She has also coordinated citizen science environmental monitoring projects, led a project on saltwater intrusion, and taught students about mangrove ecology and restoration.

Betty attended COP27 last year to discuss climate challenges in West Africa. She has worked tirelessly to understand the effects of climate change and to promote environmental education in The Gambia’s coastal communities.

The National Geographic Society, founded in 1888, provides support to “the best and brightest individuals dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding of our world.” National Geographic Young Explorers are chosen for their exceptional bravery, leadership, and solution-driven thinking.

Betty recently attended the National Geographic Young Explorer conference in Washington, DC. She discussed her National Geographic-funded project “Salty Much?” which investigates the effects of salt intrusion along the River Gambia’s tributaries. The National Geographic Society, founded in 1888, provides support to “the best and brightest individuals dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding of our world.” National Geographic Young Explorers are chosen for their exceptional bravery, leadership, and solution-driven thinking.

Betty recently attended the National Geographic Young Explorer conference in Washington, DC. She discussed her National Geographic-funded project “Salty Much?” which investigates the effects of salt intrusion along the River Gambia’s tributaries.

Describing her US visit to present her research at National Geographic, Betty Jahateh said: “It was an absolutely fantastic experience that allowed me to witness firsthand the remarkable support and warmth within the entire National Geographic community. I would go so far as to liken it to a family, where everyone genuinely cheers you on and is eager to see you succeed, readily offering their resources.

Furthermore, I was deeply impressed by the extraordinary qualities of my fellow young explorers; it became clear that each of us deserved to be a part of this extraordinary community.

The passion, commitment, and dedication we all have for the well-being of our planet is nothing short of amazing. We not only cheered each other on during the spotlight practice, but we also worked together to improve our projects.

Dr. Aisling Devine, Programme Director (MSc Environmental Biology: Conservation and Resource Management) at Swansea University, stated:

“We are overjoyed that Betty has been chosen for the National Geographic Explorer Award.” Betty has been enthusiastic and dedicated to environmental biology issues since the beginning, and it is wonderful to see that her efforts have paid off with this award.

Betty will undoubtedly become a future leader in environmental science.”

Biosciences at Swansea University offers undergraduate courses in biology, zoology and marine biology. These courses are all accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. They also offer taught Masters courses, such as the one in environmental biology that Betty is currently following.

The department collaborates with local, national and international organizations to work on projects that help to improve life below water and life on land.

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